Waking up in the morning isn't always as simple as jumping out of bed, ready for the day. Once you've overcome the hurdle of actually waking up, you then need to get your body and mind online. Feeling groggy first thing in the morning definitely isn't uncommon, but some people find it harder to shake than others.
When you struggle to get your brain in gear so you're ready for the day, it can seem like a lost cause. Maybe you feel like you've already tried everything so you've just accepted that mornings are difficult. But if you want to turn yourself into an early bird and make the most of your mornings, there are actually lots of things that could help you start your day off right.
Don't Lounge in Bed
It's always tempting to lounge around in bed in the morning, especially when you can just roll over and grab your phone. But the longer you stay in bed, the more you will delay your ability to get started with your day. You might think that scrolling on your phone helps to wake your mind up, but it could just be a big time waster. You might even find you end up falling back asleep. By getting out of bed as soon as you're awake, you can start making the most of your day. Even if you do want to spend some time on your phone, catching up on the news, or reading a book, it's a good idea to do it somewhere else instead of in the place where you sleep.Make the Most of Daylight
Exposure to sunlight helps with regulating your circadian rhythms, which improves your sleep patterns. It can also help you wake up in the morning by getting your body and mind to recognize that it's daytime. If you can, open up your curtains or blinds to let light into your bedroom and the rest of your home in the morning. If it's still too dark, you can still use artificial light to help you wake up. Some people like to use a light alarm clock, which slowly brightens their room and can be a useful tool for those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder.Stimulate Your Brain
When your brain feels slow and groggy in the morning, it's tough to get anything done. But making an active choice to get your brain engaged can really help you be more focused during the rest of the day. There are lots of things you could do to stimulate your brain and get your synapses firing. Try playing a game like spider solitaire, freecell solitaire or mahjong, or doing a puzzle such as a crossword, word search, or sudoku. You might also like to read, listen to a podcast, or maybe watch the news. Any activity that you need to engage with will help you get thinking and start focusing.Eat a Nutritious Breakfast
Fuelling your body is just as important as stimulating your mind. You need the right nutrients and energy in the morning to set you up for the rest of the day. Not everyone is a big fan of breakfast, but even just managing to eat a small amount can help you feel better about taking on the day. There are plenty of options, so you might just need to explore and find something you enjoy for breakfast. Oatmeal can provide slow-release energy to get you through the morning, while fruit can be a light breakfast for anyone who struggles with heavy meals in the morning. Adding supplements like all-organic lion's mane powder to your coffee or smoothie can support brain function, helping with focus and mental clarity as you ease into the day.
Try Some Morning Exercise
As well as getting your mind moving, you can get your body moving in the morning too. A little exercise can go a long way, helping you feel more invigorated and energetic. You don't have to do anything particularly strenuous, although some people do like to start their morning with a run or a strength training session. You could go for a walk, try some yoga, do some stretches, or perhaps do tai chi. You can exercise at home too, so you don't necessarily have to go to the gym or even leave your house to get moving in the morning.Take an Invigorating Shower
A morning shower can definitely help you wake up, but it's a good idea to think about how you use your shower. Spending too long in the shower might not actually help you start your morning in the way you want. While it might be enjoyable, it could take a big chunk out of the available time you have and it might not really wake you up. A shorter shower can be much more invigorating because you have to focus on finishing up, instead of standing there doing nothing. If you really want a refreshing shower, making it cooler could kickstart your morning.Get a Sleep Study
Do you consistently wake up feeling tired and groggy, even if you go to bed and fall asleep at a sensible time? Maybe you even find yourself falling asleep during the day. If you often struggle with tiredness, there could be something else going on. A sleep study could reveal if you're waking up frequently without realizing it or if you're not getting enough REM sleep. To get a sleep study carried out, you can ask your doctor about getting a referral to a sleep specialist. Sleep studies could reveal issues such as sleep apnea or other sleep disorders.If it's revealed that you do have a sleep disorder, getting the right treatment is the next step. This could include a few different things, depending on the exact nature of the sleep disorder. If you have sleep apnea, you might benefit from wearing a mask at night, and you might also be advised to lose weight or make other lifestyle changes. Treatment could also include medication, such as a prescription for restless leg syndrome, or therapy to help treat issues such as insomnia.
Mornings don't have to be a struggle. With the right morning routine, you can conquer them and start the day right.
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