Grumpy no more: Tips to become a morning person
Being a morning person is not everyone’s cup of tea. While some of us don’t have to make any efforts to wake up bright and early, others find rising up with the sun the hardest thing in the world. The latter make ‘five more minutes’ their life mantra, survive on multiple alarms and endless cups of caffeine, and find it impossible to feel lively and refreshed in the morning.
However, if you want to become a morning person, nutritionist Tripti Tandon and fitness expert Amaresh Ojha offer a few pointers that will help you go about it. Avoid hitting the snooze button: Those of us who use an alarm to wake up have a habit of snoozing the alarm multiple times. Ignoring the alarm or snoozing it repetitively traps you in a half-awake, half-sleep mode. This can make you groggy, leading you to sleep more. Experts suggest that you put your alarm out of your arms’ reach. So, when you get up to snooze it, you have to walk a little, which might make you feel more awake.
Increase your energy levels: One of the reasons we have difficulty waking up early is because we tend to have low energy levels in the morning. According to experts, you need a dose of vitamin C in the morning to kick-start your day. Opt for a juice or a warm glass of lemon water. Coconut water is also an option to boost your energy levels. Creating a sleep cocoon: Good sleep quality is essential for being an early riser. If you don’t sleep properly, then chances are you will wake up feeling lazy and not-so-fresh. Experts suggest creating a sleep cocoon, which is making sure that your bedroom is neat and airy, the bed is comfortable, and there is no disturbance when you sleep. A hearty breakfast: For some, a heavy breakfast makes them sleepy during the day. To avoid this, opt for protein-rich options, such as egg whites, instead of oily dishes. Fruits, too, are an excellent choice in the morning as they are light on the stomach and make you feel fresh.
Exercise and create a routine: A good mix of cardio, strength, and yoga early in the morning keeps us energetic throughout the day. It also reduces sleep inertia. Try to change your sleep pattern by gradually changing the time you hit the sack. Creating a routine can also be helpful, as it provides stability to your sleep cycles.