If you’re not a morning person, waking up in the morning can feel like a struggle, especially if you were up late the night before. Feeling groggy after waking yourself up in the morning could also deter you from getting up earlier than you normally would. However, if you’d like to get into the habit of being an early riser or getting up without feeling groggy, look no further. This list of tips includes a range of steps sure to meet the needs of any night owl.
Here’s how to wake yourself up in the morning (even if you’re groggy).
Put Your Alarm Out of Reach
Sometimes you might find yourself scrolling in those minutes before you fall asleep. And then your phone ends up in your bed or on the side table charging nearby. That alarm may be on your phone or a formal alarm clock that sits besides your bed. Whichever it is, make sure that it’s out of reach so that you don’t end up snoozing your alarm.
Stretch Your Body
Yes, waking up fully without going back to bed can be as easy as getting a good stretch. That’s not all of course, but it is a start. In an article by Healthline, experts recommend stretching because it literally wakes up your body. While you’re sleeping, your muscles become paralyzed. Once awake, stretching allows you to reactivate them by releasing energy-stimulating endorphins. You could even take it as far as doing a bit of yoga when you first leave the bed, which is said to help boost energy levels and brain function.
Wake Yourself Up In the Morning With Light
Now that you’ve put your alarm out of reach and done some stretching, wake yourself up in the morning with light. Walk over to the nearest window or room with a window to open your blinds or curtains. Letting in light will help to wake up your body too, according to this article by Headspace. It increases alertness. If you can’t get to a window, bright lights within your home will also do the job. Turn on your brightest light and prepare to feel awakened.
Take a Cool Shower
Taking a cool shower first thing in the morning can really wake your body up. Of course, you might desire that warm water as comfort, but it won’t make you feel any less groggy. The change in body temperature will get the job done. And be sure to do it before breakfast and before your morning social media scroll (if you can).
Listen To Your Favorite Upbeat Song
Maybe your alarm has a music feature, and your favorite upbeat song can wake you up in the morning, helping you feel less groggy. And if it doesn’t have that feature, make sure that your favorite upbeat song is within a scroll’s reach. The jolt of energy that music can send through our bodies can get us up and moving before the grogginess sets in. Feel free to bust out a dance move or two.
Will you incorporate these steps into your morning routine? Hopefully, this can bring the grogginess down and help you start your day more smoothly.