I sat on my bed, steam from my Earl Grey rising into the frigid air, curling and dancing before my eyes, blurring everything beyond.
At least, that’s what I thought it was. My mind hadn’t registered the fact I hadn’t flicked the ‘on’ button on the kettle, or even taken the teabag out of my mug. I took a sip of the cold, insipid liquid and promptly dribbled it back into the mug, finally widening my eyes enough to realize it was sleep that had left my vision so clouded, not steam.
We all get them from time to time – those dreaded mornings when you just can’t seem to pull yourself around no matter how early you went to bed the night before. Even escaping the cosy clutches of the downy duvet is an insurmountable challenge, and you’ve swatted away the agonised shrieking of the alarm clock more times than you set the snooze button to beep.
At that time of year approaches – when the mornings are getting darker, the kids are going back to school and you need to set off for work even earlier to beat the traffic – more and more of us are struggling to wake up in the morning.
That’s why we’ve put together the perfect solutions to help you feel fresh and awake, ready to start each and every day on the right foot …
1. Zest Foot Forward
Before you spot the lack of caffeinated drinks in tip one and slope off to the kitchen to pour your sixth triple espresso of the morning, listen to the logic of this wake-up tip. Hot water and lemon (or lime, if you prefer) is a great metabolism booster, effectively ‘waking up’ your digestive system. Plus, citrus fruits are extremely alkalising to your body, not to mention their vitamin boosting qualities, both of which help to eliminate those groggy feelings!
Bonus tip! Caffeine doesn’t actually give you a boost – your morning cup of coffee only counteracts the effects of caffeine withdrawal that has built up overnight. Don’t rely on a hit to help either – you’ll still feel the downsides the next day. If you must drink caffeine, keep your intake regular to prevent a rollercoaster of anxiety and crashes.
2. When in Aroma
Aromatherapy oils have long been employed to rouse the senses. Choose energy emitting aromas and place a diffuser in your bedroom, or add some to your shower and allow the steam to surround you with stimulating scent. Rollerball dispensers also allow you to apply therapeutic oils to the skin, massaging pulse points at the same time a double dose of pick-me-up pleasure!
3. Pause for Meditation
It may sound counter-intuitive, but five minutes of relaxation and reflection can give you the focus and energy you need to wake up in the morning, preparing you to face the day with efficiency. (Doing this in bed doesn’t count – don’t fall back to sleep!)
4. Energize Your Sole
The soles of your feet are filled with nerve endings, making them extremely responsive reflexology points. Make sure you look after them (try our our home-made feet treats to rid them of dead skin) and begin the day by rolling a golf ball under your feet, before you even step out of bed.
What are your top tips to wake yourself up and make mornings that little bit easier?
