Morning Routines to Jump-Start Your Day

When your alarm goes off each morning, do you face an enormous struggle? If so, you are not alone in your agony. In fact, for millions of people, mornings can be a very painful experience. However, you may be able to make your mornings and the entire day a little more tolerable if you have some morning rituals to follow. Here are some suggestions to help you have a better day.

Brighten the Morning

You may be tempted to keep the blinds or curtains closed after you rise. Many people do not open curtains because the sudden light is painful. However, the pain is short-lived and when you have a bright environment, it helps to reset your body clock to "daytime". You may feel less sleepy and groggy within a few minutes.

Hold Off on the Coffee

For many people, reaching for that first cup of coffee upon is irresistible. The caffeine in coffee restricts blood vessels, raises blood pressure, and can give you a morning boost. However, caffeine can slow down the body clock reset process and make it harder to adjust to daytime living. You do not have to avoid caffeine all day. Waiting as little as 30 minutes can make a big difference. Do not forget, tea, colas, and sports drinks have a considerable amount of caffeine too.

Walk

Walking is one of the best all-around exercises you can get. It takes no special equipment except sturdy shoes. You do not have to work hard and people of all ages in fair health can take advantage of walking. Just fifteen minutes a day can improve your fitness level and make you more alert. If you do not want to walk outside, consider buying a treadmill or visiting a nearby gym.

Eat Breakfast

You might skip breakfast because you have little time or do not feel like eating but breakfast gives the body fuel to make it to lunchtime. It’s best to eat a healthy breakfast. Too much sugar can give you a temporary boost and then a big letdown, causing you to drag throughout the morning. For convenience, you can buy healthy breakfast bars and other items. They do not require cooking and you can eat them as you travel to work.

Give Yourself More Time

Do you normally take a bath or shower when you get up? Bathing can help you wake up but if it is taking up too much time, you should consider bathing at bedtime. A nice warm shower can relax you and help you get to sleep. You will also have more time to get ready in the morning.

Things to Remember

As soon as you wake up, let light in the windows to help you awaken. Wait about a half hour before you drink caffeinated beverages. Get some exercise each morning. Do not forget to eat a healthy breakfast to keep your body going through the morning. If you find yourself hurried, consider shifting some of your morning activities to evening.