Show of hands for all you ladies out there who aren’t morning people at all. My mornings always involve hitting the snooze button 10 times for at least 10 different alarms set every 10 minutes over an hour. The first hour of my day is all a blur until I get my first sip of coffee. If this sounds like you, give me a high five and read on.
Here are 10 simple hacks you and I can try to naturally boost our energy levels in the mornings.
- Strategically place your alarm beyond arm’s reach.
This one’s a no-brainer. The only way to keep you from hitting that snooze button so conveniently is to put your alarm (most likely your phone) somewhere else that is not your bedside table or beneath your pillow. Doing this will definitely get you up good because you have to literally get up from bed to turn off the annoying alarm noise.
- Make your bed.
There’s a famous quote by William H. McRaven that goes, “If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.” There is wisdom in that. If you want to make your mornings feel more productive, fluff your pillows and tuck in your sheets. It may seem like a mundane task, but it will start your day off with a sense of accomplishment, setting you up for more wins for the rest of the day.
- Do the 90-second shower trick.
If you haven’t already heard of this nifty trick, there is a way to make your showers more beneficial than just making you smell good. Just when you’re about to finish your shower, simply blast yourself with cold water for 30 seconds, then hot water for 30 seconds, and finish with cold water for the last 30 seconds. These rapid temperature changes will increase your body’s blood flow and stimulate your mind and body.
- Include healthy fat in your coffee.
Coffee is my lifeblood, and maybe yours too. Amp up your morning cups of joe by adding 2 teaspoons of coconut oil or butter. Keto dieters are familiar with this. The addition of healthy fats will make the caffeine metabolize slower and work better throughout the day, increasing its effects for alertness longer.
- You won’t want to hear this, but I’ll say it anyway – Exercise.
Morning exercises are the best way to boost your energy levels and get you started for your day. Working out increases your body’s endorphin levels, giving you more energy and improves your mood. This will also kickstart your metabolism and signal your body to burn more calories. Do this regularly not only for better energy in the mornings, but for your overall health too.
- Chug up on warm lemon water.
Warm lemon water flushes out toxins and aids the digestive system. It is also a rich source of nutrients like potassium, calcium and vitamin C. Drinking this as part of your daily morning routine keeps your body hydrated and oxygenated, boosting your energy levels in the first hour of your day.
- Have a banana with breakfast.
These yellow bundles of joy are an excellent way to start your morning right. A banana’s combination of complex carbohydrates, amino acids, sugar, and brain-boosting vitamins kickstart your body and energize your mornings.
- Play your favorite jam.
Pick your favorite dance playlist on Spotify and play it as you get ready for work or sending your kids to school. These catchy upbeat songs will pump you up and get you excited to start your day.
- Let the sunlight in.
As soon as you wake up, open up your window blinds and let the sunshine in. Sunlight naturally signals your body that it is time to wake up.
- Treat yourself to aromatherapy.
Essential oils can significantly help reduce grogginess. Eucalyptus and peppermint scents promote alertness, focus, and also stimulate your senses. Rosemary jumpstarts your brain functions, resulting in better mental focus. Citrus reduces stress by boosting your body’s serotonin production. Some studies also show that sniffing an orange peel can reduce anxiety and increase alertness.
This list has been adapted from the original article by Eight Sleep.
Which energy-boosting tip in this list are you keen on trying out ASAP? Let us know in the comments below!
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