17 Secrets to Waking Up Early (FROM AN ACTUAL NIGHT OWL!)

[@TaraWagner]

Thanks for watching! Your turn! What are your best tips for waking up earlier? P.S. Be sure to jump on my free training, “How to Use a Holistic Approach to Create a Profitable Business Without Burning Yourself Out”. Learn more and reserve a seat here: xotara.us/training

[@lisilein2]

Not exercising after 8p.m.

[@Marie_CT]

My problem is that I love nights. It’s peaceful when everyone is sleeping. I get to do so much, no lawn mowers and people walking dogs. Just me and the moon. Then there’s jobs that force me to change my schedule and that’s why I’m here. I am working on different career options that will allow me to sleep until 8am at the latest. I prefer 9am, but 8 is also a time where my body can wake itself up.

[@TaraWagner]

Great! I'm glad you found this helpful!

[@elliottogg8041]

2:31 A strong reason 5:08 Realistic expectations 5:53 Waking up in increments 7:33 Time zone changes 8:40 Dogs help 9:35 Light, light, light 10:48 Summer light 11:48 The day before 12:53 Sleep hygiene 13:41 Functional medicine 15:14 Songs, not alarms 15:32 No phone by the bed 16:04 Making the bed 16:14 Right level of active 16:54 Very detailed morning routine 18:28 Flexible weekends 19:41 tracking your progress

[@esaratullu1696]

As a life long night owl, I'm certain that constantly trying to tell Night Owls how to become Morning people, like we need to be fixed, is psychologically damaging. When I have to keep a normal schedule, I know all the tips and tricks to shift into that and make it work. I've had long periods of time (years, at times) when I've had to go against my natural nocturnal nature. It takes a crazy amount of energy and discipline, not to mention managing low grade anxiety to get to bed and stay asleep at a "normal" time. And have to get up a good two hours before I have to leave to align myself. The minute I'm free from that burden, I resort back to my night owls ways before I can even think too much about it. And every time, It feels like I've come back to a part of myself and it's incredibly liberating. My creativity, spirituality, joy, peace...and all the things, just envelop me and I realize how stifled I was when denying it. To make people who have this deep connection to the night feel like it's not ok.. or fear monger all the dangers of it, it would be so much healthier for us to be encouraged and accepted as we are, and to share healthy ways of living this way. Because there are.. I live a very holistic lifestyle and implement strong sleep hygiene and rituals for myself. And most importantly, I don't allow anxiety or shame to enter the picture.. not anymore. That's a been a game changer. Funny enough, I often dream about being a morning person and taking on the day that way.. so I test it from time to time and I'm quickly reminded of all the reasons why that doesn't work for me on a foundational level. It's incredibly draining.

[@cynthiaholland13]

Night owls die younger if we don't shift our schedule to match the Earth's circadian rhythm though. Also if you have children, a job and a life, you may want to get on the schedule of the rest of the world.

[@cynthiaholland13]

How do you get your kids out the door in time though?

[@esaratullu1696]

​@@cynthiaholland13 kids are tricky. But my mom did a great job with me as a kid. She woke me very gently.. that makes a difference to our nervous system and gives us less to overcome as adults around our natural cycle. She gave me extra time in the morning.. You would think that letting us sleep till the last minute is the way to go, but really we need time to wake up slow and quiet. So start early and gently, and find what works for that individual kid. Create rituals in the morning for them to build on. Teach and help them be resourceful in finding ways to adhere to the "normal" schedule the world demands when they have to, while also honoring their natural cycle. And that it's ok to seek out a life that supports their nature rather than conforming to one that doesn't, somehow, someway, should they choose. This is all very important to the kind of adult they'll be. We get a lot of judgement and are misunderstood in ways you can't imagine. The things people have said to me or assumed about me for being so nocturnal. Like somehow it gives them a pass to make the most sweeping and harmful assumptions. It's quite shocking sometimes. If I didn't have the foundation and support I had growing up, and taught resourcefulness through trial and error to function on both sides of the clock when I need to, but also the self confidence to seek out a lifestyle that works for me when possible, I would've had a very different life. And I've had a very diverse and unyielding life. Hope that helps..

