Mornings 101:
How to Bounce Out of Bed with Enthusiasm

This is the second article in the six-part Mornings 101 series that focuses on how to implement the most effective strategies for dominating your day before breakfast.

Even with all of the amazing benefits of waking up early it can be hard to feel ready to dominate your day right away. Fortunately, there are a few simple strategies you can implement to bounce out of bed with enthusiasm.

Photo Credit: CDCobra

During the first few weeks of my transition to an early morning I was exhausted. It was a little painful to crawl out of bed in the dark and head out for a run.

But, I slowly began to feel better and it wasn’t long before I was literally clamoring to get out of bed when my alarm went off, sometimes even earlier.

3 Ways to Bounce Out of Bed Every Morning

Before we dive into the specifics I will note that not everyone wakes up immediately with a goofy grin on their face — even if they use the same strategies that work for me. Just as some people need more sleep than others, some people wake up slower than others.

The key is focus on doing the things that allow you to wake up feeling refreshed and ready for your day with as little friction as possible.

1. Let Your Muscles Do the Work

In the previous Mornings 101 article I discussed how early morning exercise is one of the best strategies to help make the transition to an early morning much easier.

In the beginning you will definitely notice exercise helps. Over time you will notice that exercise goes even further and actually pulls you out of bed.

I have noticed that the more I run, lift weights, and engage my body physically each morning, the more my body wants to wake up and repeat that process. So, when my alarm clocks goes off my body is already preparing itself for a workout. The energy begins to surge before I have even opened my eyes and I get so antsy I can’t stay under the covers.

If there was only one strategy to help you literally bounce out of bed every morning, an early morning workout would be it.

2. Plan an Exciting Early Morning Activity

I had a coaching client last year who loved the benefits of early mornings, but, like most people, found it difficult to wake up early every morning and feel his best.

The funny thing for him though, was that he had no problem waking up as early as 4:00 a.m. to go surfing with his friends. He found it easier and refreshing to wake up when he was heading out the door for an activity he loved.

For most people, an early morning appointment (like going to work) is the most effective strategy, but it’s based on fear. If you wake up late you face consequences.

The method I prefer is to wake up excited about something that I am looking forward to doing. It could be exercise, a breakfast meeting, or traveling somewhere new and adventurous.

The key here is to intentionally schedule early morning activities that stoke your passions and make you feel like waking up early is a treat and not a chore.

3. Sleep Like a Machine

When I was a kid I had the most effective sleep patterns of anyone I knew. Waking up early wasn’t a question. I knew the exact time I would fall asleep (9:00 pm) and the exact time I would wake up (6:00 am), and I managed this without any alarm clocks.

After 9 solid hours of sleep I was fully rested and pumped about getting up for the day. At this point in my life I was most excited about early morning cartoons, but I didn’t even need those. I would wake up and jumpstart my day with or without an incentive.

When you form solid sleep patterns your body naturally wakes up and primes you for the day. You don’t need alarms, caffeine, or guilt to draw you up and out of bed. All you need is consistent and healthy sleep.

Crawling or Bouncing, Plan Your Morning Anyway

Regardless of whether or not you actually bounce out of bed with enthusiasm on a consistent basis, you still need a set of well-planned morning rituals to boost your energy and make the most of your precious early hours.

On the blog next week I will be sharing Part III of the Mornings 101 series: how to create your ideal morning routine.