Ask Dali Mama

DEAR DALI MAMA:

People consider me to be a morning person. That’s how much I love mornings. The peace, quiet and the light of sunrises. Fitness centres have less people, the roads have no traffic … But it’s January. Mornings are dark and cold. Since the fall, I struggle to get up in time just to get to work. Never mind doing anything else in the mornings. I try going to go bed early but often I lie awake. How do I get back in the habit and routine of getting up early to enjoy my mornings again and not just rush to work?

— With love, Brrrr in Canada

DEAR BRRR IN CANADA:

Play with figuring out something delightful that you reserve for mornings that you can do for yourself or give to yourself upon waking…something that will be a special treat to look forward to as soon as you’re awake—a crossword puzzle, a morning cuddle with a pet, or a special kind of coffee or tea.

Perhaps you could try having a glass or half a glass of water (experiment!) before you go to bed and that may prompt you to get up earlier more easily.

You can also set the energy for both a restful sleep before you go to bed as well as for an easy, fresh awakening in the morning. Avoid caffeine after 3:00 p.m. and see if that helps.

Also, you can prepare each evening to streamline your morning process, setting out your clothes for the next day and anything else you might need for work. You can also take your shower before bedtime, for example.

Wishing you delightful mornings (and afternoons and evenings and nights), my friend.