15 ways to feel more awake in the morning

Sadman Ishraq Mohiuddin
14 min readDec 29, 2022

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Good morning sunshine! Always feeling a little less than perky every morning?

Are you tired of waking up feeling like a bear coming out of hibernation? Are you ready to shake off that groggy feeling and start your day with a spring in your step?

Fear not — I’ve got you covered! From ancient remedies to modern hacks, these 15 tried-and-true techniques will have you jumping out of bed and ready to take on the world with energy and enthusiasm. So go ahead, hit snooze one more time (I won’t tell) and then give these tips a try. You’ll be dancing out of bed in no time!

1. Plan ahead to avoid the hot-mess-express

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First, having a plan for the day can help reduce stress and anxiety. When you know what you need to do and when you need to do it, you can feel more in control and better able to tackle the day ahead. This can lead to a more relaxed state of mind, which can make it easier to wake up and feel alert.

Second, planning ahead can help you get a better night’s sleep. When you know what you need to do the next day, you can make sure you have everything you need ready the night before. This can help you avoid the stress of trying to rush around in the morning to get everything done, which can make it harder to wake up and feel alert.

Finally, planning ahead can help you get into a consistent routine. When you go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, your body gets used to this pattern and it becomes easier to fall asleep and wake up. This can help you feel more rested and energized in the morning.

2. Get your beauty rest and wake up looking and feeling your best!

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Get plenty of zzz’s at night so you can wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day (or at least hit snooze a few more times). Either way, sleep is essential for feeling energized in the morning. This can help regulate your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm) and improve your overall energy levels.

Firstly, getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining physical and mental health. Sleep allows the body to repair and regenerate cells, helping to maintain overall physical health. It is also important for cognitive function, helping to consolidate memories and improve problem-solving abilities.

Secondly, insufficient sleep has been linked to a variety of negative health outcomes. Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased risk of developing conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. It has also been shown to impair cognitive function, increasing the risk of accidents and impairing decision-making abilities.

In addition to the physical and mental health benefits, getting enough sleep can also improve your appearance. Lack of sleep can lead to under-eye circles, pale or sallow skin, and dull or lifeless hair. Adequate sleep, on the other hand, can help give you a rested, refreshed, and more youthful appearance.

3. Let there be light!

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Greet the morning sun with open arms (and curtains). Letting in natural light can help your body wake up and feel more energized. Plus, it’s a great excuse to get out of bed and start your day with vitamin D. Open your blinds or curtains and let in some natural light as soon as you wake up.

First, light helps to regulate your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle (also known as the circadian rhythm). When you wake up in the morning and expose yourself to light, it signals to your body that it is time to be awake and start the day. On the other hand, exposure to darkness signals to your body that it is time to sleep. By letting in natural light in the morning, you can help your body adjust to the day and feel more awake.

Second, light can help boost your mood and energy levels. Bright light has been shown to increase levels of the hormone serotonin, which helps to regulate mood and boost energy. By exposing yourself to light in the morning, you can help lift your mood and feel more alert.

Finally, light can help improve your sleep quality. By exposing yourself to bright light during the day and reducing your exposure to screens and other sources of blue light at night, you can help regulate your body’s sleep-wake cycle and improve your sleep quality. This can help you wake up feeling more rested and energized in the morning.

4. Turn off your screens and turn on your brain

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The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Avoid screens for at least an hour before bed and limit your screen time in the morning.

First, screens emit blue light, which can disrupt the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Blue light can suppress the production of the hormone melatonin, which helps regulate sleep. By taking a break from screens in the morning, you can help your body adjust to the day and feel more awake.

Second, screens can be mentally stimulating, which can make it harder to wind down and fall asleep at night. By taking a break from screens in the morning, you can allow your brain to rest and recover, helping you feel more alert and focused during the day.

Finally, screens can be distracting, which can make it harder to focus on tasks and stay on track throughout the day. By taking a break from screens in the morning, you can allow yourself to fully engage with your surroundings and tasks, helping you feel more present and focused.

5. Hydrate or die-drate

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Feeling a little sluggish in the morning? Chances are, you’re dehydrated. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. But the solution is simple: chug some water! It’s the quickest and easiest way to wake up your body and get it moving.

Staying hydrated is important for maintaining overall health and well-being. Drinking plenty of water can help support a variety of bodily functions, including digestion, circulation, and temperature regulation. It is especially important to stay hydrated in the morning, as you have likely gone several hours without hydration while you sleep.

Drinking water in the morning can help you feel more awake and alert. Dehydration can cause fatigue and make you feel sluggish, so replenishing your body’s fluids can help improve your energy levels and cognitive function. Water can also help flush out toxins and waste products from your body, which can help you feel more refreshed and rejuvenated.

