So You Want to Become a Morning Person
In this blog post, we’re recapping the latest episode of Black Iron Radio, where coaches Krissy, Ryann, and Maggie tackle the age-old question: can you actually become a morning person? Whether you’ve always hit snooze on early alarms or you’re just looking to make your mornings more productive, this episode dives into circadian rhythms, practical habit shifts, and how to build a routine that works for you (without needing a 4 a.m. wakeup call). If you’re curious about what it takes to feel better in the morning—this one’s for you.
BLACK IRON RADIO EP. 258: SO YOU WANT TO BECOME A MORNING PERSON
You don’t have to be up before the sun to build a better morning. Krissy, Ryann, and Maggie dig into what actually makes someone a “morning person” and why it’s more flexible than you think. We talk circadian rhythms, realistic bedtime habits, and how to build a routine that makes mornings feel less frantic and more like a head start. Whether you’re shifting your schedule for training, work, or just want to stop sprinting out the door, this one’s for you.
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We get it—mornings aren’t everyone’s jam. Some of us are natural early risers, while others prefer to burn the midnight oil. But if you’ve ever wondered if it’s actually possible to become a morning person (and not hate your life in the process), the answer is yes—with a few key tweaks.
In this episode of Black Iron Radio, Krissy, Ryann, and Maggie chat about their own experiences making the shift (or trying to), share the science behind your internal clock, and offer practical tips for building a morning routine that actually serves you.
First things first: being a night owl isn’t a flaw
If mornings aren’t your thing, that’s not a personal failure. Your circadian rhythm—your body’s internal 24-hour clock—is mostly dictated by genetics. Your “chronotype” (aka your internal clock’s personality) plays a big role in when you naturally feel sleepy or alert. You might be a:
Morning lark: up early, peak early, bed early
Night owl: up late, peak late, bed late
Hummingbird: somewhere in between (most people)
But your environment, lifestyle, and habits can shift this rhythm over time. Take Krissy, for example. She was a night owl until her dog Keaton came into her life and started waking her up at 5 a.m.—and everything changed from there.
Why bother becoming a morning person?
If your lifestyle or work demands early starts, or you simply want to feel less like a hot mess before noon, shifting your schedule might be worth it. You don’t have to be hitting the gym at 5 a.m. or writing your memoir by sunrise. Becoming a morning person can just mean having a bit more intention and ease in how you start your day.
A few perks:
Morning light exposure can help regulate your sleep-wake cycle
You might get more done when your brain is fresh
You can carve out time for movement, meals, or mindfulness before the world demands your attention
But what if you’re…not there yet?
Try starting with bedtime
Instead of forcing a 5 a.m. wakeup, work backward. Gradually move your bedtime earlier in 10-15 minute increments. Set a bedtime alarm as a cue to start winding down (yes, like a toddler).
Build a real wind-down routine
Avoid anxiety-inducing screen time (looking at you, climate doomscrolling) and create a buffer between your day and sleep. Brain-dumping your to-do list and writing down one small solution to a stressor can help your brain chill out. Bonus points for blackout curtains, sleep masks, and ditching caffeine after late morning.
Light matters
Use natural light in the morning if possible, or try a sunrise-simulating alarm clock. These can make waking up feel less like being hit by a truck—especially in the winter.
Create a morning anchor
Pick something to start your day that you genuinely enjoy. Maybe it’s a walk with your dog, cooking a real breakfast, reading a book, or doing your skincare while listening to a favorite playlist. This one small ritual can help shift your mindset from “I hate mornings” to “Okay, this isn’t so bad.”
Don’t forget to rest
Whether you’re a morning person or not, you need downtime. Schedule real breaks during your workday—not just time to squeeze in errands or scroll your phone. Rest is productive. It makes your mornings (and the rest of your day) better.
Consistency beats perfection
You don’t need to do this perfectly to make it work. Even small improvements in your routine can compound over time. As Krissy says, “A good morning starts the night before.” Whether you’re adjusting your bedtime, building a better routine, or just trying to stop checking Slack from bed—every little bit counts.
And if you never become a morning person? That’s okay too. What matters most is finding a rhythm that works for you.
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If you enjoyed this conversation, check out more episodes of Black Iron Radio, where we cut through the noise and give you real, no-BS advice on feeling, performing, and looking your best. Each week we share practical nutrition, training, and wellness strategies and tips to help you succeed.
📲 Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify