9 Quick Ways to Jump Start Your Day
By Sandy Schroeder
If you are a confirmed night owl like me, mornings can be challenging or downright difficult. As the pace picks up and the holidays loom, anything that helps to clear away the cobwebs is usually welcome. Here are few tips to try.
Do a cold water blast – Finish your morning shower with a blast of cold water. If that works for you, keep building the time to 30 seconds. Advocates say you will sleep better, feel more energetic and burn tons of calories. I must confess I have not tried this. Try it if you think you can handle it.
Step outside – Fresh air with that first cup of coffee may make waking up more tolerable. As you sit and sip, absorb the morning quiet as you think about your day. If it works, consider doing a few stretches or yoga poses too.
Turn up the volume – Classical music, jazz or rock may pull you into the day. Choose something that you usually hum along with and then just keep moving. If that works, consider using it whenever needed throughout the day.
Put electronics on hold – Give yourself a break and eat a good breakfast before you check your messages. Or just do a quick check for emergencies, and postpone the rest until you arrive at work.
Squeeze some exercise in – A five-minute walk or 10-minute run could power you through the whole day. Use any spare moments throughout the day to walk or stretch. In the evening, walk before or after dinner.
Catch some sunshine – Treat yourself to 20 minutes of solar energy and Vitamin D as you lift your mood and counter all of the blue light ahead. If you have the time, get outside for another 30 minutes after lunch.
Plan your day in advance – Take the heat off of the morning by blocking out the day’s schedule the night before. You may actually feel relaxed knowing your schedule is already in place.
Delegate duties – If you have early birds in your family, enlist them to put breakfast together, or help get everyone get organized.
Expedite morning routines – Have everyone deposit their backpacks, briefcases or totes by the door so there are no frantic last-minute searches. A friend of mine put a small bookcase by the front door to collect everybody’s stuff when they come in the door.
Simplify breakfast - Shop for a couple of simple breakfast menus that everyone likes that are easy to assemble and put all of the dishes, cutlery and pans out the night before.
Whatever works to wake you up and reduce major conflicts during the morning rush will be worth the effort.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Atlanta, Ga.