HEALTH + FITNESS
Five Ways to Tackle Dark Winter Mornings
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With mornings getting darker and darker thanks to the end of Daylight Savings, it may be hard to get going in the morning. But there are certain steps you can take to help you be more productive and energetic, even if you have to get up before the sun!
Take a Shower
Although a cold shower will really help wake the body up, there’s no reason to torture yourself first thing in the morning. Simply stepping into a shower signals to your body it’s time to get going, but avoid languishing in a really hot shower. Instead choose a warm temperature and for an extra energizing boost turn the temperature to cold for 30 seconds. Try using a body wash with an invigorating scent, like mint or orange, to help wake you up.
Wake Up At The Same Time Each Day
Set your alarm clock for the same time each day – even if you don’t have to wake up early. Waking up at the same time each day stabilizes your circadian rhythm. If you love to press the snooze button on your alarm clock, place the clock across the room so you are forced to get out of bed to turn it off.
Stretch and Breathe
Help wake your sleep self up by stretching, or performing a series of gentle yoga poses. Make sure to take deep breaths to fill the body with oxygen.
Turn on the Lights
Gently transition yourself to waking up by turning on a table lamp first before turning on bright overhead lights. By adding light you are telling your body night is over and it’s time to get going. If you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder invest in a good quality light box, which gives off a light similar to sunlight. They normally run around $200 for a good light box and can really help improve your mood if you get depressed during the sun-deprived winter months.
Drink Water and Lemon
Your body has basically been fasting for the last 6 to 8 hours it was snoozing, so gently wake it up by drinking a glass of warm water and lemon. It will help flush the digestive system and rehydrate the body.
