Six Incredible Hacks to Help You Get Up in the Morning

If there is one thing people hate the most, it’s getting up early in the morning. It’s all thanks to a messed-up circadian rhythm of the body, or the body’s clock. You see, our body’s circadian rhythm does not consider a day to be 24-hours long and readjusts according to need. So, staying up that extra hour during the night to finish that last chapter of Harry Potter can mess up your circadian rhythm, making it difficult for you to get up in the morning.

Don’t Snooze Your Alarm Clock

We are all in the habit of hitting the snooze button the first time an alarm clock rings in the morning, only to squeeze in a few extra minutes of sleep. According to studies, snoozing the alarm and going back to sleep can lead your body to misinterpret the quality of sleep itself, and, as a reaction, make you go into deeper sleep, making it more difficult to wake up on subsequent alarms. You may also experience the state of sleep inertia after waking up from the snooze, which means reduced cognitive and motor functioning skills.

The Power of Stretching

Film characters are often shown stretching after waking up in the morning. Well, there may be some truth in that gesture. According to Rebecca Scott, a representative of the NYU Sleep Centre, there are two stretching techniques which you can use to refresh your mind in the morning.

The first way to stretch is to sit with your legs crossed, while placing your hands at the bedside. Put your arm up in an arc position, slowly bending it to the right, while simultaneously loosening up right elbow and resting your forearm on the bed. Inhale deeply, hold it in, and then exhale. Repeat the same with the other leg.

The second way is much simpler and appropriate for mornings when you are in a rush. Sit with your legs crossed near the head-side of the bed, place your hands in front of you, and slide your hands to the leg-side of the bed, bringing your torso closer to the bed. Don’t stretch farther than comfortable, otherwise you can hurt yourself.

Let the Sunshine In

Sunlight is important to let your circadian rhythm know that it’s morning time and that your body should wake up. That is not all. According to a study conducted by Northwestern University in 2014, people who were exposed to sunlight earlier in the morning had a lower body mass index compared to those who got exposed to sunlight at a later time.

Taking a Walk Before Breakfast

If you feel too hungry right after waking up in the morning, then have a piece of fruit before heading out for a walk. But, it is imperative that you do walk as early in the morning as you can, because studies have shown that this resets the internal body clock to its natural state, making it easier for you to get up in the morning. Also, walking on an empty stomach encourages your body to use stored-up fat, which results in a slimmer waistline.

Brush Your Teeth to Give Yourself a Stamina Boost

You can transform teeth brushing into a core workout. While brushing, stand on one foot, and brush a single quadrant of the mouth for 30 seconds non-stop. After that, switch legs. Continue doing this until it’s time to rinse.

Have Lasting Nutrients for Breakfast

Your aim with breakfast is to have nutrients that boost your metabolism, help in muscle building, and strengthen the bones while providing you with a good boost of energy. It is also good to pack at least 20-25 grams of good protein into your breakfast so that you don’t go hungry before lunch,  Amy Gorin, a dietician based in New Jersey, claims. So, Greek yogurt topped with pomegranate, pistachios, and chia seeds make fits the criteria.

Another important nutrient you must have in the morning is vitamin C, which helps build up the immune system. To get your daily fix, top yogurt with chunks of pineapple. If you must have eggs for breakfast, add vegetables such as broccoli or tomatoes to get the required vitamin C for your body.