Wake-Up Tips For Morning Grumps
How many times did you press the snooze button this morning? It’s hard to jump out of bed when you’re snuggled up in a blanket. Your loved ones know to avoid you before your first coffee if you’re not a morning person. Whether you stayed up binging TV or sleeping is your favorite hobby, here are some tips to wake up refreshed:
1. Morning Routine
Having a morning routine helps for many reasons. First of all, it gives you purpose to get out of bed and start your day. You can plan a routine that suits you, with tasks you do before you move on to work or class, or whatever it may be. Give yourself time to journal, walk, or brew your favorite tea before you get ready, brush your teeth, and make your bed.
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2. Set A Curfew For Your Phone
It’s easy to get wrapped up in endless scrolling on your mobile after you hop into bed. But if you want a restful sleep, the bright light won't help your eyes rest and social media might not calm you down.Try setting a time to be off your phone twenty minutes before bed. If you can’t help it some nights, set your display to “night mode” because it’s easier on the eyes.
3. Don’t Hit Snooze
We know hitting the snooze button is your first reaction when your alarm rudely interrupts your beauty sleep. You probably want to throw it out the window too. Hitting snooze multiple times isn’t doing you any favors. You’ll feel better getting up shortly after the first alarm so try setting the time a little later instead.
4. Don’t Crawl Back To Bed
After you get up, stay up. We know, the cozy unmade bed looks so tempting to jump back into, but remember how hard it was the first time to get out of it? If you crawl back to bed, getting up a second time will just make you more miserable.
5. Move Your Body
Physical exercise is good for you in more ways than weight loss or muscle gain, it’ll help with your sleep at night and your energy during the day. Add exercise to your day when you can, whether that’s a workout class at the gym or an evening jog after work.
6. Consistency Is Key
You don’t have to have your entire day scheduled but having a bit of routine will help with the morning blues. If you go to bed and wake up around the same time every day, eventually those mornings will get easier because your body gets used to waking up at that time.
7. Prepare The Night Before
You will thank your past self if you get a head start. Set yourself up for success by getting organized in the evening beforehand. You can do this by packing your bag, making your lunch, or choosing your outfit at night so you can take it off your morning to-do list.
8. Have A Bedtime
Having a bedtime doesn’t mean you have to go to bed when the sun goes down but find a time that works for your schedule. Try to hit the pillow at a time that gives you an 8-hour window of sleeping potential if you can.
9. Get Some Sunshine
Rise and shine!–– It’s time to soak up some rays. If you can get outside shortly after you wake up it’ll do wonders for your energy throughout the day. Try facing the sun without looking directly at it and feel its warmth fuel you with good vibes and Vitamin D.
10. Shower Time
Some folks are nighttime bathers while others prefer to shower in the morning. Whatever you choose, you’ll feel refreshed because you’ll either wake up clean or the morning shower will wake you up. Splashing your face with cool water will also help those groggy eyes.
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11. Treat Yourself
Give yourself a reason to get up. If you treat yourself each morning with your favorite coffee or a morning stroll, it’ll motivate you to get out of bed. You should find something that’s (almost) better than sleeping to inspire you and start your day happy.
12. Avoid Late Coffee Breaks
But first, coffee. Caffeine affects sleep for a lot of people. If you want to wake up refreshed, a good night’s sleep is the best method and you might have to skip an afternoon latte. Try to have your caffeinated bevies before noon if the caffeine keeps you up at night.
13. Social Distance Your Alarm Clock
Whether you liked it or not, we all learned about social distancing. If you can place your alarm clock out of arm’s reach it’ll force you to get up to stop the sound. Try it a few times before you decide it’s not the method for you.
14. A Little Light Therapy
Some people swear by their theraputic lamps. If you have trouble getting up in the morning, a therapy light might be what you’re missing. These lamps are designed with energizing hues that boost your happiness first thing in the AM.
15. Evening Routine
An evening routine is just as important as a morning regime. Try a few things that help wind you down and prepare yourself for sleep. Simple things like washing your face, reading a book, or having a bath might be all you need, but having a consistent schedule will help you get up the next day refreshed.
16. Power Naps
Yes, we’re telling you to sleep more! A power nap in the afternoon can be beneficial to the rest of your day and the next day ahead. Don’t nap much longer than thirty minutes though or it could have the opposite effect.
17. Start Your Day Phoneless
End your day and start your day without your beloved device. If you don’t reach for your phone right away it’ll prevent you from staying in bed longer and it’ll help keep you mindful. Decreasing your screen time, in general, has positive effects on your well-being.
18. Wake Up To Music
Instead of an ear-splitting alarm, try changing the sound to music. If mornings already make you grumpy, you don’t need to make it worse with an annoying sound. Wake up to your favorite tune and maybe you’ll start the day off with a little booty shaking.
19. Don’t Snack In Bed
If you get the nighttime munchies, just don’t take the snacks to your bed. If eating is the last thing you do before you sleep it could take you longer to wind down. Plus, you won’t feel refreshed in the morning if you wake up with crumbs in your hair.
20. Drink Water!
Don’t roll your eyes, just drink lots of water! Keeping yourself hydrated will help with your sleep and the dark circles under your eyes. Side note–– don’t save your eight glasses a day for the evening in case it causes midnight trips to the bathroom.