April 16, 2014
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By Betty Murray
Not everyone bounces out of bed like a ball of energy when the morning alarm buzzes. When your alarm goes off in the morning, is your first response to hit snooze and curl back up under your covers?
If you struggle to find your morning buzz, here are five tips to energize your morning:
- Get a dose of vitamin D. Throwback the curtains and open the blinds in your home, allowing the morning sun to shine through. Sunlight is a signal to your brain that it’s time to get up. Exposure to sunlight first thing in the morning will help you be more awake and alert during the day.
- Drink a glass of ice water. Most of us are slightly dehydrated after a solid night of sleep. Before you reach for your morning coffee, drink a glass of ice water to rehydrate. The colder the water, the more it will help you wake up. If you can stand it, take a cool shower in the morning to wake up your senses.
- Exercise. Morning is the best time to get your daily dose of exercise. Physical activity improves blood flow to the brain and heart and boosts endorphins and energy. For the same reasons, exercising before bed can actually keep you awake at night.
- Eat breakfast. Just like your car needs fuel to get you where you want to go, your body needs fuel to make it through the day. Start your day with a healthy breakfast for energy and concentration throughout the day. A protein and fiber-rich breakfast will keep you feeling fuller, longer. People who eat breakfast are also less likely to snack on junk food during the day.
- Count your blessings. Research shows that gratitude can go a long way in reducing stress levels. Stress will wear on your body, and add to your mental and physical fatigue. Start your day by thinking of the things you are grateful for. During the day, when you start to feel stressed, take a break and reflect on your blessings once again.
Betty Murray, CN, HHC, RYT is a Certified Nutritionist & Holistic Health Counselor, founder of the Dallas-based integrative medical center, Wellness and founder of the Metabolic Blueprint wellness program. Betty’s nutrition counseling practice specializes in metabolic and digestive disorders and weight loss resistance. A master of the biochemistry of the body, Betty teaches her clients how to utilize nutritional interventions to improve their health. Betty is a member of the Institute of Functional Medicine and the National Association of Nutrition Professionals.
