I Use This Hack to Get Out of Bed Every Morning—and It Works Like a Charm

Many of us can agree that waking up is one of the most grueling acts of daily life. When you’re deep in slumber, the last thing you want to do is crawl out of bed and start your day—especially if you’re someone like me, who loves falling asleep knowing there’s no alarm set for tomorrow. Alas, we must answer to the many responsibilities of adulthood, including waking up early, pulling ourselves together, and getting the day started. A few months ago, however, I decided to find simple ways to make waking up every morning just a little bit easier—and what I discovered was a major game changer.

Every morning when I wake up, I immediately turn on an episode of my favorite podcast. For me, it’s You’re Wrong About, a show hosted by writer and podcaster Sarah Marshall, where she discusses a person or event that’s been misrepresented by the media. These episodes are often easy to understand and conceptualize, and the host speaks with a soothing voice that quickly starts to feel familiar. When I listen to her voice first thing in the morning, it helps me feel motivated, energized, and engaged just enough to get out of bed. By the time I’ve washed my face and brushed my teeth, I’m usually halfway through the episode and ready to start my day.

Why the Podcast Technique Works—and How You Can Try It at Home

I’m not the only one who agrees that listening to a familiar voice can help you tackle the sleep-wake cycle. According to Dr. Emma Lin, pulmonary and sleep medicine physician, what we hear first thing in the morning can impact our cognitive function. “When we listen to one’s voice in the morning, particularly one we know, [the] brain takes notice,” she says. “It awakens those areas of the brain responsible for memory, emotions, and concentration. That familiar voice sends a signal to the brain: ‘time to get going.’”

It also matters what you’re listening to, Dr. Lin notes. “What works for me is something light and positive,” she says. “A brief news update, a humorous show, or a quick positive message podcast is what I would recommend; these assist in getting the brain gradually started without overwhelming it. I wouldn't offer anything too frightening or serious at first—that creates stress even before daybreak.”

For others, listening to music might be another way to put the same theory to use—for me, however, music tends to make me want to keep laying in bed. It all comes down to your individual preferences and what has worked for you in the past. “We've discovered that sound, be it a human voice, an instrumental, or even a short video, literally enhances breathing and concentration,” Dr. Lin says. “Yes, podcasts might be right for you, but do what you prefer. What matters is to get your brain and lungs alert and ready.” Try it out for yourself by adding a favorite podcast or playlist to your morning routine.