[@esaratullu1696]

@@cynthiaholland13 Another example I just thought to share.. a good friend of mine had a nocturnal daughter.. she's grown now. I knew this kid even as a toddler. She'd sleep till 11:00 and woke up so slow and peacefully. And at night she would blossom. Her creativity sparked and her words would be more put together as she was learning to talk. She blossomed at night and her mom honored it as much as possible. When she first started going to school, her mom would dress her in cute comfy velour little track suits that were great for sleeping, but also not seen as PJ's. She'd blend her a morning drink full of vitamins, veggies, fruits, protein, etc. far beyond your typical smoothie... and also pack a little breakfast pack. She went to a private school that was a bit of a drive, so that allowed her time to wake up. Her mom would gently scoop her out of bed and have her potty and brush her teeth, matching her quiet energy as to not crash her nervous system and cause a meltdown, then out the door. She'd fall back asleep in her car seat. She'd wake along the way i, have her smoothie. then when they got to school, before going in, she'd have her little breakfast. And that work well. As she got older, the routine evolved obviously, as more thought around clothes and getting ready for school changed, but her nature didn't. So she found her way to work within it. She's grown and has full life as a professional creative. She's an incredibly cool young woman who lives life on her own terms and does it well. Hope that helps.

[@ejackson..]

Me: *searches on KZbin* : "how to become a morning person from a night owl"

[@TaraWagner]

Hahaha - the struggle is real. 😂

[@shoaibakhtar1535]

Literally I too searched the same 😂❤️

[@viratspeaks265]

Yup.... The struggle is real 😅

[@itsmeyous5115]

I hate sleeping late, I feel like I'm wasting a half part of my life. The best of it, actually. It's fresh, productive, cozy and you've got a nice time to enjoy with yourself breathing some new nice fresh air before the world wakes up. I enjoy from time to time staying up late for a night out, but as a routine is a no for me

[@TaraWagner]

Have you always been a morning person?

[@itsmeyous5115]

@@TaraWagner absolutely not. I shifted many times from being a morning person to night owl and I realized that I'm happier and energetic when I wake up early

[@suzisaintjames]

I hate it when people say: sleeping late wastes your life! Just because you'll see me sleep until 2pm, what you don't see is that I was able to focus and work undisturbed until 5am. In reality, I think I achieved more than if I had gotten up early. Sorry, to rant, but I'm struggling with getting up early so I can garden in the daylight or garden at night when I'm naturally awake. I live in sunny 🌞 Arizona 🌵 and it's too hot to garden in the afternoon, 8 months of the year. Sending lots of love 💖. 😷

[@NicoleTran456]

@@suzisaintjames The people that tell me that I'm wasting my day by sleeping late end up napping in the middle of the day while I get many things done. I hate the idea of "wasting the day". They also fall asleep at about 10 pm while I continue to get things done at night. Just because it's at a different time doesn't mean I'm wasting any time.

[@GingerRootsMedia]

And I am watching this at 1am. LOL I love being a night owl, it is cooler out now and oh so quiet. I have also been know to take calls at 2am with international clients.

[@TaraWagner]

I hear you! And if it’s working, keep at it. You don’t have to be an early riser to be successful af. 💪🏻

[@freedomfighters9302]

This is gold!

[@TaraWagner]

Thank you so much! What was your favorite part?

[@mpdg11]

Watched two videos prior with perky introductions like "I have been waking up early for years! MORNINGS ARE GRRRREAT!". So so happy and grateful for tips from a fellow owl. You said you limit screens before bed - so would you recommend against the Kindle?

[@TaraWagner]

Right?? 😂 Ya know, good Q on the Kindle. I have never owned one and I’m not sure how they impact the brain. Let me know what you find out!

[@Mischa808]

I have been a night owl since grade school in the '60's. It started with books under the covers, then trying to stay up late for Johnny Carson, and any reason to avoid daylight and have the peace and quiet of night. Through parties, children and work, I have always relished my private time at night before bed, rather than morning before I start my day. I sleep 8hrs min and my family and friends have learned to respect that I do it on the opposite spectrum. Medical retirement @ age 50 has flipped me to 4-5 am bedtime and mid-day waking. I am quite fine with it, but at times feel psychologically in discord with what social mores would have me doing to prove my value to society. Two adult kids, one grand, and an aging parent to dote over fills about 1/2 my time. YOU have given me hope I can function as a day walker. Which I only do on my terms. I NEEDED to see your video and subscribe. This year was supposed to be my breakout...then Covid and I gave up. By age 60 next fall I plan to be a functional day person with some new hobby or lifestyle activities. Apologies for lengthy...you really spoke to me ♡ thank you.

[@TaraWagner]

No apology necessary! I’m so glad you added this to the convo! So true about the social pressure to look a certain way, but if it ain’t broke, why “fix” it? It’s only when we see the purpose of it for our own goals should we try to make the shift. Never for the “should” or to avoid judgment, but only because we feel it’s right for us right now. Good luck on finding a new rhythm for yourself over the next few months! Be patient, give yourself grace, and you’ll find your ideal flow. ❤️

[@ankafylling]

Refreshing - Thank you! I especially needed to hear tip #16, so relatable :)

[@TaraWagner]

I’m glad it was encouraging!

