5 Ways to Wake Yourself Up and Get Energized

When the morning alarm clock goes off I know just how tempting it can be to hit snooze. Just 10 minutes longer… I won’t be late.. This time of year the dark mornings and cold weather can be one of the most difficult times to wake yourself up and get energized.

Over the many years of forcing myself to get up and stay awake, even when I didn’t feel like it, I’ve found a few strategies that help increase my energy level all day long. I like to tell myself (and others) “oh I’m definitely a morning person, I love getting up early!” But in all honesty, what does that really mean? Does it mean that as soon as that alarm goes off I’m wide awake and feel like I already drank ten cups of coffee? No. Don’t get me wrong, the morning is my absolute favorite time of the day, I LIVE for it. But let’s unpack a little…

Even if it felt like I just hit a wall of bricks, I used to pretend I was wide awake and immediately ready for the day because that’s what “morning people do.” It’s when I forced myself to get up and follow the same routine every day that I found it so rewarding and what it truly meant to be a “morning person.” Still as soon as that alarm goes off my instinct is always to hit snooze and curl up 10 minutes longer. Whose isn’t? It’s when I don’t hit snooze and immediately jump out of bed that I find the most energy in my morning. What I really mean by “I’m a morning person” is that I force myself to get up even if I don’t feel like it. It’s the dedication I have to my morning routine that gets me excited, energized, and alert all day long. This is what resists me from hitting snooze. When the rest of the world is sleeping, I take a step out in to the crisp morning air and find a sense of confidence in myself. I feel that when I have this time to myself I can take on the world.. It’s not always easy, but I promise it’s worth it. Dedication to a morning routine and forcing myself to wake up has changed my motivation and energy in life, and can certainly change yours.

I challenge you to not hit snooze for that extra 10 minutes. To really force yourself to get up, get moving and get excited about your day. Even if you don’t consider yourself a “morning person”, it might just change your outlook.

These are five tips I try to follow each morning to ensure I’m ready to tackle the day ahead. I’d love to hear- what are your “must do” morning routines to keep you alert throughout the day?

1. Don’t Snooze Your Alarm

Believe it or not, research shows that snoozing your alarm confuses your body and leads to that groggy “out of body” feeling which can last for hours. Waking up at the same time every day and actually getting up after shutting off your alarm will help start the day on a positive note.

2. Drink a Large Glass of Water

Your body goes hours without hydration when sleeping. Every morning when waking, I fill a large glass up with water and glug it down. Drinking water first thing in the morning aids in digestion and metabolizes food better, therefore fueling your body for the rest of the day.

3. Exercise

A new study from the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, found that exercising first thing in the morning “improves cognitive performance like decision-making across the day compared to prolonged sitting without exercise.” Even small bouts of exercise such as walking, 10 minute HIIT workouts, or finding a regular morning exercise routine can result in more energy throughout the day.

4. Get Fresh Air

Taking a step outside first thing in the morning to feel the cold air can directly send a shock to your body after it has been in a warm environment for 8+ hours. Taking in the fresh air can deliver more oxygen in to your system, keeping you alert all morning long.

5. Take a Cold(er) Shower

You may want to do this after a sweaty workout anyway! Taking a hot shower in the mornings can leave you drowsy and prolong the same “groggy feeling” from when you first woke up. Healthline states in a recent article that “cold showers help you wake up in the morning” and “the shock increases oxygen intake, heart rate, and alertness.”