Photo Credit: Asana
Transform yourself into a morning person with these 10 habits
Alessia Tenaglia, Staff Writer
If you had once asked me if I was a “morning person,” I would have responded that I was more of a “night owl” when it comes to getting schoolwork and other tasks done. Although, recently, my perspective has shifted to completing tasks in the mornings or early afternoons, rather than in the evenings, due to the darker winter months, as well as having more morning classes. At the beginning of the winter semester and during reading week, I started to incorporate “morning habits” that I had heard about from “morning people” into my daily life. Here are the ten habits that changed my morning:
1. Waking up earlier
Despite being a simple and given habit, it is truly a game changer. Waking up earlier allows me to feel like I am in less of a rush and have more time to get to my classes and complete tasks. The day feels longer.
2. Set goals & be organized
Consider what goals you have for yourself and what you intend to accomplish throughout the day. Not completing everything on your to-do list is understandable, but having some sort of plan helps you to be more productive and organized.
3. Eat breakfast & energize
I would strongly advise you to not skip breakfast as it energizes you for the rest of the day and starts your day on a high note!
4. Don’t scroll through your phone
Scrolling through your phone can sidetrack you. It’s best to save scrolling for later. Also, opening your phone first thing in the morning sets you up for procrastination from the minute you open your eyes. Instead, grab a drink of water and stretch as the first thing you do when you wake up.
5. Get enough sleep
Although university students are known to be sleep deprived, it’s best to try to find a time for you that would still allow you to make it to a morning class and get enough sleep. Often the times that I’ve gone to sleep too late, I was unable to be productive in the mornings, and ended up wasting more time. I found that, if possible, it’s better to leave work for the next day when you feel reenergized and could complete the task with better efficiency.
6. Set boundaries
Becoming a “morning person” means setting boundaries that ensure that you set allotted time to complete tasks, take time for yourself, and sleep, among other things.
7. Think of the positives
Consider that by waking up earlier you will get more accomplished in your day, and maybe even have time for yourself or to meet up with friends! By having a positive mindset you also have a better chance of maintaining self-control to make your day worthwhile. For instance, before you sleep keep in mind that the next day will be productive, and by thinking this, it is more likely to come to life.
8. Enjoy working in the daylight hours
Now more than ever in the winter months, one can appreciate being a “morning person,” since it means enjoying more daylight hours rather than being shrouded in darkness by a desk lamp.
9. Consider the possibilities
Consider all of the time we miss out in the morning that could provide us with the chance to get more things accomplished.
10. Be consistent
If you enjoy your time as a “morning person,” be consistent with it and do what works for you. I am sure that, in time, you will be a great “morning person!”
