Waking up at 5:30 AM when it’s freezing outside can feel impossible. Personally, I’m not really a winter person. I love snow, the first day I get to wear a hoodie, or bundling up in a warm jacket. But when it gets really cold, my motivation seems to vanish. Stepping out of bed—or even thinking about it—feels like a huge challenge. If you’ve ever wondered how to get up early in winter without feeling miserable, I’ve got some tips from my own routine that have helped me stay consistent.

Use a Challenge to Hold Yourself Accountable

One of the main reasons I manage to wake up early, even in freezing temperatures, is because I’m on a personalized 75 Hard Challenge. Getting up early is one of my non-negotiable rules. If I skip it, I break my streak. For anyone struggling with how to get up early in winter, setting a challenge or personal commitment can make a huge difference. Knowing that you’ve committed to something—and that you’ve invested time and effort—helps push you out of bed even when your cozy blankets are calling your name.

Set a Gentle but Effective Alarm

The next key step in learning how to get up early in winter is your alarm. But here’s the trick: don’t go for something jarring or annoying. A sound that gently wakes you up is far more pleasant. If your alarm makes you panic, it might make getting out of bed even harder. Try experimenting with soft tones, morning sounds, or music that energizes you without making your first moments of the day stressful.

Make Warmth Your Friend

Let’s be honest—cold mornings are brutal. Your body hates leaving warmth behind. One of the most effective strategies for how to get up early in winter is to warm yourself immediately after getting out of bed. Wear cozy clothes, hoodies, or layers. If possible, turn on your heater or the AC in warm mode a few minutes before waking up so your room isn’t freezing. Feeling warm can trick your body into being more willing to step out of bed.

Have a Morning Plan

The hardest part of waking up early is just… getting up. Once you’re out of bed, having a plan is essential. Personally, I like to journal, read, or go outside for light exercise. Having a concrete routine prevents me from crawling back under the covers. For anyone figuring out how to get up early in winter, a morning plan is non-negotiable. Decide the first few things you’ll do, and stick to them, even if it’s just drinking water and stretching.

Listen to Your Body

Winter can make anyone want extra sleep, and that’s okay. If your body needs it, let it take a nap during the day, or go to bed a little earlier in the evening. Adjusting your sleep schedule to the season is an important part of how to get up early in winter. It’s not about forcing yourself awake; it’s about syncing your routine with your body’s natural rhythms during colder months.

Make the First Step Easy

Ultimately, learning how to get up early in winter is about making the first step as easy as possible. Warm clothes, a gentle alarm, a prepared plan, and the accountability of a personal challenge make it doable. Once you take that first step, momentum follows, and the morning suddenly feels achievable.

Cold mornings don’t have to mean staying in bed. With the right mindset, a few smart adjustments, and a little consistency, you can enjoy early winter mornings without feeling miserable. Remember: the hardest part is getting up—but once you do, the day is yours.