I’ve woken up at 5 a.m. every weekday of my senior year . You might wonder, “What could she possibly be training for?” and that is usually the first thing people say when I tell them I am up before the sun rises.
Truth is, I’m not training for anything.
My morning routine started because I realized how much better I function with some kind of structure and discipline. That, along with a touch of generalized anxiety disorder (more like a lot), has carried me through college and led me to figure out how to fall into routine. While I can’t guarantee you’ll become a 5 a.m. riser, here are some things that have actually helped me get there.
1. Let the Light In
Whether it’s sunlight or just turning on overhead lights, I’ve found that immediate light exposure makes a huge difference. Biologically, it signals your brain to stop producing melatonin and start the day. As we move through spring, earlier sunrises do most of the work for me. In the winter, something like a sunrise alarm clock can help mimic that same effect and make mornings feel less abrupt.
2. Move Your Body
It doesn’t have to be intense. Even a short walk or a quick stretch is enough to shake off morning grogginess.
I’m always at FitRec right when it opens, and I’ve definitely come to appreciate the low-traffic hours. There are fewer people and fewer distractions, and it feels like you get the day’s first win before most of the world is even awake.
3. Romanticize Your Morning
This sounds slightly ridiculous, but it works. A playlist or a podcast is my go-to. There’s something about acting like your morning matters that changes how you show up for it. You don’t need to “be the main character,” as internet culture has definitely pushed, but shifting the mindset helps.
For me, my morning playlist is usually a rotation of Madonna, Sade, and Addison Rae.
4. Practice Good Sleep Hygiene
Every good morning I’ve had can be traced back to the night before. When I skip my wind-down routine, I definitely feel it the next day. Dim lights, less screen time, and basic nighttime hygiene all make a difference. These habits support good-quality sleep, which naturally leads to waking up feeling more rested and less reactive in the morning.
5. Be Realistic
A lot of the advice around routines shows up in extremes. New Year’s resolutions, strict challenges like “75 Hard,” you name it. These approaches tend to burn out quickly because they rely on short bursts of discipline rather than building something sustainable. They ask you to overhaul everything at once, which feels motivating at first, but becomes hard to maintain once life inevitably gets in the way.
Waking up early, at least in my experience, is less about intensity and more about repetition.
It’s NOT go big or go home.
In my opinion, it’s less about doing everything perfectly and more about building something you can actually return to, even on the days you don’t feel like it. Consistency is what eventually makes a morning routine feel like rhythm.
If you’re still wondering what I’m training for, I promise it’s nothing. There’s no secret marathon or elite athlete arc, just a slightly more functional version of myself trying to get through the day before the day gets to me.
Driven by a passion for social media, Gwenyth Ip has a strong interest in communicating impactful messages to online audiences through digital content. Pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in advertising at Boston University, she is actively building a well-rounded skill set in creative design and consumer insights.
Leave a Reply