Most of us have to wake up earlier than we’d like to. That’s just the reality of modern life. But waking up on the wrong side of the bed can make those early morning hours feel even longer and more arduous than necessary, which makes getting back to sleep that much harder. So what can you do before your day starts to make sure you’re getting a good night’s rest? Here are 4 things to try:
- Exercise: It doesn’t have to be anything too intense — some stretching or just some deep breaths will suffice — but getting some activity in during the morning will help release any pent-up tension and help calm your mind so it’s ready for more.
“Exercise can release those natural endorphins that make you feel good and even more awake, while also leading to increased deep wave sleep at night,” explains Dr. Holliday-Bell.
- Open the shades and let some light in. Your body needs sunlight to feel energized and ready to tackle your daily tasks.
- Meditate. A little quiet time can go a long way toward clearing your mind of stress and racing thoughts, which can help you fall asleep more easily at night. If meditating isn’t your thing, try deep breathing exercises instead.
- Start your day with a healthy breakfast. Breakfast sets the tone for your whole day — and not just by boosting your energy levels. Eating breakfast helps ensure that you’ll be better able to resist unhealthy foods later in the day, and it keeps your hunger pangs at bay so you don’t overeat during meals.
- Don’t hit the snooze button. Sleep experts say hitting the snooze button may reset your circadian rhythm, which helps regulate sleepiness and alertness throughout the day. It could even make it harder for you to fall back asleep when you finally do get up. Instead of hitting the snooze button, turn on some soft music.
