How to Wake Up on Time

Pressing that "snooze" button every morning is part of the normal routine for millions of people. Rising from bed on time is a challenge, but it's not impossible. Here's a simple way to jump-start your day.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Buy two alarm clocks or one alarm clock with an option for multiple time settings.
2. Set the first alarm clock (or setting) to a time a little earlier than the time you should be getting up. Set the second alarm for the absolute latest moment possible. The first alarm clock should be set to wake you up with a very light noise, such as a soft ringing or very, very low music. The second alarm can be set at a normal decibel.
3. Get to bed at an earlier hour. Yes, this seems obvious, but going to bed earlier is not just for getting more sleep. The earlier you go to sleep, the more time your body has to go through the stages of sleep, and therefore, the less likely you are to wake up during a deep sleep.
4. Arise if you wake up when the first alarm goes off. Your body is probably ready to go if you were alerted by the quiet sound of the first alarm. If you don't wake up until the second alarm goes off, this is a good indication you were in a deep sleep during the first alarm and should not have been interrupted.
5. Have a back-up plan. Always institute a "Plan B" when attempting new wake up routines. Wake up "practice" is a lousy excuse to give a boss when you're tardy. If you live with someone, ask them to wake you up quietly and gently.
6. Discipline yourself. Choose a routine that works for you and practice it. Remain consistent. Teach your body. Say it aloud if you have to. Believe it or not, your body is ready and willing.

Tips & Warnings

• Place your alarm clock across the room. A common practice among serial snoozers, this can be quite effective. Although jolting out of bed to pick up a distant alarm clock is not the healthiest option, this failsafe move will get you through college or work without missing a class or meeting.
• Eliminate your alarm clock altogether. Some do not have this luxury, but if you are lucky enough to have a reliable inner clock, wake up on your own. This can take weeks, months or years to perfect, but it is by far the best option for your body.
• It is very difficult to go from an alarm clock wake up call to getting up without any assistance. Make the change gradually. It will not happen overnight.