5 all-natural ways to wake yourself up

I am not a morning person.

There’s nothing I’d like more than to snuggle under my sheets until the afternoon. Unfortunately, life doesn’t work that way.   

On those inevitable bad days, it’s hard enough to get out of bed.  Instead of reaching for coffee which can cause depression or anxiety symptoms to worsen, I’ve dedicated myself to trying these organic, all-natural ways of waking up.

Rise and grind, people.

1. Find sunlight ASAP

Open the curtains and let in some sunlight.  If your home remains dark, your body will think it should still be asleep.  Light is our body’s natural cue to wake up. Instead of grabbing caffeine in the middle of the day, go outside into the sun if possible.  The sunlight will have the same effect on your body, giving you that mid-afternoon pick-me-up.

2. Drink water ASAP

 As you sleep, your body loses water and becomes dehydrated. Drinking water as soon as you wake up will kick start your metabolism, which will wake you up faster and help you feel more alert. Drinking water consistently will help keep you healthy too.

 

3. Aromatherapy in your morning shower

Taking that first step out of your cozy bed can sometimes be the most difficult and most daunting task of the day. Giving yourself something to look forward to will make it easier. Splurge on a body wash that you’ll enjoy bathing in.  Head right to the bathroom (without hitting snooze) and step into a  steaming shower that will give you the jolt you need. If that’s not enough, putting citrus or eucalyptus oil in the shower will help to wake you up and clear your head. Start your day with a clean body and a clean mind.

4. Try an all-natural face scrub

Washing your face immediately after rising is an easy way to wake yourself up. A coffee ground scrub is simple to make at home and only involves a few ingredients that can be found at any grocery story.  The smell will signal your body to wake up, the coffee grounds will naturally exfoliate your skin and open your pores giving you a fresh, clean feeling.

Stay tuned for a future post when I’ll be trying this myself!

 

5. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day (leftover cake not included)

You may not be immediately hungry in the morning, but it’s important to eat something.  Fruit, especially, will help you feel alert.  Citrus fruits, which are rich in Vitamin C, will help boost the body’s immune system and give you more energy.  Eating foods that are high in protein will have the same effect, and will give you the energy you need to keep moving.