We believe it’s safe to say that most college students aren't naturally morning people. But then again, most people aren’t morning people either. When your new semester starts, you’re going to want to think about waking up a bit earlier in the morning because adapting yourself into a morning people will not only benefit you in your academic life but in your personal life as well. You won’t feel as rushed to complete your daily tasks, you’ll feel more prepared and ready to take on the challenges of a new semester.

It sounds like a lot to take in but don’t worry, today we’re going to look at a few ways you can change yourself to become a more effective person in the morning. 

1. Set your bedtime

Contrary to popular belief, bedtimes aren’t only for children. You should be setting a bedtime so that your body can get used to a normal sleeping schedule, making it easier for you to wake up earlier. Eventually, you may not even need that pesky alarm clock in the morning because your body will function like it’s own alarm clock. 

2. No alarm clocks next to your bed

Speaking of alarm clocks, this one is probably a no-brainer. If you put your alarm clock next to you or even set your phone’s alarm in a place that is easily reachable, you’ll be constantly snoozing the alarm and continuing your beauty sleep. The trick is to put your alarm as far away as possible so that you’ll be forced to wake up to switch off the alarm. It’s a simple trick that works almost all the time. 

3. Use music as your alarm tone

Here’s a pro tip for those of you who have loud ringing alarms in the morning; don’t. You don’t want to wake up grumpy because of an annoying ringing or beeping. Use some soft soothing music instead. This will help you wake up slowly and calmly, and set your mood for the rest of the day. But be careful, listening to the same song waking you up every morning will eventually make you hate the song, so be careful in choosing your alarm music. 

4. Wake up immediately

Yes, this one is related to the alarm clock point. When you first wake up, get out of bed immediately. It’s going to be hard at first, because everyone loves the cosy feeling of your pillows and blankets, but it’s better than snoozing your alarm and laying there half-asleep and eventually waking up dreary or even worse, late. 

5. Open your curtains

This may not be applicable for everyone, but whenever possible you should try to keep your curtains open so that the morning sunshine can filter in and wake you up naturally. Studies have shown that natural daylight is great in helping your brain recognize that it’s time to wake up in the morning, which is great for you to start off your day. 

6. Have your own morning ritual

It’s always good to wake up earlier than you need to so that you’re not in a constant state of rushing. Have your own little morning ritual; make breakfast, drink some coffee, check your Facebook or Instagram, do some light stretches...anything to keep your mind relaxed before the day starts. You’ll be amazed at how much better you feel that you didn’t have to rush to get there. 

So there you have it, a few ways in which you can become a morning person for a greater day ahead of you.