Dark mornings, dark evenings, it may seem like you can’t see the light these days. If dark mornings make getting out of bed and disrupt your normal routine, you’re not alone! Changing daylight hours means we get less exposure to sunlight and less vitamin D. Vitamin D is involved in brain function and its deficiency can lead to low mood and fatigue which makes it difficult to feel motivated during the winter months.
From exercising in the morning to making the bed, we’ve put together 10 easy tips on how to bring morning motivation back into your routine.
1. Exercise
It has been scientifically proven that exercise and stretching release the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin; They help improve mood and long-term memory. So, doing a workout in the morning is a natural way to boost your energy levels and improve your mood.
2. Don’t snooze
Snoozing your alarm can wake you up in a worse mood than waking up straight away. Interrupted sleep every 5-10 minutes does more harm than good. Try placing your alarm on the other side of the room so you have no choice but to get out of bed to turn it off.
3. Set an alarm for something you enjoy
Set your alarm to something that won’t disturb you when you first wake up. Having your alarm radio static or blaring can wake you up suddenly, which causes irritation. Setting your alarm to something quiet like piano music, your favorite song, or a podcast can make waking up easier.
4. Wear clothes that make you feel good
Your outfit can really fix your day, if you feel comfortable it will boost your confidence. Making your outfit something you look forward to wearing can really boost your motivation to tackle the day.
5. Have a good breakfast
A well-balanced breakfast will wake you up and give you energy until lunch. Skipping breakfast can make you lack concentration and feel irritable. Citrus is known to boost energy so if you don’t have time to eat a proper breakfast before heading out, eating an orange or grapefruit in the morning can give you an energy boost.
6. Music
Listening to your favorite music in the morning can help improve your mood. Listening to music releases the neurotransmitter dopamine which will help lift your mood and give you energy in the morning. Listening to your favorite music not only releases dopamine but also improves the endothelial function of your blood vessels which reduces the risk of heart disease.
7. Drink water
Your body is quite dehydrated when you sleep, leaving you feeling tired when you wake up. You should drink a glass as soon as you wake up, it will wake you up and motivate you for the day. Top tip: Keep a glass or bottle of water by your bed, so you have water ready when you wake up.
8. Make a list of things you want to do
Make a list of the things you want to accomplish each day, it’s easy to get distracted or lose track of what you want to achieve but by having a list with you, you can always refer to your list to remind yourself of your goals. The more things you cross off the list the more motivated you will be.
9. Meditate
Meditation is a good way to start your morning as it activates your parasympathetic nervous system leaving you in a deep state of relaxation. Meditation can help refresh, recharge, and rejuvenate not only your mind but also your body.
10. Plan
Plan breakfast with a friend, go for a morning run, or walk to work with a colleague, making plans will help you get up in the morning and feel motivated because you have something to look forward to. We hope these tips help you feel more motivated. Will do! A few small changes can boost not only your body but also your mind, making you feel more motivated and energetic throughout the day.