What kind of morning person are you? Do you hide bleary-eyed under the covers only stirring to press the “snooze” button on the alarm? Or do you wake up refreshed and ready for everything that the day has to throw at you?
Even if you’re a true morning person, the most motivated and lively of us can have off days, and wonder how to wake up with gusto. But it doesn’t have to be a hassle - there are tried and tested things you can do to learn how to wake up refreshed and prepared for the day ahead.
Just follow our step-by-step guide and, before you know it, you’ll discover a whole new zest for life and won’t just look forward to the day ahead, you’ll positively embrace it.
Step 1. Get a good night’s sleep
It’s obvious really. One of the most important factors in being able to wake up refreshed is to have had full night’s unbroken sleep the night before. But to do this there are a number of crucial factors, the most important of which is having a comfortable bed and a relaxed atmosphere in which to sleep. So think about replacing your mattress if it’s starting to feel a little tired itself – the Sleep Council recommend that the maximum life span of one should be 8 years if you really want to get all the support you need.
In recent years there’s also been quite a lot of research into the effects on looking at phone and tablet screens before going to bed. Apparently the blue light they emit limits our production of melatonin, the hormone that controls our sleep patterns, so the general advice is to stop using them at least 30 minutes before you plan to go to sleep.
Last, but not least, keeping your bedroom tidy makes it a far more relaxing place to go to sleep in and to wake up in too.
Step 2. Avoid the temptation to snooze
We’ve already mentioned how easy it can be to reach for the “snooze” button to enjoy a few extra minutes in your warm and, hopefully, comfortable bed. But you’re only putting off the inevitable.
So if you really want to know how to wake up in the morning then the first thing to do is to put your alarm a little way from the bed. After all, if it’s out of reach and you have to get up to turn it off, you’ll be half way to getting up yourself.
It’s also much better to have a gentle alarm or one that gradually increases in volume instead of a harsh bell or a buzzer. That way you’ll be far less inclined to automatically react by switching it off when it sounds.
If you really can’t resist the temptation to snooze then try setting the alarm to go off a little earlier than usual to factor in that extra time in bed.
Step 3. Try a little exercise
Having a healthy morning routine is another sure-fire way to get a great start to the day. It doesn’t mean getting down to the gym before it opens or taking on a 10k run before breakfast. It can be a lot gentler than that.
Start by doing a few stretches first just to loosen up your joints and get your muscles working. You should also concentrate on your posture, standing up straight with your feet flat on the floor. This helps to get the oxygen flowing more easily round your body bringing it fully back to life after its overnight shutdown.
If you know any yoga or Pilates moves , this is also the ideal time to put them into practice. But remember to go gently and give yourself time for a proper warm up. Focusing on your breathing is also important as it can help prepare both your body and your mind for the day ahead.
Step 4. Give yourself a breakfast of champions
It may be a cliché that breakfast is the most important meal of the day but it’s true. It helps you lay down precious reserves of energy that will see you through until lunchtime.
The first thing you need to do is rehydrate with a fruit juice or even a cup of hot water enriched with honey and lemon. What you eat is important too and, while sugary cereals my give an instant energy hit, the effect is short lived.
Have something that releases energy more slowly like porridge or a natural muesli whose sweetness comes from the dried fruits it contains. A boiled egg with soldiers is always a good option too thanks to its combination of protein and carbs.
Hopefully these tips have given you some great ideas about how to start your day, including the best way to wake up. Now why not start putting them into practice and give your day a boost.
