Becoming an early riser

When I first began getting up at 5.10am to go to the gym a couple of years ago, it was HARD. Like, really hard. But gradually it got easier, and for a couple of years now I’ve considered it to be a great way to start the day.

But over the last couple of months, I’ve started to slip. I tell myself I’ll exercise on my lunch break, after work, an extra session on the weekend. I tell myself it’s raining, cold, friday, and an extra hour won’t hurt.

In short, I’ve allowed the alarm clock to becom negotiable. This is not acceptable! (said in my very best supernannny voice )

When I first started getting up early, I ran through this exercise a few times, it seemed to help. For those who can’t be bothered clicking through, it involves practising gettingt up - setting the alarm clock for a few minutes later, getting into bed and relaxing until it goes off, then turning it off straightaway and getting out of bed.

Tonight I will run through this three times. I think I will try a catchphrase, maybe counting to five firmly, 1-2-3-4-5 with the following actions.

1- Alarm OFF

2- Push back covers

3- Feet on the floor

4- Stand and stretch

5- Smile and go.

Like I said, I’ll run through this three times tonight and see if it sticks tomorrow morning, and then keep practicing each night until it becomes a habit.

I must remember - the alarm clock is NOT NEGOTIABLE!