Ideally we’d all be morning people, and everyone would rise with no effort at 6am ready to face whatever the day has in store. The reality is somewhat different, with hectic routines many of us try to avoid by using the sanctuary of our duvet and the snooze button. However, with these simple steps, you can get up refreshed and energised, giving that button a break.
Sleep More
It’s the last thing that we want to hear, so we’ve put it first. None of us are perfect and it can be really difficult to get an uninterrupted eight hours at night. Make it a manageable goal, and gradually go to bed earlier each night, to prevent a massive shock to your routine. It may take a few weeks, but you will naturally fall into this new pattern. You should find yourself more energised and more productive during the day.
Move Your Alarm Clock
Something that seems so innocuous, but can really make a massive difference is moving your alarm clock. The key to this of course is to move your alarm, be it a clock or your phone, out of reach from your bed. The act of forcing yourself out of bed and moving will wake you up automatically. You can go for a gentler sound, or something more gradual to make this less surprising, we certainly don’t want you walking into anything!
Blue Light Ban
Any artificial light (TV, Phone, Laptop etc.) before bed is proven to lead to poorer quality sleep. Try and give yourself at least 30 minutes away from screens before you go to bed. Many smart phones now have a “night mode” feature that you can enable. This helps to make the light more natural, in case you need to check something late at night. To avoid this, try reading a book, or anything else relaxing to help rest your mind and your eyes.
Reduce Naps
Overcome the urge to take naps during the day. If you do feel the need, try to take them before 3pm, then they won’t interfere with your sleep schedule. Your naps should also be around 10-30 minutes long, in order to avoid sleep inertia. This is where you are in a deep sleep and are suddenly awoken, making you feel groggy and confused. Oversleeping can make you more tired, and leaves you lethargic and lacking energy. It is comparable to being in a constant state of slight jet lag, due to never being in sync during the day.
Think Positive
And finally, thinking positively can make you look forward to the morning. Lots of people associate the mornings very negatively, and think of all the stressful aspects of their day. Instead, think of all the rewarding and upbeat things you will do in the day. This will change your perspective in the mornings, making it much easier to wake up.
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