Ithaca College

Submitted on behalf of Julia Herman '14, CHP Intern.

Although you may not be a morning person, there are many benefits to waking up early. Waking up early and making the most out of your mornings can help you maximize your daily productivity and go to bed feeling satisfied. Not only does waking up early increase your productivity, but it is a very quiet and peaceful time which is great for meditation, reflection and time for yourself, as well as giving you enough time for a solid, healthy breakfast - which we all know is very important. 

However, if you're not naturally a morning person, it takes a little work to become one. Some tips to help become more of an early bird are:

• Start gradually. Adjust your schedule in increments.
• Prepare ahead. Pick out your outfit, pack your backpack and make lunch the night before. 
• Exercise. Exercise increases alertness. 
• Get consistent sleep. Adults aged 17 and up need seven to nine hours of sleep each and every night. 
• Set an alarm. Try using your favorite song for motivation or setting two alarms--fifteen minutes apart--to ease yourself out of bed. There are also many smartphone apps that track your sleep cycle and wake you at an optimal time. When you get up, open the blinds. 
• Enjoy breakfast. A healthy meal will help you energize. Prepare something that combines protein, whole grain, and some fruit. 

Try limiting yourself to hitting the snooze button ONLY ONCE each morning, until you can get up without hitting it at all! 

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Nancy Reynolds at nreynolds@ithaca.edu or (607) 274-3136. We ask that requests for accommodations be made as soon as possible.