There are some people that are ready to rise at the crack of dawn, but there are plenty of others that struggle to get out of bed each morning. When you wake up tired, even five more minutes of sleep might sound like heaven.
Waking up groggy can have an impact on your entire day. It could leave you stressed and scrambling to get things done. You might feel too tired to focus on important tasks.
What can you do to improve the way you feel at the start of the day? You’ll need to establish positive changes in your life. You should make a point of setting and sticking with a reasonable bedtime so that you can get a full night of sleep. When you’re well-rested, you’ll be ready to climb out of bed and get your day off to the right start.
These evidence-backed tips from Beautyrest experts will help you to feel calmer and happier in the morning.
1. Stop Using an Alarm
Does your alarm clock startle you awake each morning? Loud sounds can certainly wake you up, but that doesn’t mean it’s a healthy way to start your day. In fact, there are researches in Japan looking at the connection between alarm clocks and heart attacks. If you need a sound to wake you up, try programming your phone to play a song you enjoy. You don’t need to blast your music. Just let the song serve as a reminder that it’s time to get up. Music can be energizing, and it can also put you in a good mood. You may find that waking up this way helps you to feel less anxious.
2. Ground Yourself
There’s often a lot to take care of in the morning, and that can be a major source of stress. If you wake up just a few minutes earlier, you could use that time to ground yourself before the rush begins. Set aside some time for yourself each morning. You could journal, stress, or try meditation. No matter what you do, it’ll help you to prepare for the challenges ahead.
3. Find Ways to Be Thankful
It’s easy to focus on the negative in the morning, especially when you don’t feel much like heading to work. Try to shift your mindset by listing the things that you’re grateful for. Make a list of five things that you’re glad for at the start of the day. Redirect your thoughts so that you can maintain a positive perspective. Even if you’re only listing minor positives, like the coffee maker in the break room at work, being grateful can change the way you feel about life.
4. Avoid Electronics
Do you immediately reach for your phone or check the TV when you get up? You might be curious about what’s going on in the world, but that doesn’t mean scrolling through social media or watching the news is going to put you in a good mood. When you get up, try to ignore your electronics for a little while. Give yourself the opportunity to acclimate to the new day and set aside time for yourself. Don’t add more stress to your day until it’s absolutely necessary.
5. Find Ways to Get Active
It can be very beneficial to get some exercise in at the start of the day. Exercising causes the body to produce endorphins, which naturally elevates the mood. It can be especially helpful to get that exercise outdoors. Being outside for just a few minutes can have a positive impact on your mental health. Take a few minutes to go for a walk, run around the block, or to just appreciate nature.