We get it — it can be a huge challenge to learn how to wake up in the morning no matter how much sleep you get. Some of us just aren't morning people. We first struggle to open our eyes then struggle to keep them open throughout the day. But, what you do in the morning can lay the framework for your entire day.
For those morning people who know how to wake up fast and get things done it may seem simple, but what everyone struggles with is knowing how to wake up refreshed. If you're wondering the best way to wake up in the morning and become a better riser, here are a few tips to help improve your morning routine and make your days a little more peaceful — and productive.
How to Wake Up in The Morning
1. Grab a Book, Grab a Journal — Grab literally anything other than your phone.
What you do first thing in the morning is critical to your productivity for the entire day. Take time to fuel your brain with information that will help you grow as a person each morning rather than turning straight to social media. Write down your goals and things you're thankful for, count your blessings or set your intentions for each new day. Let's face it, you can't get on social media these days without seeing some sort of negativity that incites either fear or jealously, so take control of what you let enter your mind first thing in the morning — and leave the social media drama behind.
2. Start the Day with a Cup o' Joe
If you wake up feeling groggy, the caffeine in coffee can give you a big jolt of energy to help you seize the day and save the world... or at least make it to lunchtime without needing a nap. You can program your coffee pot to brew a fresh cup for you as you wake up each morning, making your home smell like your own personal Starbucks. The aroma of coffee is a lot more refreshing to wake up to than a screaming alarm clock. And, the earlier in the day you drink your coffee, the more time your body has to burn off that caffeine before bedtime, making it easier for you to fall asleep.
3. Let the Sunshine In
You know that feeling when you wake up from a good, deep sleep, walk over to your window, fling the curtains open, take a long breath in and feel an overwhelming sense of wakefulness take over your entire body? Well, there's a scientific reason for that, and it's all thanks to your circadian rhythm. Our eyes have receptors that gauge the brightness of light around us and signal to our brain, “It's light and bright — must be daytime", or “It's dark in here — time to go to sleep." When your alarm wakes you up to a dark room, your brain still thinks your body should be in sleep mode making it harder to wake up. Lighting your room will help your brain accept the fact that it is indeed time to wake up. Because of our body's sleep/wake cycle, waking up to natural sunlight can also help you fall and stay asleep at night.
4. Rise and Grind
Exercising first thing in the morning helps your mind and body wake up more naturally and is one of the best ways to help you feel energized and happy. Early morning exercise can also help increase your mental clarity and lead to a productive day at the office. Plus, if you get your exercise done early in the morning, you can take the time to rest and recharge when you get off from work. Routines can help us get ready for bed at night and getting in the routine of disciplining yourself to rise earlier for workouts in the morning can help you wake up feeling more refreshed.
5. Wakey Wakey, Eggs and Bakey
The breakfast chant your parents used to wake you up with actually holds some sort of importance. The best time to wake up in the morning is obviously breakfast time. Your body needs fuel, protein, carbs and fats to function properly. Starting the day off by feeding your body helps you to stay focused, have a full appetite, increases your attention span and prevent any “hangry" attacks. Your car can't run without gas and your body doesn't perform to it's full potential when it's close to empty either, so be sure to fuel up early for a better day.
Remember that time is valuable and what you do with it can be the determining factor of whether you have a good day or bad. While we can't control everything that life throws our way, we can control what we allow to enter our minds and lives first thing in the morning. Positivity brings about more positivity, so follow these simple tips to help you wake up feeling happy and refreshed each morning!