Not to mention, the physical benefits. Staying hydrated can also have positive effects on your mood and cognitive function. Dehydration can cause irritability and difficulty concentrating, so staying hydrated can help you feel more focused and productive.

6. Energy through your nose

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Essential oils, such as peppermint and citrus, have energizing properties that can help wake you up. Try diffusing them in your bedroom or applying them to your pulse points.

First, essential oils have a variety of aroma therapeutic properties that can affect the body and mind. Some essential oils, such as peppermint, citrus, and rosemary, have a refreshing and invigorating aroma that can help improve energy levels and alertness.

Second, essential oils can help improve mood and reduce stress, which can help improve overall well-being and make you feel more awake and alert.

Third, essential oils can be used in a variety of ways to help improve energy levels in the morning. For example, you can use an essential oil diffuser to disperse the aroma of an invigorating essential oil throughout your home, or you can apply an essential oil topically to pulse points or mix it with a carrier oil and use it in a massage.

7. Breathe in the Good Stuff

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Going outside for a few minutes and breathing in some fresh air can help clear your head and energize you.

Deep breathing is a simple but powerful technique that can help improve physical and mental well-being, including making you feel more awake in the morning. When we are sleep deprived or feeling sluggish, our breathing tends to become shallow and rapid, which can make us feel even more tired and sluggish. By taking slow, deep breaths, we can stimulate the body’s relaxation response and improve circulation, which can help boost energy levels and improve focus and concentration.

In the morning, deep breathing can be a great way to start the day off on a positive note. By taking a few minutes to focus on the breath and clear the mind, we can set the tone for a more mindful and relaxed day. Deep breathing can also help improve sleep quality, which can make it easier to wake up feeling rested and alert.

In addition to the immediate benefits, practicing deep breathing teaches regulation and can have long-term effects on energy levels and overall well-being. By incorporating deep breathing into your daily routine, you can improve your body’s ability to regulate stress and relax, which can help improve energy levels and overall well-being.

8. Get your zen on and wake up feeling refreshed

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Taking a few minutes to clear your mind and focus on your breath can help improve your energy levels and reduce stress. Meditation has a variety of physical and mental health benefits, including improving sleep quality, reducing stress and anxiety, and improving mood.

In the morning, meditation can be a great way to start the day off feeling more awake and alert. By taking a few minutes to focus the mind and clear the mind, you can create a sense of calm and clarity, helping you feel more rested and focused.

Meditation can also help improve sleep quality, which can make it easier to wake up feeling rested and alert. By practicing meditation regularly, you can improve your ability to relax and let go of racing thoughts, which can make it easier to fall asleep at night.

In addition to the immediate benefits, meditation can also have long-term effects on energy levels and overall well-being. By incorporating meditation into your daily routine, you can improve your body’s ability to regulate stress and relax, which can help improve energy levels and overall well-being.

9. Heart pumper a.k.a nature’s Prozac

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A quick workout can help boost your energy levels and improve your mood. Whether it’s a quick walk around the block or a full-blown sweat session, moving your body can do wonders for your energy levels and overall well-being. Even just a few minutes of stretching or going for a walk can make a difference. Just remember: endorphins are nature’s Prozac. Happy sweating!

Exercise is a great way to boost energy levels and feel more awake in the morning. When you engage in physical activity, your body releases endorphins, which are chemicals that can improve mood and increase feelings of happiness and well-being. Exercise can also help improve sleep quality, which can make it easier to wake up feeling rested and alert.

In the morning, a quick workout can be a great way to kick start your day. Even a short burst of activity can help increase your heart rate and boost your circulation, which can help you feel more awake and alert. Exercise can also help improve focus and concentration, which can be especially helpful if you have a busy day ahead.

In addition to the immediate benefits, regular exercise causes oxygenation which has long-term effects on energy levels. When you make exercise a regular part of your routine, your body becomes more efficient at using energy, which can help you feel more energetic throughout the day. Exercise can also help improve cardiovascular health, which can help increase blood flow and oxygen delivery to the body’s cells, helping you feel more energized and alert.

10. Cold Shock Therapy

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The shock of cold water can help wake you up and energize you for the day ahead. The shock of the cold water can help stimulate your senses and improve circulation, giving you a burst of energy to start your day. In fact, research has shown that cold water exposure can have a range of health benefits, including improved immune function, reduced muscle soreness, and increased mental alertness. So go ahead, take the plunge and give it a try — your body (and brain) will thank you!

Taking a cold shower in the morning can have a variety of benefits for your physical and mental health. Cold water can help improve circulation, boost the immune system, and reduce inflammation. It can also help improve mood and reduce stress.

One of the main benefits of taking a cold shower in the morning is that it can help you feel more awake and alert. Cold water can stimulate the body’s nervous system, increasing heart rate and blood flow. This can help boost energy levels and improve focus and concentration. Cold water can also help reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery after exercise, making it a great option for those who engage in physical activity in the morning.

