This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Eight O’Clock Coffee. All opinions are 100% mine.

With having had a full time, 7 to 7 job over the last 10 years, my body has grown accustomed to waking in the early hours of the morning – no matter what time I end up finally closing my eyes for sleep. How nice it is to say that the sun is now my alarm clock.

And I think back on my younger years of staying up til all odd hours of the morning, and waking up at 10, 11 or sometimes noon. That was nearly half my day gone – poof – like that! I get a little anxious just thinking about how much I could have accomplished in that time. 

Why, hello, adult life.

Only now I realize how much I cherish being a morning person. But getting there isn’t always easy, and many find it an acquired taste – especially for those with wicked schedules. Much like a diet, or workout, being a morning person is a commitment. That is why I have narrowed it down to the 5 most important essentials to become a morning person with ease, and love it.

5 Essentials To Become A Morning Person With Ease, & Love It

Go to bed earlier

It is nearly impossible to become a morning person without a good night’s sleep. At least not a happy one who isn’t exhausted throughout the day. Hence, having a strict and early bedtime is crucial.

Determine how many hours a night you require for a pristine night sleep, then figure out what time you would prefer to start your day in the morning. Begin by going to bed 15 minutes earlier than you normally would the first night, 30 the next night, 45 minutes and so on. It’s all about weaning yourself.

Nonetheless, it will take adjusting and a few weeks for your body to fully adjust to feeling tired and being wide awake at your designated times.

TIP: Sleep aids and bedtime teas work wonders for alternating your sleep schedule quickly, and honestly should be your best friend for those nights you’re struggling to fall asleep.

Set an alarm, and skip the nap

I know you already dread waking up to that work alarm, and hitting snooze 20 times in the morning. Still set yourself that morning alarm clock – especially for you heavy sleepers.

At first, your body might be begging for that mid-afternoon nap. And a nap might already be something you’re used to during the day. Skip it – eliminate it – cat nap it, if you absolutely must. It is only going to recharge your body for staying up later in the night, especially during those times of readjusting your sleep schedule. Once your body has fully been accustomed to waking up at 6am, and going to bed at 9pm – you then might be able to slip in a noon-time hour snooze.

But until then, no naps. And don’t even think about hitting that snooze button in the morning!

Get up and moving, or some fresh air

When that alarm goes off – get moving. Refrain from laying in bed checking your e-mails – you’re bound to set yourself back in a comfortable position for sleep.

For those who struggle in the waking up process, it’s important to not surround yourself with any temptation of going back to sleep. If it helps, open up your blinds, turn on the lights or play music. It’s simply about getting your day started as soon as you step out of bed.

Do whatever you need to do to feel “awake“. Take a cold shower, do some yoga stretches, a workout, play some loud music or take a walk outside. For me, simply getting out of my pajamas and into “day” clothes is what initially gets my body in the “Ok, ok, ok I’m awake” mood. Figure out what works for you, and make it a persistent habit.

Be productive

Some will say keeping a schedule of tasks or errands throughout their day helps their mind stay busy in the morning, and keeps their desire to nap at bay. Staying productive in the morning and throughout your day will greatly help the sleep transition to becoming a morning person.

Bonus: you are going to feel mentally exhausted at night, so you’ll fall asleep faster and get a better night’s sleep.

I’m not a huge “planner” – I’m too much of a go-with-the-flow type – so it’s not important to schedule out my tasks, per say, but to make sure there are things on my list of to-dos for the day. My routine usually consists of a morning workout or yoga, creative writing and brainstorming, running any errands, and spending time with the pups.

So whatever it be: going to the gym, getting a load of laundry done, running an errand or just getting out of the house will keep your mind preoccupied.

Have you ever gone grocery shopping at 8am? It’s a different world going when they first open – try it.

Don’t forget early morning fuel

There’s certainly one thing I cannot do without when getting my day started – my cup of Joe. And with Eight O’Clock Coffee Infusions, it’s the one thing I get excited waking up to as a morning person. I start my day by enjoying a cup and watching the sun rise from my back porch.

There’s a reason this company has been brew masters since 1859, as their company name came from a study that 8am and 8pm are the most popular times for drinking coffee. I’ll sip to that! Eight O’Clock Coffee has several different flavors in their Infusion line that are blended with unique ingredients to give you that enhanced coffee experience, as well as that nice added boost under your tail in the morning.

Like the Super Spice – enriched with cinnamon and hints of turmeric. It’s the perfect drink to warm me up on any cold morning, and the bold flavors of cinnamon and turmeric spices awaken and invigorate my senses to get me up and going. On my off days (or if I’m simply feeling more tired than usual), I switch it up with the Alert. Its caffeine and guarana blend gives me that extra boost I need to stay focused through a busy, non-stop work day.

Try all 5 infused flavors. Use this $1 off coupon to purchase at your local grocer or buy online.

• Acai Glow: infused with acai berry for a vibrant, fresh taste
• B6 Metabolism: a fruit and herbal dark roast blend rich in Vitamin B6, which helps support energy-yielding metabolism
• Super Spice: cinnamon and turmeric infused for a rich, bold taste
• Relax Decaffeinated: 100% Arabica beans with cuts of lavender and chamomile to help you unwind
• Alert Hi-Caffeine: 100% Arabica beans blended with caffeine and guarana that will give you that extra boost

For more information and other varieties of Eight O’Clock Coffee blends, visit their website.