How to Become a Morning Person

Becoming a morning person is so much more than setting an alarm earlier or forcing yourself to get up after you've hit snooze five times. Because I am a morning person, I know I feel more positive and optimistic about the possibilities of my day once I've got my workout in and am ready for the day. So if you are one of those people that dread getting up early think about this. Research has shown that those who are "morning people" tend to be healthier, less stressed and are more proactive.

Everyone thinks I am crazy for waking up at 5am, but nothing is better than how I feel after I've completed my workout. So here are some tips I've found to become a morning person.

• Sleep Like a Pro- You have to get the adequate amount of sleep you need before you can even think about waking up earlier. People who are sleep deprived have higher blood pressure, slowed reaction times and tend to consume more food.

• Electronics- It is best to stop using electronics 45-60 minutes before going to bed. Not only should you put your smartphone down but also remove all work related materials from your room such as your laptop, ipads and briefcases. These reminders of what's to come next increase your stress levels.

• Watch what you are eating- chocolate before bed is never a good thing because we tend to forget it contains caffeine. Alcohol will increase your nightly trips to the bathroom and spicy foods can cause heartburn and indigestion keeping you up at night.

• Read or Write- Grab a book to calm your thoughts or write down the stressful thoughts you are feeling so you can rest easier.

• Take a warm shower- the decrease in temperatures causes a tranquil feeling which can help you sleep better.

Then when it's time to wake up early here are some tips for a good start.

• Set your alarm to something fun that will make you want to get up versus that horrid beeping noise.

• Pick a new wake up time and train your body slowly to start working towards that time.

• MOVE! Don't lie in bed, it will only prolong your body from becoming energized for the day.

• Breakfast- eat a fulfilling breakfast so your body gets the nutrition it truly needs!