Some mornings, getting out of bed feels like the hardest thing. There’s a weight to the moment, as if your body and mind conspire to keep you wrapped in the comfort of your blankets, far from the demands of the day.
On workdays, I’d drag myself up at the last minute, scrambling to get ready. On free days, I’d stay in bed too long, missing sunlight and ending the day sluggish and full of regret.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And while I haven’t completely mastered the art of springing out of bed with boundless energy, I’ve found a few gentle strategies that help. If you, too, struggle with this, let’s explore what might make those first moments of the day just a little easier.
1. Let Music Be Your Morning Guide
One of the most effective tricks I’ve discovered is using music to override my thoughts before they even have a chance to hold me back. I’ve realized that the longer I let myself lie there, the easier it is to get stuck in the loop of “just a few more minutes” or “what’s the point anyway?
So now, I don’t give those thoughts a chance to take root. Instead, I reach for my phone and play my favorite feel-good songs. The ones that make my heart swell and my body want to move.
Music has this incredible power to shift your energy. It releases dopamine, that little hit of joy, and suddenly, staying in bed doesn’t seem so appealing anymore.
If you don’t already have a morning playlist, try making one. Fill it with songs that inspire you, energize you, or simply make you smile. It doesn’t have to be upbeat, it just has to feel right for you.
2. Chase the Light
Another thing that’s helped me is reconnecting with the beauty of daylight. On those mornings when staying in bed feels like the easier option, I try to remind myself of what I’ll miss if I stay hidden away.
There’s something magical about the morning light, the way it filters through the curtains, soft and golden. Or the brightness of the midday sun, calling you to step outside and feel its warmth on your skin.
I think about how much better I feel on the days when I let myself bask in the light. How it lifts my mood, fills me with energy, and reminds me of the beauty of being alive. When I frame it this way, getting out of bed becomes less about obligation and more about not wanting to miss out on life’s simple joys.
If you struggle with this too, try opening your curtains before you go to bed. Let the light greet you when you wake up, gently pulling you into the day.
3. Start Small and Gentle
Sometimes the thought of tackling a full day can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re struggling to even open your eyes. On those mornings, I remind myself that I don’t have to do everything at once. The first step is always the hardest. But it doesn’t have to be perfect or grand, it just has to be something.
For me, that might mean sitting up in bed and stretching for a minute. Or putting one foot on the floor, then the other. Once I’m upright, it’s easier to take the next step. Maybe I’ll head to the kitchen to make tea or splash some water on my face.
The key is to keep it gentle and manageable. Instead of pressuring myself to jump straight into productivity, I focus on these small acts of self-care.
4. Remember: You’re Human, and That’s Enough
On the mornings when nothing seems to help, I try to be kind to myself. It’s easy to spiral into guilt, thinking about all the things I should be doing or all the time I’ve already “wasted.”
But the truth is, we all have days like this. Some mornings are just harder than others, and that’s okay. Being human means feeling the full range of emotions, motivation, resistance, exhaustion, and everything in between.
When I’m struggling, I remind myself that it’s okay to take things slow. To have a quiet morning. To give myself grace instead of judgment. Because even on those tough days, every small effort matters.
5. Find Your "Why"
One of the most powerful motivators is having something to look forward to. For me, it’s the thought of a beautiful morning walk, feeling the fresh air on my face and seeing the world come to life. Or the first sip of coffee, warm and comforting in my hands.
What’s your “why”? What makes getting out of bed worth it for you? Maybe it’s the promise of a peaceful breakfast, a moment of stillness before the world wakes up. Or the chance to spend time with loved ones, create something meaningful, or simply enjoy the quiet beauty of a new day.
Whatever it is, hold onto it. Let it be the gentle nudge that gets you moving, even when it feels hard.
Final Thoughts: It’s Okay to Struggle
Getting out of bed might seem like such a simple thing, but for many of us, it’s a real challenge. And that’s okay. It doesn’t mean you’re lazy or unmotivated, it just means you’re human, navigating the complexities of life in your own way.
The journey to finding motivation isn’t about being perfect. It’s about trying, again and again, even when it’s hard. It’s about finding the little things that help, whether it’s music, sunlight, small steps, or a kind word to yourself.
And on the days when it feels impossible, remember: as long as you’re still breathing, there’s hope. You’re alive, you’re here, and that’s enough.
So tomorrow morning, when you’re lying there wondering how to start the day, try one small thing. Play your favorite song. Open the curtains. Sit up, stretch, and take a deep breath. The world is waiting for you, and it’s a beautiful place to be.
Xx, Rose