We all know the struggle of having to drag ourselves out of bed in the morning when all we want is a little longer in bed. Those early mornings are especially difficult after a change in routine, if you suddenly have to start waking up earlier than you’ve been used to. A lot of people rely on coffee to wake up and muster enough energy to face a full day at work. But if you’re looking for alternatives to caffeine, then here are a few tips and tricks to help you wake up more easily and naturally.
Let the sun be your alarm clock
It’s so much easier to sleep when it’s dark, which is why blackout blinds can help people who have to sleep during the day. So, if you’re trying to wake up early, try leaving your curtains or blinds open. The sunlight is likely to wake you up and may also decrease your melatonin levels, helping you feel more alert and awake.
Keep your alarm out of reach
If you’re guilty of hitting snooze repeatedly until you’re running late, then try leaving your phone or alarm clock on the other side of the room. This forces you to get out of bed to turn it off, and just getting out of bed is often the hardest part. Alternatively, there are some alarm apps you could try that force you to complete a puzzle or take a photo of your kettle, for example, before the alarm will stop ringing.
Stretch or exercise
If your problem isn’t with getting out of bed but with feeling alert once you’re up, then starting the day with some stretches or exercise could help. This gets the blood pumping and gives you endorphins, helping to lift your mood and give you energy for the day ahead.
A cold shower
If you’re strong enough to face a cold shower first thing in the morning, then this is certain to give you the jolt you need to wake you up properly. It will be a shock to the system at first, but you might get used to it and it can offer you other benefits.
Wake up with water
You’re likely to be thirsty after around 8 hours in bed without drinking anything, and fatigue is a common symptom of dehydration. So, it’s a good idea to keep a glass or bottle of water by your bed so you can chug some when your alarm goes off. This will rehydrate you and help to boost your energy levels and alertness.
Make sure you always have fresh, good-tasting water readily available in your home with a bottled water delivery service from Mountain Park Spring Water. And try a water cooler so you can wake up in the morning with a glass of cold water. Contact us to find out more about our services across Virginia and North Carolina.