Corrine Arnell

For the longest time I told myself I wasn’t a morning person, but was I really a night person either? The only things that were getting done at night were binge-watching, last-minute completion of work, or I was at dinner or an event. Was this burst of energy that I got when scrolling through TikTok because I had a natural affinity to stay up late or was it just because I wasn’t bothering to give the other option a try? I surely can wake up for all my early morning flights. 

I’ve always wanted to be a part of the 5 AM club. Every time you hear a super successful person answer the question, “What time do you wake up?” 5 is the answer. It’s like the secret sauce is dispersed before the sun rises. Issa Rae recently said that she gets up at 4 AM. Now Issa, I’m going to get back to you on that one, but I have joined the 5 AM club for the past 2 months for at least three days a week. Sometimes I work out so early it’ll be 5 PM and I’ve forgotten I already worked out that day. 

I honestly didn’t intentionally decide to start waking up at 5 AM just because. It happened naturally. I wanted to start taking barre classes and with my work schedule the 6 AM class made the most sense for me. So, waking up at 5 was just the time that I had to start setting my alarm to. I set the alarm and went to bed early so I could wake up. Honestly, the barre class was really the motivation for me to really stick to it. I was so excited to get in there I love barre.  

I can say after doing this for a couple months, I get the hype and I love it. The serotonin boost you get from already having your workout done by 7 AM should be bottled. It sets the tone for my entire day. I am energized, more productive, and procrastinate less. I feel like knowing that I must go to sleep earlier on those days makes me less likely to procrastinate, because I want to get everything done before I have to stay up late and totally mess with my sleep schedule. Also, just knowing that I started the day so productive motivates me to keep that going. 

But the benefits go beyond just checking a workout off the to-do list. There’s something kind of magical about the stillness of the early morning. The world is quiet, your phone isn’t buzzing, and it feels like you have a head start while everyone else is still asleep. That uninterrupted time has become sacred for me. 

I’ve noticed that waking up early has helped my focus too. I’m less scattered and more intentional. When you start your day with purpose—whether it’s a workout, meditation, or just stretching while blasting your favorite playlist it creates a mental shift. You’re not scrambling to catch up, you’re leading the day. And when you lead the day, you’re not as easily thrown off by the chaos that can hit mid-afternoon. 

And the science backs it up: 
According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Social Psychology, early risers tend to be more proactive, which is a key trait linked to career success. Another study from the University of Toronto found that people who wake up early report feeling happier and healthier overall, largely because they align better with the natural circadian rhythm. 

Also, waking up early gives you time. Like actual, real-deal time to do the things you always say you “don’t have time for.” Reading, prepping breakfast, working on personal goals, sending that email you’ve been avoiding, or just taking your sweet time getting ready without rushing. That slower pace in the morning has made my whole day feel more grounded and less reactive. 

So if you’re thinking about becoming a morning person, here are some tips that helped me ease into it:

1. Start with small shifts.
Don’t jump from waking up at 8:30 to 5:00 AM in one go. Try waking up just 15–30 minutes earlier every few days. Let your body and mind adjust gradually. It’s way more sustainable.

2. Have a reason to get up.
It sounds obvious, but having something to look forward to makes it easier. For me, it was barre class. For you, it might be reading, journaling, making a real breakfast, or even just sitting in silence with your matcha.

3. Set a wind-down routine.
Good mornings start with good nights. I started putting my phone away earlier (sometimes even in another room), turning on a diffuser, and doing a bit of light stretching or reading before bed. The goal is to tell your body it’s time to chill.

4. Don’t snooze the alarm.
I know. I know. But snoozing actually makes you feel groggier. Set your alarm, place your phone or clock across the room, and get up on the first try. I heard this tip from Mel Robbins’ podcast: As soon as your alarm goes off count to five. At five get up immediately. Your brain can take about 5 seconds to start procrastinating if you don’t immediately act on an impulse, so don’t even give yourself the option.

5. Give yourself a reason to romanticize it.
Cute mugs. A playlist that feels like a movie soundtrack. A candle that makes your space feel like a spa. Make your mornings something you actually want to be awake for.

I’m not saying you need to join the 5 AM club every single day (I still love a good sleep-in), but giving yourself even a couple early mornings a week can make such a difference. It’s not about hustling harder (even though it can be) but it’s about getting a head start and being more aligned. 

So no, I’m not suddenly a morning fairy who floats out of bed every day with a smile. But I am someone who’s learned that maybe being a morning person isn’t about personality—it’s about intention. And the way my days feel now? I’m not turning back. 

Are you in the 5 AM club? Considering it? Let me know in the comments here or on instagram: @corrine.arnell