How to Become a Morning Person: The Christmas Morning Strategy

For many, the act of waking up early feels like a chore, yet there is a universal phenomenon that proves even the most resistant sleepers can become early risers: Christmas morning. In this episode of Before Breakfast, host Laura Vandercam explores the psychological shift that occurs when we are genuinely excited about the start of our day.

The "Christmas Morning" Effect

Laura points out that even children who routinely "whine loudly about getting up for school" or "hide under the pillow" will "pop out of bed bright and early" on Christmas morning. The reason is simple: anticipation. When the day holds something that makes us truly excited, the struggle to leave the comfort of our beds evaporates. The core argument here is that building a sustainable morning routine requires us to inject a similar spirit of excitement into our daily lives.

Designing Your Morning for Pleasure

If you want to stick to a morning routine long-term, you must avoid doing "stuff you hate just because you think you should." Instead, Laura suggests curating your morning around activities that you find inherently pleasurable. She offers several practical examples of how to achieve this:

• Engaging Exercise: If you plan to work out, ensure it is something you enjoy, such as a "run with a dear friend" or attending a "class at the gym with an instructor you love."
• Creative Pursuits: Many people feel they lack time for hobbies. Using your morning for "oil paints" or working on a "novel you are writing" can provide the necessary motivation to get up and moving.
• Solitude and Stillness: For those living "chaotic lives," the prospect of "sitting quietly with a cup of coffee" or spending time with a journal can be a sanctuary. These moments, where no one is "demanding they do anything," are powerful motivators.

The Foundation: Consistency and Rest

While finding joy is the primary driver, Laura acknowledges that it is not the only factor. A morning routine is only "doable" if you are physically prepared. She emphasizes the necessity of going to "bed on time," noting that even an activity as fun as "coffee with a friend" will not feel enticing if you are physically exhausted.

Conclusion: Making It Stick

Ultimately, the goal is to ask yourself: "What would make you excited if you saw it on your calendar?" By identifying the elements that make you think, "hey this is probably going to be a good day," you shift the morning from a series of obligations to a series of opportunities. By avoiding the trap of forcing yourself into routines you dislike, you prevent the eventual burnout that leads people to use interruptions as an "excuse to quit." By finding the right spark, you can turn your mornings into a time you look forward to, rather than a time you dread.