[@psychopathicgoddess8910]

The transition from should to want is really really important! Thanks for the video! ❤️

[@TaraWagner]

My pleasure!

[@yumnaalabdissalaam1765]

Thank you!!!!! This is the exact video I was looking for. I’m really glad I found this and I will try to follow through with this ❤️

[@TaraWagner]

You’re very welcome!

[@aarnasfunzone7168]

Just loved your realistic tips, watching this at 2am..😁 Hope I am able to do some hardwork and really become an early riser..You have motivated me, Thanks..

[@TaraWagner]

If I can do, anyone can! 😂 But give yourself grace. Start with a SMALL goal you can slowly gain momentum from. (Check our a video I did a few months ago on “why you can’t maintain your habits”. It’ll explain this more!)

[@aarnasfunzone7168]

@@TaraWagner Thanks for replying, I am going to start from today itself 😊

[@SummerBaby728]

Love this! I’ve long been in the habit of getting to bed between 2-4am and waking 9-11am and I feel like I’m so behind in life and always dragging. Also, you’re so right about the jet lag bit. I used to live in Cali and when id go home to the east coast for a week or so then come back, I was easily able to become an earlier riser. Unfortunately, I live back east now and when i visit the west, it’s actually harder to get back into the swing of my daily routine. But I will definitely use most of these tips! I do use empowering songs that help get me up. I set one for waking up then another one for getting out of bed 10-15 mins later. I also set alarms at night, one for alerting me to start getting ready for bed, another for getting into bed and start reading, and another for lights out, sleep time. Problem is, I haven’t been heeding them. I need to listen to your content on discipline. 😏

[@TaraWagner]

Baby steps! Try moving the needle just a bit at a time for awhile and see how that goes. ❤️

[@nevertoolate8589]

These are great tips! But yes like you i ignore the alarms ans struggle with the discipline. If i make an appointment and i can choose the time, i pick an early time so it forces me to be up and out the door.

[@elizatgilbert]

I love my philips light alarm. I also have a "Happy Light" that I start using every morning for about 10-15 minutes about a week before we "fall back" and well into Spring.

[@TaraWagner]

I love that idea!! How does the "Happy Light" effect you positively for that transition?

[@elizatgilbert]

@@TaraWagner Yes! It helps me not slump into winter depression. It's not a HUGE life changer, but my quality of life before I got one (and used it regularly) vs. before shows an improvement. I would continue it as a ritual all year if I felt I wasn't getting enough sunlight in the late spring/summer months, but usually I don't need it once we're having longer days.

[@psychologistbaba8513]

Your Tips are amazing :) Thanks a lot ;) They can be really used to change any habit 👌🏼 Love them ❣

[@TaraWagner]

Very true! And thank you!

[@michellemcdermott2879]

So many great tips, thank you! I am going to try " wanting to," instead of "shoulding." I'm a bit of a free spirit / rebel also, and really identified when you said your inner 12 year old rebels. 😂 Another good tip there. And I'm kind of an all-or-nothing type person so would go from sleeping until 10 a.m to trying to get up at 6 a.m. the very next day. Ain't happenin' yet! Lol. I'm going to try smaller time increments too.

[@TaraWagner]

Haha those inner 12 year olds. 😂

[@lilbunny.03]

I actually was a morning person for a while until I got my period and my routine again shifted back to the frustrating moments! Then again, I tried to overcome it. Then there comes my skincare routine by which all my sleep got washed away from my face and I couldn’t sleep until it’s 5 am...argh!!!

[@TaraWagner]

It's always a matter of fine-tuning...and the process never fully ends since life will continue to throw changes our way that we need to adjust for. You got this. xo

[@theoddacitymentor]

Proud night owl. Love your 17 steps. I was doing the getting lights on, making bed and going toilet. Those have worked for me. I thought I was alone - I never used to hear my hubby waking up ..but now as I am starting to charge I am. No strong Why yet though...so the struggle is real. My other step is trying sleeping and waking up same time and switching the wifi off so no messages come in. Loved the tips.

[@TaraWagner]

So glad it’s helpful! We night owls gotta stick together! What’s inspired you to make the shift?

[@theoddacitymentor]

I have been working till 3am whivh means I wake up later. So my children were awake before my 8:30 wake up time. So I wanted to shift so that they find me awake and breakfast ready. This would allow me to be refreshed to do my bible study at 8:30 which was my previous wake up time. Loving the change.. will keep watching

[@nikiniki9435]

I really needed this! Thank you❤️

[@TaraWagner]

My pleasure!

