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The surprising secret to a healthier you? Learning to love — and take advantage of — your mornings. A growing body of research shows that early risers reap a host of rewards, from feeling more positive to weighing less. The reason: Self-control tends to be stronger in the morning, making it the ideal time to establish habits that can improve your body, mind, and even your relationships. Here, some sleep tips and morning tricks that will help you wake up in a better mood.

1. Prep ahead.

Set yourself up for a less stressful morning by laying out clothes, packing your bag, and making lunches the night before. Doing the work in advance will reduce the pressure — and your to-do list — so you're less crazed in the morning.

2. Rethink bedtime.

You'll feel better the next day if you snooze for the recommended seven to eight hours, no matter what time you get up. So an earlier bedtime doesn't necessarily mean a better one. If you usually hit the sack at midnight and wake up at 7 a.m. but want to start rising an hour earlier, don't force yourself under the sheets at 9:30 p.m. You'll probably stare at the ceiling until your "regular" bedtime. Instead, start small: Move up bedtime by just 15 minutes each night until you meet your goal.

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3. Stop to smell the roses.

People who look at flowers first thing in the morning report being more cheerful and energetic, according to a Harvard University study. In fact, simply admiring the blooms made participants feel less anxious and more compassionate throughout the day. Place a fresh bouquet on your nightstand or kitchen table.

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4. Choose to tune out.

Watching the news as soon as you get up makes for a stressful start. Setting limits, like no morning news and no email for at least 30 minutes, sets the tone for the day. Or, try cranking up your favorite song. Research from Knox College found that listening to upbeat music is a major mood booster.

RELATED: How Much Sleep You Need Depends on Your Age

5. Ban the button.

If you hit snooze, you'll feel much less rested than if you'd just gotten up the first time (going back to sleep can send you into even deeper slumber). So place your alarm across the room.

6. Sip lemon water.

You've gone hours without drinking by the time you crawl out of bed, so your body needs hydration — stat. A glass of water with lemon is a smart move because it gives you a little jolt and a feeling of fullness, plus the citrus taste can deter you from grabbing a doughnut later.

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7. See the light.

The Verilux HappyLight can make it easier to get going when it's dark. Exposure to this kind of light tells your body to stop producing the sleep hormone melatonin and can help you feel more awake in just 15 minutes. (Light therapy has also been shown to ease depression.) Place it at arm's length and turn it on while you brush your teeth.

8. Get moving.

Research shows that people who work out in the morning are more likely to stick with a routine. Just 10 minutes of walking or stretching can get your blood flowing and help you wake up.

RELATED: Three Easy, Natural Sleep Remedies

9. Block out the light.

A pitch black room is the ideal environment for quality sleep. Keep indoor and outdoor light out by buying a sleep mask or investing in blackout curtains, which are made of heavier fabric than traditional blinds.

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10. Set a bedtime.

Going to bed and waking at the same time each day is the best way to keep your natural body clock (your circadian rhythm) in balance; this promotes a regular sleep cycle, which helps keep the rest of your body processes running smoothly.

11. Keep things quiet.

Environmental noises like barking dogs or traffic can make falling and staying asleep a tough task. Try a white noise machine—this bedside device uses soothing sounds like a babbling brook or the steady whir of a fan to neutralize the disruptive sounds that would normally keep you up.

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SOURCES: Bonnie Carpenter, EdD, clinical psychologist in private practice in Philadelphia. Aymee Coget, PhD, happiness expert and founder, HappinessMakeover.com. Tracey Marks, MD, psychiatrist and author, Master Your Sleep. Ilene Rosen, MD, associate professor of clinical medicine, University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine, and board-certified sleep specialist, American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Bonnie Taub-Dix, RDN, New York City nutritionist and author, Read It Before You Eat It.

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