…If only. Yeah, let’s end the pretend game and snap back to reality. I’m no morning lover and chances are, neither are you (that’s probably why you’re reading this). Even if you prefer nighttime, you can’t hope to gain as much from being boundlessly energetic then, because our system favors being energetic during daylight hours. For some of us, this can be quite challenging. If you’ve tried many techniques already, and have so far miserably failed at enjoying fruitful mornings- always ending up with only a quick shower and a half-done blow dry before you run off to work- you need to try these techniques. Here are eight actionable and effective ways that you can make your mornings much more energetic:
1. Get Up Early
This is a no-brainer—and you might be thinking ‘Oh, Lord! Not this one again!’ But believe it or not, this is the real secret behind having a morning full of useful and rewarding activities. According to Inc and this Fast Business Canada infographic, early birds are more proactive, productive and tend to do most of their health-boosting activities between 6am to 7am. For many of us, a bit of hustle and bustle gets our blood pumping. If you start these kinds of morning habits, you should be ready for more work in no time.
2. Do Something You Love
What could be a great endorphin-booster for some of us may not be a favorite activity for another. For example, I enjoy shopping and would love to wake up for a shopping trip every morning- even if it’s just the same groceries I’m buying every day. For others, reading, playing a video game, trying a new dish, dressing up, taking a bubble bath, gardening, or chatting with a friend can be an easy and stimulating way to wake up.
3. Write a To-Do List
Think about a few chores you can pack into your early morning schedule the very next day. Make a to-do list that is well-timed and calculated. (I.e., breakfast at 7am, jog at 7:15am, shower at 7:45am, dissertation writing at 8:00am…). Also, make sure you stick to your schedule.
4. Combine Activities
Push your mind and body to fully wake up by combining several activities. For example, fast-paced music is a great way to get your mind moving. According to a study done by Nicole M. Harmon and Len Kravitz, the intensity of music effects how fast (or slow) a bicyclist goes on a treadmill. So, you can get pumped up for the morning ahead through exercising, and thanks to the boost of endorphins and serotonin, you’ll feel great. Watching TV while exercising is another activity that requires both mental and physical exertion,and amplifies your energy levels.
5. Wake Up to Pleasantness
What irritates you most the moment you open your eyes to an early morning? For many, the answer would be one object: the alarm clock. Your alarm clock doesn’t have to sound threatening, ear-piercing, or dreadful. By changing the alarm tone to something more pleasant, perhaps the sound of birds chirping or your favorite song, you’re more likely to wake up relaxed and happier.
6. Eat or Drink Several Hours Before Going to Bed
Eating heavy meals before bed is not only unhealthy – since it’s hard for your body to digest the food, but it’s also a potential cause of obesity and insomnia. Eat or drink at least 2-3 hours before going to bed (and that includes snacks, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks). Plus, experiencing hunger pangs in the morning will compel you to get up and make yourself a healthy breakfast!
7. Love Your Work
Perhaps, you don’t enjoy morning at all and tend to dilly-dally during the day because you’re not too fond of your work. Maybe, it’s not suited to your personality type. Possibly, you don’t find the work challenging. Or perhaps, it is overwhelming and you would like something less demanding. Losing passion for your work is a major red flag. Either find ways to reignite the passion, or if need be, change your career direction entirely.
8. Take Breaks
You don’t have to be running around at top speed to keep your mornings highly productive. In fact, doing so will only lead to an inevitable crash, after which a long break from work will be required. Instead, try taking a short 5-10 minute break after every 90 minutes (or every hour) to cut yourself loose from the monotony of mundane tasks. Go for a walk and get some fresh air. Or just chill for a while until you feel like you’re ready to get back on track. Featured photo credit: Flickr via flickr.com
