As summer draws to a close, mornings can be challenging for many of us. The days are shorter, the sun rises later, and the cold air makes staying under the warm covers all the more appealing. However, becoming a morning person in the colder months can be highly rewarding, offering you a head start on your day, extra time for self-care, and the ability to align with your goals and routines. Here’s how you can shift your habits and thrive even during the chilly months.

Create a Wake-Up Routine

One of the biggest hurdles of getting out of bed is the stark contrast between the warmth of your bed and the cold air of your room. To counter this, create a comforting wake-up routine that makes mornings enjoyable. You can start by preparing a soft, warm robe and slippers next to your bed, so you can slip into something comfortable the moment you get up.

Another idea is to have a warm drink ready. Set up an automatic coffee maker or a tea kettle the night before, or alternatively set up your supplies the night before, so your morning cup is ready for you as soon as you’re out of bed. The smell of coffee or tea can serve as a motivating signal that it’s time to start the day.

Adjust Your Sleep Environment

Sleep is key to becoming a morning person, and making small changes to your environment can help. One common struggle during these seasons is the lack of sunlight, which disrupts your body’s natural circadian rhythm. To address this, invest in a sunrise alarm clock. These clocks gradually brighten your room with light, mimicking a sunrise and signalling your body that it’s time to wake up naturally.

Additionally, keep your bedroom at a comfortable temperature. A cool room (around 18°C) is ideal for sleep, but if it’s too cold, it can make getting out of bed more difficult. Consider using a programmable thermostat to warm the room just before your alarm goes off.

Shift Your Bedtime Gradually

A key to waking up earlier is to go to bed earlier, but drastic changes can be hard to maintain. Instead of making a huge jump, shift your bedtime incrementally by 15 minutes each night. This gradual approach will help your body adjust to the new routine without feeling deprived of sleep.

Additionally, practice good sleep hygiene. This includes reducing screen time before bed, creating a consistent bedtime routine, and avoiding heavy meals or caffeine late in the day. These habits will help you fall asleep faster and get better quality sleep, making it easier to wake up the next morning.

Get Moving First Thing

Physical activity can help shake off grogginess and boost your energy levels in the morning. While cold mornings might make it harder to step outside for a jog, there are plenty of indoor alternatives. A short yoga session (try these 3 quick exercises to start your day), bodyweight exercises, or even some light stretching can get your blood flowing and help you feel more alert.

Exercise also releases endorphins, which improve mood and motivation. Even just five to ten minutes of movement in the morning can make a big difference in how you feel throughout the day.

Make the Morning Purposeful

If your mornings feel rushed or pointless, it can be hard to get motivated to wake up early. Change this by creating a morning routine that’s meaningful to you. Set aside time to do something you enjoy, whether that’s reading, journaling, meditating, or savouring a quiet breakfast. Having something to look forward to will make mornings more appealing, even in the depths of winter.

You can also use this extra time for personal development or tackling important tasks before the day gets busy. Whether it’s working on a side project, exercising, or practicing mindfulness (check out our article on harnessing the power of breathwork), use the morning hours to invest in yourself.

Stay Consistent on Weekends

It’s tempting to sleep in on weekends, but doing so can throw off your progress and make it harder to maintain your routine during the week. Try to stick to a consistent wake-up time, even on weekends, to help solidify the habit of getting up early. If you need extra rest, a short nap in the afternoon can be more beneficial than sleeping in.

Becoming a morning person and maintaining it through the colder months is not impossible—it just requires a few intentional changes to your routine. By adjusting your sleep environment, creating a comforting wake-up routine, and embracing the season, you can make your mornings more enjoyable and productive. The rewards of a peaceful, purposeful morning will motivate you to keep up the habit, even on the coldest days.