Late to bed and early to rise and you’ll probably do better than the other guys! This might not be the proverb which we were taught as kids, but this is what the corporate reality looks like. No wonder there are black holes under the eyes and fat accumulating all over the body. Let’s start from the beginning, How to wake up actually feeling rejuvenated and fresh? Without the necessary energy to carry you throughout the day, the promotion you have been waiting for might never come.
So how do we wake up feeling truly refreshed, energized and ready to take on the day? It all starts with what we do before we go to sleep. Here are five habits to help you get a good night’s rest and wake up feeling revitalized:
1. Read a Book
Remember when your parents told you to read more? They weren’t lying! Ten minutes before bed reading can improve your sleep quality. Unlike scrolling through social media or watching TV which overstimulates the brain, reading helps you wind down and prepare for sleep. Go for something light and calming—perhaps fiction, poetry or even a self-help book—to set a positive tone for the next day.
2. Keep Your Alarm Clock Far Away
Hitting the snooze button multiple times doesn’t just waste precious minutes in the morning; it actually makes waking up harder. When you hit snooze you interrupt your body’s natural sleep cycles and you wake up groggy and fatigued. A simple trick? Place your alarm clock across the room so you have to get out of bed to turn it off. The movement helps kick start your body’s alertness and gets you on your feet faster.
3. Avoid Screens Before Bed
This is perhaps the hardest habit to break but it’s also one of the most beneficial. Our phones, laptops and TVs emit blue light which interferes with melatonin production—the sleep hormone. As tempting as it is to check “just one more message” or watch another episode of your favorite show, doing so can delay sleep onset and reduce sleep quality. Instead switch to activities that help you relax like meditating, journaling or listening to soothing music.
4. Get Some Morning Sunlight
Nothing wakes you up better than natural sunlight. Morning sunlight helps regulate your body’s internal clock, improves sleep quality and wakefulness. It also gives you a healthy dose of vitamin D which plays a big role in energy levels and mood. Just a few minutes outside, whether it’s drinking your morning coffee on the balcony or taking a short walk can set a positive tone for the rest of the day.
5. Drink a Glass of Water Before Bed
We lose a lot of water through breathing and perspiration while we sleep so drinking a glass of water before bed helps to replenish lost fluids and prevent you from waking up feeling groggy. It also helps with digestion and metabolism so your body can function properly while you rest. Just don’t drink too much or you’ll be up all night going to the bathroom.
Conclusion
A good start is the first step towards a good day and in turn a good life. Focus on the smaller things and the bigger things will eventually fall into place. Give the simple steps we mentioned a try and let us know how they work out! Our best wishes are with you!
