9 Not-Impossible Ways to Wake Up Without Coffee
Updated: Feb. 10, 2017Yes, you can start your day without a java jolt. These simple steps will have you popping out of bed in no time, no caffeine required.
Knock back a cold one
No, not beer—water. When you sleep, your body is deprived of water for eight or so hours, leaving you feeling drained, tired, and more fatigued upon waking. Drinking a glass of cold water in the morning cranks up your adrenaline and increases blood flow to your brain, making you feel more energized and ready for the day. Check out these genius tricks for getting your daily dose of water.
Stretch it out
Stretching has been proven to reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and boost overall physical health. If you’re feeling fatigued in morning, consider slotting a few minutes into your morning wakeup schedule for a quick stretch or mini yoga session. Active poses stimulate blood flow through your body, helping to fight fatigue and lethargy. For early morning yoga inspiration, follow these 7 stretches to jump-start your day.
Eat a protein- and carb-filled breakfast
A simple serving of complex carbs and protein combined with a serving of the right fruit will help keep you energized and alert till lunch. Complex carbs and protein provide your body with long-lasting energy while fruits such as apples, bananas, and oranges help stabilize blood sugar. Pair your favorite fruit with whole oats, low-sugar granola, or Greek yogurt and a handful of nuts for a healthy, sustainable breakfast to wake up your body. Follow these food hacks for a healthier breakfast every day.
Be an a.m. exerciser
While the thought of popping out of bed for a jog while it’s still dark may seem nearly impossible if you’re not already an early morning runner, working out in the morning does in fact boost your mood and energy, according to Mayo Clinic research. Any form of exercise is proven to fire up the production of your brain’s neurotransmitters, sending feel-good endorphins through your system. These endorphins can lower symptoms of depression and ease stress levels, pumping you up for an action-packed day. Here’s how you can trick yourself into being more of a morning person.
Keep it cool
It may be the last thing you want to do at 7 a.m., but a cool shower has the wake-up power of multiple cups of coffee. Even if you wait until the end of your shower to lower the heat, submerging yourself in cold water instantly eases stress and increases awareness, according to a 2007 study. If you typically shower at night, try splashing your face with cold water after you wake up. (Related: Here’s why being cold is also good for weight loss, according to new science.)
Try tea
If you crave something warm to sip in the morning, try swapping your morning Joe with a piping hot cup of black tea, and you’ll get just the kick you need without feeling desperate for loads more caffeine. Plus, caffeinated tea has several additional health benefits, as it contains antioxidants and may reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke.
Crank up the tunes
Create a personalized up-and-at-’em playlist to get pumped for the day. Keep in mind that certain songs may be better choices than others, namely tunes with a faster tempo. (Fast-paced music can also trick you into working out harder.) Check out these other incredible health benefits of music.
Stay regular
Going to sleep at the same time every night and waking up at the same time every morning honors your body’s circadian rhythm, making it easier to rise in the morning and feel rested. Resist the temptation to sleep in an extra hour on weekends, as you may disrupt the cycle and feel extra sluggish Monday morning. (Related: Make sleep more alluring with these inexpensive ways to cozy up your bedroom for fall.)
See the light
Throw open those curtains after you turn off your alarm clock, as exposing your body to natural light helps keep your circadian rhythms in sync. Natural light is better than artificial light at signaling your body to wake up, making you more stimulated, more aware, and more productive.
