If you're looking to wake up in the morning without an injection of caffeine, you won't have to go too far out of your way. Pick up a few new habits and exercises that will help improve your sleep routine and brighten up your mornings.
Study Your Sleep Cycle
One of the best ways to ensure feeling good in the morning is to study your own sleep cycles. If you aren't getting a solid night's sleep on a consistent basis, you won't feel refreshed when you wake up. Those who can't progress through the six personal sleep stages that culminate in deep sleep with rapid eye movement (REM) fail to feel refreshed in the morning. If you enter into a deep sleep stage but are awoken, you'll feel aggravated because of the sleep's depth and the subsequent interruption.
Most people experience REM between 4 and 6 a.m. Give yourself some time to emerge from these deep sleeps before you try to start your day. Each sleep cycle takes around an hour and a half, so you'll need at least 7.5 hours of sleep at a minimum. If possible, rise with the sun each morning. If you stick to a schedule, your body will feel more rested and relaxed.
Stop The Snooze
For some people, the struggle is in the actual process of waking up from sleep. Be sure to set your alarm for the last possible time at which you wouldn't be tempted to turn it off and then go right back to sleep. Stop using the snooze button altogether. Trying to use the snooze button to catch some extra sleep is an invitation to restlessness. Avoid the temptation and wake up when your alarm first sounds. You'll just feel worse if you try to sleep through a couple of snooze periods.
Get Physical
Once you are up, sit upright in bed and swing your legs over to the floor. Take a few deep breaths and really try to wake up. This is your adjustment period. Once you are out of bed, you should proceed with your morning exercise routine. Physical activity will get your mind and body moving. You'll feel fully rested and ready to go.
If you've been looking for a quick, fun and effective way to exercise, sign up at the Downtown Athletic Club. You don't even need to be a member to get in on our classes. Our morning yoga classes are the perfect way to transition into your typical day. Check out our Flow Yoga group bright and early at 5:30 a.m. It'll get your blood pumping and clear your mind, helping you make the transition into the work or school day that much easier.
Study Your Sleep Cycle
One of the best ways to ensure feeling good in the morning is to study your own sleep cycles. If you aren't getting a solid night's sleep on a consistent basis, you won't feel refreshed when you wake up. Those who can't progress through the six personal sleep stages that culminate in deep sleep with rapid eye movement (REM) fail to feel refreshed in the morning. If you enter into a deep sleep stage but are awoken, you'll feel aggravated because of the sleep's depth and the subsequent interruption.
Most people experience REM between 4 and 6 a.m. Give yourself some time to emerge from these deep sleeps before you try to start your day. Each sleep cycle takes around an hour and a half, so you'll need at least 7.5 hours of sleep at a minimum. If possible, rise with the sun each morning. If you stick to a schedule, your body will feel more rested and relaxed.
Stop The Snooze
For some people, the struggle is in the actual process of waking up from sleep. Be sure to set your alarm for the last possible time at which you wouldn't be tempted to turn it off and then go right back to sleep. Stop using the snooze button altogether. Trying to use the snooze button to catch some extra sleep is an invitation to restlessness. Avoid the temptation and wake up when your alarm first sounds. You'll just feel worse if you try to sleep through a couple of snooze periods.
Get Physical
Once you are up, sit upright in bed and swing your legs over to the floor. Take a few deep breaths and really try to wake up. This is your adjustment period. Once you are out of bed, you should proceed with your morning exercise routine. Physical activity will get your mind and body moving. You'll feel fully rested and ready to go.
If you've been looking for a quick, fun and effective way to exercise, sign up at the Downtown Athletic Club. You don't even need to be a member to get in on our classes. Our morning yoga classes are the perfect way to transition into your typical day. Check out our Flow Yoga group bright and early at 5:30 a.m. It'll get your blood pumping and clear your mind, helping you make the transition into the work or school day that much easier.
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