How I became a morning person

Wakey, wakey!

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In a Nutshell I was NOT born an early riser. As a kid, I loved staying up past midnight watching anime on Cartoon Network. In college, I would pull all-nighters "just for fun" at the library because that's how all my friends got their studying done, and I didn't want to have FOMO. I know, I know — staying up until the crack of dawn to do homework even though I didn't have to was a … questionable lifestyle choice. But like you, I'm a totally different person from back then! I can't wait to get in bed around 9:30 p.m. and be fully asleep by 10 p.m. I wake up around 6 a.m., dilly-dally on my phone for about 30 minutes, then start my day before the morning New York Times push notification comes in. It's a great way to kick off my day, and I hope I can get you to join me. First up, some stories you might've missed: • 13 ways to raise blood pressure • Are weight loss medications effective? A dietitian explains • 12 benefits of fish oil Set your alarms! Kenny Thapoung Managing Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Kenny Thapoung December 6, 2023 • 5 min read

what's got us buzzing How to look forward to your mornings I'm a single, gay male with your everyday 9(-ish)-to-5(-ish) job. My work (and life) schedule is conducive to an early morning routine. But I know for many, that's not the case. You might work nights, live with a condition that keeps you awake, or be a new parent waking up throughout the night. But if your life situation allows you to take advantage of the morning hours, here's why I fully endorse you embracing it: Grocery stores are empty. This means I get the first pick of fresh produce and avoid crowded, long lines. Morning workouts help me actually stick to an exercise routine. If I don't go to the gym in the morning, there's a SLIM chance I'm making it in the afternoon or after work — either because I'm too tired or a friend reached out for a last-minute happy hour invite. The morning silence is pure *chef's kiss.* This alone time is especially important for recharging my social battery when I have evening plans with friends. I feel SO productive. I can do laundry, grocery shop, and work out by 10 a.m. and it's like, "What else can I get up to today?!" I can actually focus on playing NYT Connections. Which I'm famously bad at, according to my friends who get it with no mistakes every day. If you've been meaning to become a morning person but haven't quite got there yet, I get it. Creating a routine by escaping your cozy bed can be tough. But it's doable with enough practice! Here are my tips to get you to start your day before the rest of the world is awake: I do NOT check Slacks or emails after 7 p.m. I would say 6 p.m. but I manage a team. We all work in different time zones, so I try to make myself available for most of their schedules. But after 7 p.m. I don't exist! There's no point in looking at work-related things after hours that will only stress me out before bed. I'm in bed by 9:30 p.m. I swear by a nightly melatonin supplement now, but it's definitely not for everybody. I avoid drinking alcohol throughout the week. Alcohol always leads me to poor sleep and groggy mornings. I set an alarm for the same time every day. Research shows that waking up around the same time every day is beneficial for your sleep hygiene. I try to FaceTime my friend who wakes up early, too. "Try" because my friend (hi, Colin!) doesn't always like to start their day with my chaotic energy. I keep an insulated bottle of cold water next to my bed. Drinking cold water in the morning makes my body feel alive. FYI: I do NOT splash cold water on my face. That's too much. Create Your Ideal Morning Routine Tell us: Are you a morning person? What do you like to do so early? Let us know at wellnesswire@healthline.com.

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health stories you need What we're reading next 🥴 Can Botox treat chronic migraine? Potentially — but you should be aware of some common side effects. 🥰 The best heart rate monitors of 2023. Plus, tips on how to find the right option for you. 🫁 8 signs your severe asthma is getting worse. This particular form of asthma is much harder to control. 🍷 Why you get headaches after drinking red wine. Ah-ha.

Hope you get plenty of rest tonight. We'll see you again bright and early on Friday!

Until next time, Take care of yourself, and we'll see you again soon!     This edition was powered by my many alarms!   View in browser Did a friend send you this email? Subscribe here. To see all newsletters, click here. Privacy    |    Unsubscribe Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional. Healthline is owned by RVO Health. © 2023 Healthline Media LLC 275 7th Ave., 24th Floor New York, NY 10001