My 6 Night Owl Tips for Bringing an Inspired Mindset into the Morning Hours
Art Direction and Photograph by: Catie Menke. Model: Abigail Ruby.
Copy by: Jeni Fjelstad
Model: Abigail Ruby
Creative Direction: Catie Menke
2021 still feels fresh and new, so I’ve been thinking about how to put a positive mindset at the top of my goals and actually follow through on keeping those good vibes around. I think a good way to make my renewed positive mindset stick around long term is to infuse it into my daily routine.
I’ve always admired people who wake up at dawn for intense self-care routines, but as a hooting night owl, that method simply doesn’t work with my body. Each morning seems like the perfect opportunity for a fresh start and a clear mindset when I think about it the night before. But in the groggy mornings, it doesn’t work so well.
For me, a little preparation in the nighttime makes for huge mindset success.
Feel the same way? Then, follow along to hear my six night owl tips for bringing that inspired mindset into the morning hours.
Plan for your morning routine to be as short as possible, so you can sleep longer
It’s possible to establish a great mindset for the day even after catching much needed z’s. Say self-affirmations while brushing your teeth. Set your day’s intentions while drinking a glass of water. Play that inspirational podcast while you do makeup and eat breakfast. Make the morning more meaningful, not longer and more tedious.
Put in self-care at night so you have the mindset saved for the morning.
Self-care is always the step to get cut first from my morning when I hit the snooze button. Instead, I’ve moved it to my wakeful night hours where I’m more engaged and alert. With motivation at the forefront, your mindset will be goal-oriented and give even your sleepiest version a reason to roll out of bed. Choose your mindset based off what feels right for you. Start with writing down a positive one-word mindset. Maybe you want to feel prepared, refreshed, or confident. Perhaps optimistic, grateful, or powerful fit your needs best. Have you chosen it? Perfect. Make a note of what you thought about to remind yourself in the morning of your motivation for getting up.
Write a note the night before to set remembrance, love, and motivation for the a.m.
This is my favorite trick. Use the notepad on your phone or a regular notebook to write the groggy morning version of yourself a little love letter. Include love-talk, instructions, breakfast plans, and intentions. It’s sometimes hard to snag compliments like ‘beautiful’ or ‘I love you’, so give them to yourself here.
Maybe, ‘Good morning, darling. I love you. Please get out of your warm bed and put on that fun outfit because today is your day. You’re going to love the bagel and brew waiting in the kitchen, but don’t forget to finish addressing that letter. Stay confident, and rock today.’
Leave yourself a full glass of water to drink in the morning.
With a glass of refreshing water right by the bedside, it’ll take minimal effort to sit upright and rehydrate. Drinking water first thing brings a fresh feeling and might wake you up a little, but it also makes a perfect 30 seconds to set your positive mindset. Try thinking: ‘This will be a good day because…’
My mindset makes or breaks my whole day. If I wake up in a rush, struggling to find reason behind my movement, my whole day feels rushed and forced. But if I take time to set intentions, goals, or motivations for my day, I feel centered, positive, and confident. So, this step is totally worth it. Plus as a bonus, you can do it all with your eyes closed.
Leverage technology at night for a brighter morning mindset
Set a nighttime or self-care mode on your cell phone that only allows music, podcasts, notepad, clock, and photos. Leave social media off the list, and turn the screen to filter out blue light. This trick leaves you with only the best nighttime apps free of temptation from late night Instagram scrolls.
Accomplish one short task before you crawl in bed.
No need to run 3 miles, do a yoga flow, or clean the whole house. Just pull the covers up on your bed, put three items away, wash three dishes, or do a two minute stretch. It’ll take the pressure off the morning by getting one task out of the way and taking it off your hands for the morning.
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