6 am lover — How to transition into a “Morning Person”

My very first treasured memories includes the faint sound of my dainty mother go “wake up sweetheart”; or the more boot-camp version of my dad saying “up now”. Waking up early is by far one of the single most positive habits one can imbibe to establish a positive lifestyle.

Being a nocturnal freak of nature, as most would say, I happen to chance upon morning sunlight after my 7 year old daughter started school. Now, it wasn't a choice I had made to wake-up and smell the roses- I was forced into this way of life (quite typically the nature of life itself). Alas! Here I am 3 years into waking up at 6 am and its been a revelation!

I have put together few positives of waking up early and the steps to achieve each of these positives, more so to help those who prefer being bats for most part of their lives.

1. Intent — Nothing in life starts without intent. The greatest of lifestyle choices or living life itself starts by intent. Fixate your mind into believing you “want to” wake up. Once, you establish in your sordid brain that you “want to” wake up early- it will be easier to get out of your cozy comforter when the time is right.
2. Interest Association — Now we all know how stubborn we are, don’t we? That sordid mind needs some heavy-weight pushing to change itself. Your mornings have to have a pre-defined activity or schedule planned. An activity that you love, an interest that you care for so much that it over powers your love for extra unwanted slumbers. What you could probably do in the night, could be pushed over to the morning (not suggesting drinking here). Perhaps, make use of those EME’s that are so easy to get in the morning, grab your loved one and go for it! Gardening, writing, Yoga, a swim, taking your dog for a walk, meditating, cycling, take a selfie— so much to do!
3. Alarm Clock Shenanigans — Alarm clocks can probably be rated under the “most annoying inventions” in the history of inventions, but we can’t run away from the fact that they are needed. SET YOUR ALARM 3 TIMES. Let the darn thing ring three times in a row. You will be up the third time around.
4. Ignore the bed — Once, you’re awake, get out of bed. Do not lay around as if the bed is the only place on earth that will accept you for who you are (it probably is, no judgements here). Get up and get moving. Create momentum. Create a mode of action. For the OCD folks, clean the damn bed. Fold your sheets. Get some coffee!
5. Smell the roses — It’s time to get your plan into action. Watch the sun rise, smell the coffee, give some special kisses, listen to your favourite pod cast, say hello to your non-existent neighbours — it’s beautiful!
6. More productive and healthy— Mornings that start right have the greatest power to carry this energy into the later part of your day. You will notice how much more focussed and productive you will be through the day. Energy is a flow — you create momentum and it will continue. Just like negativity that can spiral energy downwards, positivity will push you forward. And, you must be kidding if you don’t want to be a happy, positive being.
7. Show off and be consistent— It’s time to show off and absolutely fit into this world of portrayal social media where we all feel like celebrities flaunting our food and skin tone. Do post some pictures in the midst of the hullabaloo and you will indefinitely influence so many other fellow-bats in the bargain.

Get up, get going and help those sleepy eyes see the light of day and you will realise how beautiful life indeed is.