By Keely Cohen-Breen
BEEP BEEP BEEEEEEEEEP!!! The alarm signals the start of another long and agonizing morning. UGH! Whether you’re waking up for school, work, or just to get a few more things checked off your to-do list, the morning can be a struggle. Luckily for all you non-morning people, here are a few ways to make your morning start out brighter!
1. Balanced Breakfast
One of the best ways to kickstart your sluggish morning is to eat a balanced breakfast! Enjoying a healthy breakfast can give you the perfect amount of energy to start your hectic day off right. Just go ahead and dive right into some fruit, yogurt, granola, oatmeal, egg, anything — you name it!
2. Planning the Night Before
The last thing anyone wants to feel in the morning is rushed. Debates on what to wear, how to style your hair or what to eat can all slow you down. This is especially true if you like to soak in those last few minutes before rolling out of bed. So a great way to combat this problem is planning out everything you will do in the morning the night before; helpful because you are more full of energy. This is a real time-saver and will make you feel more prepared for the long day ahead.
3. Yoga
Ahhhhhhhh, yoga. If you don’t already take part in the wondrous activity — you might want to start! Doing yoga when you first wake up can help clear your mind, calm you down before the craziness of the day starts and overall make you feel more balanced and centered. Yoga is one of the best ways to start your morning out; balanced and mentally energized. And, as an added bonus, it’s great exercise. Basically it’s a win-win!
4. Mini Jam Session
Meredith Grey and Christina Yang of “Grey’s Anatomy” had it right when they started the “dance it out” trend! Putting on your favorite song while still in your pajamas and jumping and dancing around to it helps to make your mornings more positive. This mini jam sesh can help wake up your mind as well as your body. Why wouldn’t you want to rock out to “Eye of the Tiger” at the crack of dawn?!
5. Strategic Slipper Placement
What’s the best solution to help fight off that regret of getting out of bed? How about some toasty slippers! By remembering to put your favorite slippers or fuzzy socks right next to your bed the night before, you guarantee your grumpy morning self some warmth and simplistic happiness. Oh, let me tell you, in the blustery winter months, this will be the best thing you can do for yourself.
6. Going to Bed Earlier
I know, I know, this one is obvious but it really does help. Just think of it like this: going to bed even just five minutes earlier can give you five extra minutes in the morning to do whatever you want, five extra minutes to feel less rushed. Going to bed earlier is a foolproof plan to feel better and more awake in the groggy mornings.
7. Going for a Run/Walk
Starting your day off with a run or walk around the block can lead to increased energy throughout the entire day. According to Medical Daily’s website, “Running or walking in the morning can lead to the release of Endocannabinoids in the brain which is a serious mood booster, can help reduce high blood pressure, and even help you lose weight,” all before you even head off into the craziness of the day. It doesn’t even have to be a long or hard jog which is the best part! You are the boss and you make the rules!
8. Open your Blinds First Thing in the Morning
Let there be light! This is the most helpful method for me. It helps me get excited and ready for the day. One of the simplest things you can do to assist your mind in waking up is to let the sun’s happy rays into your room. Honestly, it only takes a few seconds. The sun is your friend in the morning, so let him help!
9. Preset Your Coffee Maker
Nothing beats a fresh cup of coffee in the morning. Even just the smell of a great cup of coffee in the a.m. can instantly get you excited and ready for your day. By presetting your coffee maker the night before, you can spend less time waiting around and more time sipping on liquid energy!
10. Reading an Inspirational Quote
“Always believe that something wonderful is about to happen” — Dr. Sukhraj Dhillon. Doesn’t reading that just strike inspiration into your heart and soul? Smiling and believing that any day has the potential to be a great one really does help you have a more positive morning. It’s easy, too! You have access to all of Google’s wonders on your smartphone with the touch of a button so this even works on-the-go style, go on and give it a try!
Mornings don’t have to be as terrible and daunting as they may seem. With these little tips, I hope you shine brighter everyday!
APN 