Do you dread the sound of your alarm going off each morning? Do you hit that snooze button more times than you probably should? If you answered yes to either of those questions, it is safe to say that you are not a morning person. Sometimes, sleeping in is a refreshing way to start the day. But if you are like most people, you have a job, and you have to wake up each morning ready to go. So, how can you make those dreaded thoughts about your alarm more peaceful and relaxing?

Step 1: Pretend the Snooze Button doesn't exist!

The snooze button isn't doing you any good, especially when you are trying to get out of the comfort of your warm and cozy bed. You may think that hitting the snooze button is helping you out, but it is doing the opposite. The snooze button is messing with your natural sleep pattern, resulting in you feeling more tired and groggy when you do finally get out of bed. What is a split-second decision to snooze for an extra nine minutes going to do for you? It'll make you more tired. Now, we know this isn't a habit you can kick in one night, so think of things that will help you refrain from grabbing your phone to hit snooze every morning. Pro-tip: You can try putting your phone far enough away from your bed that you have to get out of bed to turn your alarm off. That will help you get up and stay up when that alarm starts to ring through your bedroom in the morning.

Step 2: Use Natural Light to your Advantage!

Do you have a room with big windows that allow natural light to fill your space? Great! Natural light is the best way to wake up and start the day. Don't block it out. The light signals your brain, telling you to wake up and get started with your day. If you wake up before the sun, you can trick your brain into thinking the sun has already risen by turning on your lights. Lights help you get up and get moving even in the early morning hours when you’re wishing you were still fast asleep.

Step 3: Get yourself on a schedule!

If you wake up and start your morning at the same time every day, you are much more likely to get your body into a routine. If you want to become a morning person, keep in mind this schedule is not just for weekdays. To wake up feeling refreshed all week long, you also need to keep to your schedule on the weekends. Unfortunately, this means waking up before noon on Saturdays, but just think of all the extra weekend time you’re gaining.

Step 4: Make exercise part of your morning routine!

If you are going to work out at some point during the day, you might as well do it first thing in the morning. Working out will help you get up and get moving. Jump start your day by getting into a routine that helps you enjoy waking up when your alarm goes off.

Step 5: Naps? Who needs them?

A nap may sound like a good idea when you are getting ready to lay down and take one, but is it a good idea when it comes to going to bed at night? Not really. Taking a nap during the day will keep you up later at night, making it harder for you to get out of bed in the morning. Instead of taking a nap during the day, go to bed earlier and get a longer, healthier night of sleep.

Step 6: Don't worry about a set bedtime!

You may think having a set bedtime is a big deal, but surprisingly it isn't. You are going to get tired, and when you do, you will go to bed. Don't stress getting to bed at the same time every night, because it won't interfere with your morning attitude as much as you may think. When you're tired, go to bed. It's as simple as that.

If you’ve gotten used to sleeping in and find that waking up in the morning is difficult for you, it may be a challenge to get yourself in the habit of waking up early. Incorporating these simple steps will set you on your way to enjoyable mornings. Just remember, mornings aren’t so bad if you approach them with the right mindset.