There are some people who can jump out of bed looking amazing, feeling incredible, and ready to embrace the day. Then there are those who struggle with that early alarm call and find it impossibly difficult to crawl out from under the duvet. While there is nothing wrong with us night owls, it can sometimes be frustrating how arduous and challenging it is to get stuff done in the morning. And, with the sudden switch to working remotely, this struggle, for many, has become even more prevalent.
So, whether you’re reading this article at the crack of dawn, or (more likely) nearing the middle of the night, we’ve come up with some tips to help you start your day off in the best way possible.
#1 You snooze, you lose
Yep, we’re probably all guilty of this. The lure of hitting the snooze button and having more time in bed can be very tempting, but in reality, a few more minutes will only allow for low-quality ‘light’ sleep, which doesn’t give your body enough time to enter a full sleep cycle and will ultimately leave you feeling more tired than before.
Our top tip? Try to build a regular sleep schedule into your routine. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day will help to maintain a smooth Circadian Rhythm and in turn, regulate your energy levels to leave you feeling fresh and energized throughout the day.
#2 Give breakfast a try
Not everyone can stomach a hearty meal when they wake up, but there have been studies to suggest that a protein-rich breakfast can help give your body the energy boost it needs. Naturally social and economic factors play a huge role in the food available to us and dietary requirements might prevent you from trying out different ingredients, but if you are lucky enough to be in a position where breakfast is a viable option, then yogurts, fruits, oats, and almonds all make a great combination.
#3 Meditate
There are numerous studies and research cases to purport that the regular practice of meditation can help us to process information, improve memory, and reach a level of calmness in high-pressure or stressful situations.
Out top tip? Start your day with 10 to 20 minutes of quiet meditation. The simple act of freeing your mind might just give you the calm and clear head you need to proactively tackle the day ahead.
#4 Exercise
You might feel that exercise is the last thing on your mind in the morning, but any physical activity that gets the heart rate up and blood flowing is more likely to raise your energy and regular exercise can make you feel less tired in the long run. Even a short 15-minute walk can give you an energy boost!
#5 Set goals
With the lure of the internet and social media apps at our fingertips, it’s all too easy to find yourself procrastinating before work has even begun. We recommend writing a task list the evening before so that you have a solid plan with set actions to help guide you through the next day.
#6 Get out of those pajamas!
Being in your pajamas is great and incredibly comfortable, but the association they have with sleep and lounging can be detrimental to your energy levels. It’s always a good idea to shed the bed-wear for day-wear so that you feel refreshed and ready to conquer the tasks ahead.
#7 Stay hydrated
“One of the biggest indicators of lethargy or low energy is that you are dehydrated." – explains Rania Batayneh, a nutritionist. Make it your habit to start the day with a large glass of water or cup of tea.
#8 Reward yourself
Find something that motivates you to get out of bed in the morning. A steaming hot cup of coffee, an article you’ve been meaning to read, or a morning walk around the block – if you have something to look forward to, it’ll make waking up that little bit easier.
#9 Visualize your goals
Start your day by visualizing what you want to achieve. Sometimes the simple act of imagining your achievements is the easiest way to motivate yourself toward reaching them.
#10 Engage socially
What’s a more positive start to the day than a nice catch-up with a colleague, friend, family member or partner? Positive interactions with a familiar face can help give you the mood boost you need to get your head in the right place.
And, if you’re lucky enough to own a pet, then give them a cuddle too – a quick morning cuddle can help you to feel calm, relaxed and happy, and keep those positive vibes flowing through the rest of your day.