We’ve all been there: staying in bed for just five more minutes, hoping for a few more moments of sleep, but feeling like you can’t get out of bed because of the overwhelming grogginess. A good night’s sleep is essential, but short of opting for day naps, what else can you do to gain more alertness in the morning? Here are some tips to get you started.
Make Sure You Get Adequate Quality Sleep
Having a good night sleep is the most important part of making sure you are well-rested in the morning. If you find yourself constantly feeling groggy in the morning, it is important to evaluate your sleep patterns and routines. Make sure that you are not relying on too much caffeine for a boost in energy, as this can actually make it harder for you to fall asleep. Additionally, create a sleep schedule and stick to it; the more you can make sure that you are going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, the less groggy and tired you will feel in the morning.
Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol might make you feel relaxed and sleepy when you consume it, but it can have long-term negative effects on your sleeping habits. The body metabolizes alcohol slowly, which can cause you to wake up in the night and thus have an overall worse quality of sleep. Studies have shown that people who indulge in alcohol find it harder to wake up in the morning and feel less energized. Therefore it is better to avoid alcohol if you want to become more awake in the morning.
Create a Morning Ritual
By creating a morning ritual, or specific list of tasks to do every morning, you can restructure your day and encourage your body and mind to get used to the idea of being awake. Start your morning with something simple like stretching or yoga for as little as 10 minutes and progress to other tasks like reading, journaling, or meditation. This can be a great way to alternate with physical and mental tasks, helping you to stay focused and productive.
Get Some Exercise
Exercising in the morning is a great way to boost energy levels and increase alertness. Working out increases blood flow to your brain and releases endorphins which help to decrease feelings of fatigue. In addition, exercising in the morning can increase comprehension, concentration and decision-making abilities. Exercise can be anything from taking a quick walk to going to the gym or doing a 30-60 minute workout regimen.
Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated during the day is essential to ensure that your body is functioning properly. Drinking several glasses of water in the morning can wake your body up, as it is naturally dehydrated from the night before. Moreover, it helps to flush out toxins from the body and increases alertness. Keep some water by your bed to make sure you get at least a couple of glasses when waking up.
Brighten Up Your Environment
When your body is exposed to bright light, it stimulates activity in the brain and helps you to stay awake. Natural light is best, but if you’re in an area that doesn’t get enough sunlight, you can try increasing the wattage of your light bulbs or adding a sun lamp.
Listening to Uplifting Music
Never underestimate the power of music! Listening to uplifting music can help to wake your body up, as well as put you in a positive and productive mindset. Research has proven that music can help to increase alertness, sharpen focus, and improve memory. So next time you’re feeling drowsy, put on some upbeat music and get moving!
Getting enough restful sleep and staying hydrated are key for having more energy in the morning. Additionally, creating a morning routine, exercising, brightening up your environment, and listening to uplifting music can also be beneficial for helping to become more awake. Experiment with these tips to find out which works best for you and your body!
