Do you set multiple alarms for the morning, then habitually discount yourself by sleeping in after the first one rings? Let me share with you why setting only one alarm at the realistic time you want to wake up is a more self loving behaviour.
If you have difficulty waking up in the morning, here are some thoughts you might have when you switch off the first alarm: "It's still so early, I should sleep in a bit more since more sleep means more energy later" "I'm too tired to get out of bed, i can wait for the next alarm to ring " "I'd much rather get more sleep and wake up when I really have to" Sounds familiar? Remember, this is your groggy mind speaking before it has fully powered up for the day.
It will be likely to choose the comfort of your warm bed, especially if this has been your habit for some time now.
The mind can find all reasons to justify your choice of sleeping in for five minutes more.
But then you suffer later with self blame, guilt and regret for not sticking to your original plan.
Therefore, you need to set a plan at night before bedtime in order to wake up when that alarm clock rings.
Plan before bedtime 1.
Choose something that will motivate you to wake up in the morning.
It can vary from dancing to your favourite song, watching funny cat videos on YouTube, or folding a pile of clean clothes.
Light stretching or journaling are also good options you could consider.
Choose something that makes you feel good for a good start to the day.
2.
Set a realistic wake up time that allows you to start the day with that activity.
Start by setting your alarm just five minutes before you need to get ready for your appointment.
Habits build over time, so start small and work your way up as you get more used to it.
Ease yourself into the new routine instead of aiming to wake up at an unrealistic timing.
3.
Give yourself a reward for sticking to your plan.
Rewards work when they are received almost immediately.
We all like instant gratification so treat yourself to a nice muffin or use your most expensive perfume.
Make sure you receive your reward within the day instead of at the end of the week or it will not be as effective.
Now you might wonder why you would want to get that extra time awake if you much rather spend your time sleeping.
The trick is not to wake up earlier, but to wake up at a specific time you have set for yourself to get something done.
Giving in to the 'five minutes more' discounts your plans on how to start the day and turns into behaviour that is not very self loving over time.
Waking up at the time you set for yourself is self loving behaviour.
Setting only one alarm in the morning and sticking to it builds accountability to yourself.
It also proves that you can follow through and complete what you start.
Having some extra personal time in the morning can be very rewarding.
You will be surprised at how much better you feel throughout the day when you spend some time with yourself in the morning.
Your inner child will start to trust you again after you have been discounting yourself for so long.
Congratulations on seeking to build a new habit of getting out of bed when that alarm clock rings.
The key is to set only one alarm instead of multiple ones at regular intervals.
Create a plan before bedtime that includes a reward on the same day so that you are prepared to combat the morning habitual responses of sleeping in a bit more.