Sleeping is a time for rest and recovery from the long day before. But with sleeping, comes waking up which many can agree, is no enjoyable process. Are you the type of person who struggles to wake up the morning? Maybe you press snooze at least five times before dragging yourself out of bed. Perhaps you need a large cup of coffee in order to feel less tired and function before 10 AM. If this describes you, keep reading, because we are here to help.
Waking up is not an exciting task for most people, but finding ways to feel more lively in the mornings can be the first step in the right direction and could (finally) help you make it to work on time. There are a variety of simple ways to boost your energy levels in the morning that don’t involve ordering that double shot of espresso. You might even find that being more energized in the mornings will make them a more enjoyable time of day. Discover our 10 favorite hacks to rejuvenate your mornings below!
1. Keep your alarm out of reach
Put your alarm clock or phone far from your bed. This will force you to physically get out of bed to turn it off and stay awake. It will also make you less likely to hit the snooze button and fall back to sleep. With the Eight Sleep Pod, you can set the thermal alarm to start cooling your bed toward wake up time, waking you up energized and refreshed.
2. Make your bed
If you want to feel more productive in the morning, the easiest thing to do is make your bed. It may seem like a small task, but starting your day by making your bed gives you a feeling of accomplishment. This will set you up for success for the rest of the day. And, as an added bonus, making your bed will make it that much cozier to lay down on after a long day at work.
3. Do the shower trick
There’s a 90-second trick that you do to boost your energy in the mornings. At the end of your shower, simply blast yourself with cold water for 30 seconds, followed by hot water for 30 seconds, and then finish with cold water for a final 30 seconds. The rapid change in temperature will increase blood flow and stimulate the body and mind.
4. Fatten up your coffee
Instead of relying on that third cup of coffee, or that extra shot of espresso, consider adding healthy fats to your morning cup of coffee to give yourself a boost. If you depend on coffee to function, mix your coffee with 2 teaspoons of coconut oil or butter. Adding healthy fats to your coffee will make the caffeine metabolize slowly and work throughout the day to fight sleepiness. As a result, you’ll stay alert for longer.
5. Exercise
It may sound like a daunting task in the early hours of the day, but exercising in the morning is the best way to wake yourself up and snap out of your morning grogginess. Working out boosts endorphins, which gives you more energy and puts you in a better mood. You’ll also jumpstart your metabolism and burn more calories. Not only will you feel more energized, but you’ll be healthier too.
6. Drink a lemon elixir
There are several health benefits to drinking warm lemon water in the morning. First, it flushes out toxins and aids the digestive system. Second, lemon is rich in nutrients like calcium, potassium, and vitamin C. Most importantly, it hydrates and oxygenates the body.
7. Eat a banana
Bananas are an excellent morning staple because the fruit’s combination of complex carbs, natural sugar, amino acids, and brain-boosting vitamins will give you a quick energy boost. Perfect to eat by itself or add to your breakfast.
8. Jam out
Play upbeat music as you’re getting ready or commuting to work. Decide on a playlist or choose a list of songs that make you feel lively and excited. The energizing tunes will pump you up and make you feel ready for the day.
9. Get some sunlight
Light, especially bright light from the sun, signals the body that it’s time to wake up. As soon as you get up, open your blinds and let in the natural light to start feeling less fatigue.
10. Smell essential oils
Aromatherapy can significantly reduce your grogginess. Peppermint and eucalyptus scents can make you feel more alert, focused, and stimulated in the morning. The smell of rosemary can jumpstart your brain, giving you more mental and physical energy. Citrus can reduce stress and boost the body’s production of serotonin. In fact, studies have shown that sniffing the skin of an orange can increase alertness and reduce anxiety.
If you dread waking up early each morning, remember that you have the opportunity to set yourself up for success by just adding a few extra steps to your morning routine. There are so many alternatives to turn to when you find yourself needing a push in those early hours of the day. And, believe it or not, these added steps might prove to be more helpful than that extra shot (or two) of espresso. So, what are you waiting for? Follow these 10 hacks to help you feel energized and rejuvenated every morning. Begin by conquering one morning, and pretty soon you will be able to conquer them all.