Morning Buzz: 5 Ways to Energize Your Morning
April 16, 2014
0 Comments
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.
See other content
Diet Soda is Still Diet, Right?
By Betty Murray Don’t be fooled by the name. Diet soda—although calorie free and sugar free—is not healthy. The calories and sugar in diet soda are replaced with other ingredients that contribute to weight gain, among other health issues. Studies have
Eating Your Emotions
By Betty Murray In our culture today, eating is emotional. We eat foods we love and foods that make us feel good. Eating is often psychological—a matter of pleasure, comfort, or of care. We eat to celebrate. We eat to grieve.
Snooze Your Way to Good Health
By Betty MurrayIf you are consistently depriving yourself of sleep, the consequences can be far more serious than simply being “sleepy” the next day. Lack of sleep is detrimental to your health and well being. Why sleep matters for your health