In addition to the physical benefits, cold water can also have a positive effect on mood and stress levels. Cold water can stimulate the production of endorphins, which are chemicals that can improve mood and increase feelings of happiness and well-being. It can also help reduce stress and anxiety, making it a great option for those who struggle with these conditions.

11. Fuel up!

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Start your day off right with a healthy breakfast that will fuel your body and give you a boost of energy. Don’t skimp on the most important meal of the day — fuel up and power through your morning with ease.

There are several benefits to eating a good breakfast. First, it can help improve cognitive function and concentration. Studies have shown that eating breakfast can help improve memory and problem-solving abilities, as well as increase productivity. This is because the brain needs fuel to function properly, and breakfast provides that fuel.

Second, eating breakfast can help regulate appetite and prevent overeating later in the day. When you skip breakfast, you may feel hungry and be more likely to overindulge later on. On the other hand, eating a healthy breakfast can help you feel satisfied and more in control of your eating habits throughout the day.

Finally, eating a good breakfast can help improve overall health. A healthy breakfast that includes whole grains, protein, and healthy fats can provide essential nutrients and help support a healthy weight. It can also help reduce the risk of developing conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

12. Caffeine, The Vaccine - for sleepyheads

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Caffeine can help boost your energy levels, but be careful not to overdo it. Too much caffeine can cause jitters and interfere with sleep.

Caffeine works by stimulating the central nervous system, increasing the production of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which helps to improve mood and focus. It can also help to reduce fatigue and increase energy levels.

While both tea and coffee can provide a caffeine boost, there are some differences between the two. Coffee tends to have a higher caffeine content, with a typical 8-ounce cup containing around 80–100 milligrams of caffeine. Tea, on the other hand, tends to have a lower caffeine content, with a typical 8-ounce cup containing around 20–60 milligrams of caffeine.

It’s important to note that caffeine can have negative effects if consumed in excess. Too much caffeine can cause side effects such as jitters, insomnia, and digestive issues. It is generally recommended to limit caffeine intake to 400 milligrams per day.

13. Get your groove on at the break of dawn with some upbeat music

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Put on some energizing tunes to help get you pumped up and ready to tackle the day.

Listening to upbeat music can be a good way to help you feel more awake in the morning. Music has the ability to affect our mood and energy levels, and upbeat, fast-paced music can help increase feelings of happiness and excitement, making you feel more awake and energized.

Listening to music can also help improve focus and concentration. Studies have shown that listening to music can help improve cognitive function, making it easier to tackle tasks and stay on track throughout the day.

In the morning, listening to upbeat music can be a great way to set the tone for the day. It can help lift your mood and get you pumped up and ready to tackle the day ahead. It can also help improve focus and productivity, making it easier to get things done.

Consider creating a playlist of your favorite upbeat tracks to help start your day off on the right foot.

14. Don’t let a growling stomach ruin your day — eat small, frequent meals.

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Eating small, healthy meals throughout the day can help keep your energy levels steady and prevent fatigue.

First, eating small, frequent meals can help keep blood sugar levels stable, which can help improve energy levels and concentration. When blood sugar levels drop, it can lead to feelings of fatigue and difficulty concentrating. By eating small, frequent meals, you can help maintain stable blood sugar levels and avoid dips in energy.

Second, eating small, frequent meals can help improve digestion, which can help reduce bloating and improve energy levels. When the body is able to digest food efficiently, it can absorb nutrients more easily and convert them into energy, helping you feel more awake and alert.

Finally, eating small, frequent meals can help prevent overeating, which can lead to feelings of sluggishness and fatigue. By eating small, frequent meals, you can help control your portions and avoid overloading your digestive system, helping you feel more energized and alert.

15. Wake up and get kneaded

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Massages can help relax and rejuvenate your body, leaving you feeling more energized and alert.

First, massage can help improve circulation, which can help increase blood flow and oxygen delivery to the body’s cells. This can help improve energy levels and make you feel more awake and alert.

Second, massage can help reduce muscle tension and soreness, which can improve range of motion and flexibility. This can help reduce fatigue and make you feel more energized.

Third, massage can help improve sleep quality, which can make it easier to wake up feeling rested and alert. By getting a massage in the morning, you can start the day off feeling well-rested and energized.

Fourth, massage can help reduce stress and improve mood, which can help improve overall well-being and make you feel more awake and alert.

Conclusion

Try incorporating some of these strategies into your morning routine and see how they can help you feel more awake and energized. With a little effort, you can start your day off on the right foot and tackle whatever comes your way!”

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Sadman Ishraq Mohiuddin

Aerospace Engineer (Queen Mary, Uni of London) | CEO | Ex-[Army Cadet, Oil & Gas + Renewable Energy Engineer, IT Q/A Engineer, Business-Analyst, Consultant]