Winter mornings can be tough. The days are shorter, the mornings darker and before you know it you can't remember the last time you even saw your toes because your feet are firmly encased in socks.
So how do you kickstart your winter morning to get the best out of the day? How do you jump out of bed when the alarm goes rather than snuggling down into the duvet for five more minutes... which inevitably turns into ten?
We've listed our five golden rules to kickstart your winter mornings below!
- Smart Alarm App - An app like Alarmy will make sure you can't hit that snooze button, instead you have to solve a simple (or difficult depending on settings) solution to switch the app off. By the time you've done this you won't be able to fall back asleep. There are an array of sounds to choose from so you don't need to be woken by a shrill bell, personally I like the park sounds setting.
- Be active - Now more than ever its important to get your body moving in the morning. Ok you don't have to jump out of bed, but a few simple morning stretches or a quick yoga flow will do wonders for your body and your mood. If morning activity isn't your thing, fake it until you make it, soon those 5 minutes will be something to look forward to rather than a chore.
- Get some sun - Ok, this is easier said than done in winter, but before you go to sleep trying leaving the curtains or blinds open just a tad to let some light in in the morning. If you really won't get any light at all when you wake up, maybe in invest in a sunrise alarm clock like the one from Phillips to bring some artificial sunlight into your morning.
- Coffee or tea - Do you have a favourite mug? Make sure it's clean and ready to go in the morning so you can head straight to the kitchen to have your favourite morning drink. Coffee might not be for everyone, but green tea also has caffeine and can add a nice boost of energy to your morning, and get your digestive system flowing!
- Don't lie in - We know that there is nothing more tempting then a lazy Saturday or Sunday morning, but did you know that when you lie in on the weekends you are not giving yourself the opportunity to wake up easily during the week. Your body and mind want continuity and if you wake up at the same time each day (no matter what time you went to sleep) you will feel better.