If you’re not a morning person, don’t fret. Studies conducted over the past few years indicate that only between 30-40 percent of folks surveyed claimed to love leaping out of bed at first light and charging into the new day, bright-eyed and bushy tailed. The rest of us sleepy heads need more than a little help to crawl out of bed and feel something close to human.
We’re talking about the need to feel OK and mildly ready to face the world in the first few minutes when you awaken -- even before you shuffle out into the kitchen to make that oh-so critical first cup of black coffee or honey lemon zinger tea.
To help you feel positive and energized as soon as you roll out of bed, try these 12 different anti-grogginess tips!
Cultivate Grateful Thoughts
Whatever was the last thought on your mind at night will be the first thing on your mind when you wake up in the morning. So, turn off TVs, phones, and computers long before bedtime and create an aura of calmness. Once in the retreat of your comfy bed, quietly focus on the things that you are grateful for in your life right before you fall asleep.
Dance to the Alarm
“I dance to my alarm clock which helps in elating my mood from the beginning of the day and keeps me refreshed throughout the day since i love dancing.” – Radhika Choubey, Quora
Breathe Invigorating Scents
Inhaling the scents of various natural oils can help fight sleepiness. While there are many citrus essential oils, the most effective scents for waking up are lemon and sweet orange. Studies show that sweet orange scents can help lower stress and improve mood when inhaled. Similarly, lemon scent was shown to enhance creativity.
Inhaling herbal sage scents can create a sensation of peace and focus, making it easier to take on more tasks throughout the day with less stress. Peppermint oil may improve alertness and memory, and rosemary can leave you feeling refreshed, providing a pick-me-up for your mood, brain activity, and nervous system.
Also, the scent of coffee is thought to be nearly as effective as the brewed beverage itself for waking up the senses in a pleasurable way.
--Webmd.com; photo, Hellosehat.com
Look at Your Houseplants
“It’s very satisfying to wake up and see healthy plants you have taken care of. A pet might produce the same feelings.” – Vicki Wootton, Quora
Write Yourself a Love Note
Psychotherapist Dawn Delgado suggests leaving yourself a positive note the night before that will brighten up your morning. "Give yourself a message of encouragement like you would to a good friend or a child in your life," Delgado says. This may feel silly at first, but waking up to a note from you to you that says things like, "You're doing a great job" or "This is going to be an amazing day for you," will surely add some pep to your step.
Eat Watermelon
Even minor dehydration can cause you to wake up not feeling your best. This yummy fruit is 90 percent water, provides a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and houses the amino acid L-citrulline, which may help reduce muscle soreness. Start your day with a bowl full of watermelon for the ultimate hydration and a burst of energy. – Healthline.com
Get a Non-alarming Alarm Clock
If you must wake up to an alarm clock, choose one that wakes you gently. There are various types of alarm clocks available these days that can awaken you with light mimicking the effect of sunrise, sounds of nature, and gently jaunty music. Many smartphone apps allow you to choose your favorite music or sounds to wake up to.
Soak up the Sunlight
Open the curtains and let the morning light shine in. Standing in the sunlight and letting its rays warm you first thing in the morning can help reset your body’s internal clock and improve your mood and energy levels. Exposure to daylight, even on a cloudy day, reduces melatonin levels which will help you feel more alert and awake.
Get Moving
Whether it’s a simple stretching exercise, jumping jacks, or a full-on jog around the park, starting your day off like this will give you a boost of energy that will release you from the stupor of sleep. – Mybedframes.co.uk
Take a Warm-to-Cool Shower
Get into a very warm, comforting shower and gradually reduce the water temperature until it’s lukewarm, and then refreshingly cool. Five minutes is the perfect length of time for this uplifting morning routine.
Take Some Hope and Joy
If homeopathic remedies work for you, consider taking two drops of the natural Bach flower remedies on the tongue or in a glass of water when you wake up. The homeopathic combination of Star of Bethlehem, gorse, and sweet chestnut help give an optimistic attitude, a feeling of hope, and clear away gloomy thoughts.
Pull Your Hair
If you simply can’t roll out of bed despite your best efforts, tug your hair. Gently pulling your hair not only gives you an eye-opening twinge; it also helps stimulate blood flow to your scalp. Of course, if you take this advice to heart, don’t go overboard. Pulling your hair may get you going, but if you do it too hard, it’s also likely to tick you off — at yourself.
Photos: Pexels.com, unless otherwise indicated.
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