I wake up every morning at 5:05. Even though I definitely fall under the “morning person” category, I still find waking up to be a little bit of a challenge. Feeling well-rested is key to daily performance, but hitting the snooze button four times might make you feel more groggy. Personally, I’d rather wake up earlier and have an amazing start to the day. It really does set the tone for the rest of the day. Setting the alarm a little earlier means that I can peacefully check my email, catch up on some of my favorite blogs, do a little bit of writing, and maybe browse some of my favorite online shops. (I can’t help it!) Taking my time in the morning and actually getting a few things out of the way means I don’t feel rushed or stressed.

It’s easier to think of waking up as ripping off a bandage. You just have to go for it. You may not jump out of bed like a four-year-old on Christmas, but you can still find little ways to motivate yourself and ensure that you wake up on the right side of the bed.

5 Tips for Waking Up Earlier

1. Screen-free time before going to sleep | I know, I know! We have so much technology capturing our attention all the time. I make a concerted effort to put away the iPad, laptop, and iPhone at least 30 minutes before I want to fall asleep. (I aim for an hour, but 30 minutes seems to be way more attainable.) Not only is this scientifically better for you, it also forces you to step away from work or other distractions, like one more episode of Downton Abbey. I find that reading is the best way for me to naturally switch from “work” to “rest” mode.

2. Put space between you and your phone | Turning off your phone entirely is the ideal way to make sure your sleep is not interrupted. But I get it, we’re Gen Y women and our iPhones are kind of like fifth limbs. Plus, doesn’t everyone use their phones for an alarm clock anyway? Even though I keep my phone on throughout the night, I make sure that it’s on the other side of the room. In order to turn off my alarm in the morning, I have to physically get out of bed and walk the length of the room to silence it. Therefore, clicking snooze for five more minutes of shuteye isn’t as tempting.

3. Have a list so you know what you have to accomplish the next day | Getting up at 5:05 is not something I’d do naturally. When I know I have certain things that I have to accomplish, I’m much more likely to have some extra pep in my step! Of course, trying to remember those things before the sun has risen is next to impossible. As part of my screen-free time, I make a list of meetings, tasks, and other responsibilities I have for the following day. I write it down on a sticky note which sits right next to my iPhone. Not only does this help me get all of the thoughts that would normally spin through my head out on paper, it also serves as a motivator when I see it in the morning. There’s no way I can click snooze when I know I have lots to accomplish!

4. Make things easy in the morning | I try to make things run a little easier and a little smoother in the morning by spending five minutes the night before preparing. Writing down a to-do list is a good start. I make sure my coffee maker is ready to go with fresh water and loaded with a new K-cup. I’ve checked the weather and coordinated my outfit. My bag for work is packed and I know I won’t leave something behind or spend precious morning minutes searching for a missing document.

5. Give yourself a great reminder! | If your warm bed still proves to be too tempting, give yourself a great reminder that can’t be forgotten. I like to write a motivator on the top of my to-do list (the one on the sticky note next to my phone). Sometimes it’s a favorite inspirational quotation, sometimes it’s a number goal that I’m working toward, and sometimes it’s just a “Don’t forget how lucky you are to be living in NYC!”

What are your tips for not hitting the snooze button? Tell us in the comments!