This is no way to start the morning, though it's probably the most common way: Hit snooze over and over until you're aggravated enough to get up or play mean tricks on yourself, like placing the alarm clock across the room or shredding money if you don't get up. But instead of punishment, what if you made it more pleasurable to get out of bed, even as the weather's getting colder? Consider these (often automated) alternatives.


To be clear, getting yourself out of a warm bed into a cold house to start the day is kind of the definition of what the folks on Twitter like to call #FirstWorldProblems. Just because it's kind of a luxurious problem doesn't mean you should just suck it up and not do anything about it, if you've got the means to. Acknowledging that there are problems with #firstworldproblems, we're going to call this #FirstWorldSolutions.


Add More Comfort To Your Mornings

The most obvious recommendation is to set your automatic coffeemaker for the morning, because, frankly, it works. There's the sound of the coffee brewing (even louder if your coffeemaker grinds your beans first) and the irresistible smell.

G/O Media may get a commission LG 75-Inch 8K TV Buy for $2150 from BuyDig Use the promo code ASL250

If you're not a java drinker, you can still put your automatic coffeemaker to use: Boil hot water for tea in your coffeemaker or brew the tea in the machine itself.


Consider spa-ifying your home to make it more enticing to arise to. Think Red Envelope stuff to tempt you out of bed:

Warm, fuzzy slippers

A velvety bathrobe

A scented oil diffuser (perhaps put on a timer) with oils that are supposed to be energizing, like citrus

A towel warmer for after your shower

All definitely worth the price, if you consider the cost of being late or being stressed about being late, versus getting up relaxed and refreshed in the morning. On the other hand, you could do the opposite: Lower your comfort level in bed to make you so uncomfortable in bed you'll be ok with getting up (as a fellow sleepyhead, however, if you're skeptical about that, I don't blame you).


Not enough? Here are some other suggestions:

Heat your room : Whether you use an automatic thermostat or a space heater on an outlet timer

: Whether you use an automatic thermostat or a space heater on Stretch : As soon as your grumpy self awakes, try an energizing, delicious (yes, delicious) full-body stretch. While still lying in bed, raise your arms above your head and stretch your legs out, then take a deep breath in and out while (inevitably) yawning. Repeat a couple of times, think about stuff you have to and, importantly, want to do today, and you may find getting up easier.

: As soon as your grumpy self awakes, try an energizing, delicious (yes, delicious) full-body stretch. While still lying in bed, raise your arms above your head and stretch your legs out, then take a deep breath in and out while (inevitably) yawning. Repeat a couple of times, think about stuff you have to and, importantly, want to do today, and you may find getting up easier. Let the sun shine in : Rising by the light of the sun may the most natural way to wake, but many of us may prefer simulating the rising sun on our own terms. You can create a DIY Sunrise Simulator

: Rising by the light of the sun may the most natural way to wake, but many of us may prefer simulating the rising sun on our own terms. You can Set up a great music alarm: The best trick in your wake-up routine


Give Yourself Something to Look Forward To

Prepare a warm breakfast or treat : Perhaps the smell of warm coffee doesn't get you up. How about a warm breakfast? Make oatmeal in a slow cooker or rice cooker

: Perhaps the smell of warm coffee doesn't get you up. How about a warm breakfast? Make Treat yourself to something that feels good : Got a massage pillow or foot massager? Use it as an incentive, so instead of resisting getting up, you have a ritual morning massage to look forward to.

: Got a massage pillow or foot massager? Use it as an incentive, so instead of resisting getting up, you have a ritual morning massage to look forward to. Postpone something you want to do: So far, we've noted physical things that might make waking up more pleasant—a warm cup of coffee and oatmeal waiting, a heated room, a big robe. Besides those physical things, think of psychological motivations that might get you up early: the chance to have the house to yourself (instead of your family members), a jump start on some project you're interested in, 10 minutes working out, checking your favorite website (e.g., Lifehacker, Cute Overload


What are your get-out-of-bed tricks?

Photo remixed from an original by Lars Plougmann.

You can follow or contact Melanie Pinola, the author of this post, on Twitter or Google+.