Uploaded 10:27 a.m. 10/17/19
By: Kendall Frisbee
Early morning classes are inevitable, and they’re possibly the most difficult to adjust to. While the idea of rolling out of bed as the sun starts to rise may not be enticing to all, an 8 a.m. class doesn’t have to be all that terrible. Whether or not you’re a morning person, here are seven foolproof tips to make your mornings more seamless:
1. Go to bed earlier.
We understand that there is so much to do in college. Between going to class, working, studying, hanging out with friends, and participating in organizations, the amount of sleep you’re getting can sometimes get moved to the backburner. Make it a goal to get to bed with enough time for 8 hours of sleep at least once a week. After a couple weeks of making that extra time for yourself, add a second night, and then add a third. You’ll see your mood, information retention and energy increase drastically.
2. Shower at night.
For many people, showering in the morning leaves them feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day, but a morning shower can only be beneficial if you wake up with enough time to take one. If you struggle with time management in the mornings or simply want that extra 30 minutes of sleep, opt for an evening rinse. Showering at night does have its own benefits, too. The warm water will relax your muscles and help you fall asleep more quickly once you lie in bed. You have the opportunity to let your hair air-dry overnight instead of damaging it with a hairdryer while having clean skin helps it maintain an even color and texture.
Photo: Getty Images/Kupicoo
3. Pick out your outfit the night before.
Decisions, such as choosing what clothes to wear, are exponentially more difficult to make while your mind is groggy. By taking the time to plan your outfit for the next day the night before, whether its a pair of Nike shorts and a T-shirt or a professional blouse and slacks, you save yourself the exhaustion of creating an outfit while your mind is still waking up. If you tend to take a lot of time to pick your look, that’s extra time that you can use to sleep!
4. Set your alarm so that you have extra time in the morning.
Wake up with a few minutes to make a cup of coffee or some breakfast while you watch a video or read a book. You’ll feel more relaxed, be more attentive in your classes, and you’ll be more inclined to wake up earlier if you can do something you enjoy in the mornings.
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5. Don’t snooze your alarm.
The first time your alarm went off already broke you out of your REM cycle. Going back to sleep for that extra nine minutes can actually make you more tired and less aware throughout the day. As tired as you are, your day will ultimately be better if you get started the first time your alarm goes off. We know it’s easier said than done.
One good way to force yourself out of bed is placing your alarm on the opposite side of the room from you because you’ll have to get up to turn it off. However, if you’re a heavy sleeper, make sure it’s set to full volume. If you use your phone as an alarm and don’t like having it across the room: you can find an inexpensive alarm clock from Amazon here.
6. Face the day with positivity.
This may be a given, but a positive attitude is essential to surviving an 8 a.m. class. If you consciously make an effort to think positively, you will see a natural increase in your mood. Complaining about your class will inflict more physical stress on your body, and in return, that stress can make it more difficult to get a good night’s sleep. If a day is particularly hard and you’re struggling to be positive, find a friend and give them a hug. By hugging someone, your brain releases dopamine, which can instantly improve your mood.
If you follow this list of tips, you will be more well-rested for your early classes, and you will be ready to take on the day. What’s most important is that you feel empowered to be at your full potential. Our goal is to help you be the best version of you that you can be, even at 8 in the morning!