[@theshiznit6836]

I splash cold water on my face right away. That seems to work for me for the most part, unless I don't get enough sleep to begin with.

[@TaraWagner]

Oooohhhh such a good tip! And possibly a rude awakening. 😂😂😂

[@suzisaintjames]

Re: habit chain... What do you do when an event breaks the chain? For instance... You have an early appointment out. You get up, get dressed and make the appointment on time. Now, you're starving, so you eat... and realize that you forgot to take your empty tummy supplements. ... I find that when I get home I'm so out of sorts because my chain has been broken that I don't know where to start or get back on track. Any advice? 💖🌞🌵😷

[@TaraWagner]

I make different plans for those days! With life as it is, it’s just unrealistic to expect us to be able to always have the exact days. But we shoot for our best (and plan around it when we can).

[@suzisaintjames]

@@TaraWagner, thank you... So obvious... I have a sick day routine in place for ages that includes the bare essentials. It would be perfect for these days too! Your the best! Thank you! 💖🌞🌵😷

[@JacquelineFierro939]

Absolutely true you actually have to WANT to wake up early in the morning for you to actually start waking up habitually!

[@TaraWagner]

What’s your motivation?

[@JacquelineFierro939]

@@TaraWagner 5am every morning. What’s motivates me is knowing when I own my morning I own my day and it’s when I have the only true time to myself ❤️

[@TaraWagner]

Love this!

[@beingshiva1]

it was very useful for me full of amazing details about sleep hygene

[@TaraWagner]

Glad to hear that! Good luck in your goal. xo, T

[@manjimsadik]

Love your content , I am going to try this right now , I will let u know if I made it ✌️

[@TaraWagner]

Be patient with yourself! It’s definitely not an overnight thing.

[@manjimsadik]

@@TaraWagner I needed this one , I woke up 30min earlier today ❤️ Still trying ✌️

[@TaraWagner]

Progress not perfection!

[@manjimsadik]

@@TaraWagner ❤️ I am gonna sleep but it is now 23:18 here ✌️ new year ✌️

[@TaraWagner]

Happy new year! 😍

[@meisorensen7995]

I have to start waking up earlier for work, and it's winter, so I don't ever really feel truly awake, which makes me feel tired during the day. :/

[@TaraWagner]

Waking up during the winter months can be rough. Check out my blog post for 3 essential oils that can help with waking up: xotara.us/essential-oils-for-waking-up/

[@ayshiaarmani]

So helpful!

[@TaraWagner]

Glad it was helpful!

[@InsightIllness]

This is off topic but your hair is gorgeous!

[@TaraWagner]

Dude! Compliments on my hair are NEVER off topic. 😂

[@julesrobertsyoursocialpa4364]

What is your streak tracker app please? ❤

[@TaraWagner]

I think I was using Bearable when I made this vid. It's very in depth in its tracking and stats!

[@Memegirl716]

Thank you

[@TaraWagner]

Nice! I'm glad you found this video helpful.

[@designedtonetwork]

Thank you!

[@TaraWagner]

You bet!

[@QueenD75172]

I need help! I am definetly a night owl but I do benefit so greatly from getting up at 5 am and follow my morning routine before I start working at 8/8:30 am. It works but what I never hear anybody say is what they do if the evening routine did not work and waking up at 5 am means 4 or 5 hrs of sleep or even less. Do you guys take a nap? Do you sleep in one day?

[@TaraWagner]

Good Q! For me I prioritize sleep, so if my evening went to crap, I minimize my AM to the bare essentials. You gotta make the judgment call for yourself to decide what will work best for you. Thoughts?

[@QueenD75172]

@@TaraWagner so you sleep in? I get that. My problem is that I feel if completely throws my entire day off because I would start right away with work instead of time for me. BUT... The maybe I just need to learn to feel different about it and schedule a longer lunch break instead. Thank you for answering. Greetings from Germany :)

[@eileyclark3321]

10 to 11!!! for me its more like 12 to 1

[@TaraWagner]

We've all had those years! I've had a few where my schedule was almost completely backwards. LOL What's your goal wake up time?

[@Michelle77Va]

Great advice!

[@TaraWagner]

Glad it helps!

[@sadetv5850]

Is there a video about going the other way around? To become a night owl?

[@TaraWagner]

Ha! Nope.

[@RobDeMann]

This was really good; so far I've been waking up at 630 am and I feel much more rejuvenated and energized throughout the day

[@TaraWagner]

That's awesome! Way to go!

