Are you a morning person? While others can jump out of bed with a lift in their step and a song in their heart, some of us wake up groggy, barely coherent, and in a rather foul mood.
While a lot depends on our natural clock, a few habits can help us start the day feeling more energetic. Read this article for easy tips so you can start the day right.
Turn off the TV before you sleep
If you watch TV to help you fall asleep, set the timer so that it turns off automatically in the middle of the night. The background noise will interfere with your sleep patterns, and prevent you from getting into deeper, more restful sleep.
1. Choose a good mattress and pillow
These will support your back and neck so that you don’t wake up with sore muscles. Consider investing in a Tempur Pedic or memory foam mattress, which will conform to your body shape. Also check if your pillows need replacing: even the best pillows can grow flatter over time, so your head slopes down—contributing to that uncomfortable crick in your neck.
2. Do morning stretches
A few early morning stretches can help your blood circulating to your brain. If you’re stressed out and anxious about the day ahead, try slow, gentle moves like morning yoga to help you focus on the day ahead. Try reciting a positive mantra or meditation. If you’re sluggish and lethargic, try push ups or jumping jacks, or even a few belly-blasting crunches, to wake you up.
3. Control the java
Can’t function without a cup of coffee? Go ahead, enjoy a cup or even two—but taking more than three cups can make you jittery, and may even make you sleepy. If you still feel your energy levels dipping after a second cup, reach for a glass of cold water. Sometimes lethargy is a sign of early dehydration. And, taking in lots of water can stimulate your nervous system.
4. Stick to a routine
Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, or even early morning rituals (a refreshing bath, and a centering ritual like meditation or reading the bible) can prep your body and your mind for the day ahead.
5. Don’t skip breakfast
Studies show that kids who skip breakfast perform poorer in Math and Science tests. The effect of an empty stomach on concentration and memory applies to adults, too. No time for a complicated breakfast? Try fresh fruit, toast and peanut butter (which is known to boost brain power), and fresh juice or milk.
Photo from realbeauty.com