Tired of Relying on Coffee to Wake Up Each Morning? Try These Ideas Instead

You are not alone if you find yourself reaching for multiple cups of coffee each morning in an effort to get moving. While the caffeinated jolt of a cup of coffee will certainly wake you up, there are other ways that you can get your day going without having to rely on a cup of joe. Here are a few of the best ways to get going each morning without coffee.
 

Get Outside

One of the best ways to feel energized after getting out of bed is to head outdoors. Exposing your body to natural sunlight will help to regulate your natural circadian rhythms. Despite the outside temperature, the fresh air will deliver a dose of energy. You will see even more benefits if you get outside and work up a sweat. A quick jog or a walk around the block will give you the double dose of both sunlight and physical activity.
 

Begin Hydrating

After a long night of sleep, the human body tends to become dehydrated. Proper hydration is key to a number of important biological processes, including kidney and brain function. This makes it important to start each day by drinking a large glass of water. Even if you need to reach for a cup of coffee, try drinking both water and coffee so that you are delivering your body crucial hydration along with the caffeine. Drinking sufficient amounts of water throughout the day will work to keep your energy levels up.
 

Choose Your Breakfast Wisely

What you choose to nourish your body with when you wake up can have a profound impact on how energized you feel until lunchtime. While it may be tempting to reach for that donut, you are better off making a meal that is a healthy balance of protein, fiber-rich carbohydrates, and good fats. A meal made up of these elements will release sugar into the blood at a slower rate, delivering a steady supply of energy.

Good choices include low-fat unsweetened yogurt topped with berries and whole-grain granola. Or try a piece of homemade breakfast bread paired with a piece of fruit and a hard-boiled egg. The goal is to choose foods that will keep you full and leave you feeling energized.
 

Perform Gentle Stretching Exercises

Even if you do not feel up to doing hard cardio work when you get out of bed, you may want to consider performing some light stretching exercises. Spending a few minutes doing yoga or pilates will improve your circulation by getting to the root of muscle soreness or stiffness. Start by stretching out the chest before moving to the back and then the lower body. By improving circulation, you will also boost energy levels. Finish this stretching routine with 10 to 20 jumping jacks and you will feel ready to take on the day ahead.
 

Lean Into Aromatherapy

It may sound like some type of voodoo medicine but the use of aromatherapy can be a powerful tool in your arsenal of ways to wake up quickly. Try using a citrus-scented body wash or an invigorating peppermint shampoo in the shower to provide a lift to your senses. You can also try lighting a candle when you get ready or eat breakfast.
 

Practice Deep Breathing

One last thing that many people find helpful when starting their day is to begin with some deep breathing exercises. Deep diaphragmatic breathing can also provide additional health benefits beyond more energy. Some of these benefits include lowering the risk of high blood pressure, reducing stress and anxiety, and an increase in metabolic function.

To practice this type of breathing, lay flat on your back with one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach. Inhale deeply through the nose for approximately two seconds, making sure that the stomach and chest are expanding. Exhale slowly as you press gently on your stomach. Repeat this exercise several times for the most benefits.

In the end, the best way to wake up easily is to simply be intentional about getting enough sleep each night. Practicing good sleep habits will go a long way in ensuring that you do not need to load up on coffee each morning to get going.