[@MotivatedbyStickers]

Are you still keeping up with this? If so, I’m curious what you do after you stop looking at your screen after 7pm

[@TaraWagner]

I do! I’m waking up naturally without an alarm at this point, usually by 6am at the latest. By 7p I’m usually cleaning up the kitchen with my husband after dinner, we might play a game and/or go for a walk with the dogs, we stretch together most nights, I might take a bath if I’m in the mood, we play with or do some training with the dogs, I might do some household projects or cleaning (not often), and I’m usually in bed between 8:30-9 to read until I fall asleep. It was HARD at first to figure out what to do with myself. If it’s hard for you too, I highly recommend brainstorming and writing down a list that you can add to over time as you think of more. It takes time to find the right routine and make it a habit but so worth it. Good luck! ❤️

[@aishimukhopadhyay7816]

I am a student ... So I have class from7 pm to 10pm ... please suggest me the wake up time and bed time... Also how many hours can I sleep per day... Looots of love from India ❤️❤️❤️💕💕💕💕

[@TaraWagner]

Definitely choose what time works best for you and your schedule and from there work hard to find between 7-8 hours of rest. Also, think about times where you can take a brief nap during the day to give you mind and body a rest too.

[@victoriairias7703]

Sadly my dogs are not morning dogs 😅 they live to sleep in now. One used to be but not anymore.

[@TaraWagner]

Ha! I have a new dog that is the same way. He hates mornings. Their different personalities are so funny.

[@nataliahousse231]

I think there’s also a problem of getting out of bed. I can wake up at 8.30 sometimes but I can’t for the life of me get out of that bed for like 40 min after waking up. Don’t know what to do 🤦‍♀️

[@TaraWagner]

I hear that! I used to wake up with such low energy that actually getting going took forever. I’d highly encourage a functional medicine doctor or even a sleep study! It’s crazy what changes when we get to the root of the issue!

[@simmikose6540]

It’s 4.36 am and I watching this. Is there hope 😂😂

[@TaraWagner]

😂😂😂 yes! But uh, baby steps yes? Lol

[@NicoleTran456]

Why are subtitles disabled?

[@TaraWagner]

Hmm not sure. YT won't auto-generate for some reason like it does for others. I have it up on my blog if that's helpful: xotara.us/tips-to-wake-up-earlier

[@abdulrahmanrashad7225]

I have problem with mornings cause I feel depressed

[@TaraWagner]

I hope this video helps but don't forget to find the support and care you need too!

[@elitepilatesyogateachertra6401]

this has been really helpful as my sleeping is horrendous. it is getting better and cutting out alcohol has been a huge factor... it's great to know I'm not the only person that has similar struggles so looking forward to implementing a few of these tips :)

[@TaraWagner]

I hope they're helpful! Let me know how it goes and give yourself grace. It takes more time than we think it should. 😂

[@GunnerMounts]

I am a dude lol just wanted to say thank you and i think your material can be for more than just the ladies! Appreciate the vid. P.s. I am a night owl, the struggle is REAL, facts!

[@TaraWagner]

haha absolutely! The information I share can be used for any Boss! You got it. :)

[@robyndaltonbeautyfashionli1016]

awesome video

[@TaraWagner]

Thank you!

[@robyndaltonbeautyfashionli1016]

@@TaraWagner your welcome

[@ismailbouazizi984]

10 years of coaching and 1 year of waking up early, so you were struggling to wake up early for 9 years all while being a coach

[@TaraWagner]

Yup! It didn’t have a big impact on me since I’ve worked for myself and could work my own schedule. And like I said, waking up early isn’t the secret to success. But when you need to, ya gotta figure out what will work for your body. Are you a natural night owl too?

[@kaitlananderson4302]

You look like Mandy Moore 🙂

[@ayatotakema1194]

I have schoo. thats how i wake upl WITH PANIK

[@SunnnySkies]

Change the speed to 1.5 to get through the video.

[@TaraWagner]

I’m a 2x-er myself! It’s ruined me for real life convos though. 😂 Hope you enjoyed the vid!

[@ampmri2434]

1k 👍

[@love_channie97]

me being 13 o-O

[@blakeangle331]

Me watching as a guy 😙

[@TaraWagner]

Haha! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@feli___b]

It must be supper annoying living with you

[@TaraWagner]

😂😂😂 well my now-grown son thought so, but my husband would highly disagree!

[@MegKampen]

Why? She gives good advice.

[@cynthiaholland13]

I love your humorous response to trollers

[@cheekymonkeygirl3378]

She looks old. 😢

[@TaraWagner]

I look old? Gee thanks. 😂

[@MegKampen]

Who? You or Mandy?

[@cynthiaholland13]

Huh? She's not a teenager. She's an adult woman