Many people have a hard time finding their “get up and go” in the morning. Even if you are a morning person you are probably far from firing on all cylinders when you first open your eyes. Try adding a few of these proven tricks to your routine to start every day feeling happy and energized.

1. When your alarm goes off, turn it off as fast as you can. Then take a deep breath to fully inflate your lungs, and stretch your limbs out in all directions for a couple seconds… like you’re stretching during a yawn.  Then sit up, plant your feet on the floor, and stand up.  Smile a big smile…

2. Smile. Yes, it seems silly. How can a smile help get you out of bed? For starters, you need to think of something to smile about. Think of something that you are grateful for in your life, and actually physically smile when you think of it. You can’t just think happy thoughts – that won’t do it. You will be amazed at how much the physical act of smiling will bring your mind into focus on your life, and also start to shake off the cobwebs of sleep. This has the added bonus of energetically setting yourself up to attract even more things to be grateful for, so you get two perks for the price of one by simply smiling like you mean it!

3. Let the sun in. Exposure to light stimulates your brain to stop producing sleep-inducing melatonin. So open some blinds and do some stretches to get your blood moving. This will help raise your body temperature and lift some of the brain fog, offsetting the desire to climb back into your warm bed.

4. Sleep more effectively. Wondering why you still feel tired? I have noticed sleeping longer doesn’t necessarily translate to sleeping better. Some days I can have 8 hours of sleep, yet feel like I haven’t slept at all. Other days I can be fully alert, productive and cheerful after only a few short hours.

If you find that you are still tired after a good stretch of 6-8 hours, chances are you’re not sleeping well. Most people just don’t need much more sleep than that. Sleeping well can be attained in various ways. I find having a good mattress and pillow with some quiet reading time before bed to be helpful. Here are some tips towards sleeping better.

5. Exercise. This is a great kick start to your day. Exercising your body will get you into motion and up to full speed better than (or in addition to) that cup of coffee. While working out after work may be a good relaxer to end a hectic day, it’s more likely to be canceled with the uncertainty of last minute dinner arrangements to late evening meetings. A brisk morning workout, or even just a short walk outdoors, will trigger feel good endorphins and lower stress hormones, with effects that can last 6-8 hours, making you mentally sharper and less likely to hit a mid morning slump.

6. Shower therapy. Aromatherapy scents that can boost energy include citrus, eucalyptus and mint. Select bath products or make your own with aromatherapy oils for an invigorating shower experience.  Tip: Put a drop of peppermint oil on a tissue and sniff to clear mind of clutter and a quick midday lift.

7. Don’t forget the most important meal of the day. A body must have fuel, and part of the grogginess you feel is due to the fact it has been several hours since your last meal. Need some ideas for inspiring morning meals? Check out these great breakfast recipes from Glen Ivy’s Executive Spa Chef Bill Wavrin.

8. Enjoy yourself. One major complaint in this modern day, rush-filled, society is not being able to have a proper family-work-life balance. Waking up earlier allows one to begin the day right, by doing things that you and your family would enjoy, before heading off to the next level which is to work, and doing so knowing that your time has been well spent in the morning to enjoy with your loved ones.

9. Review all the things you got done. As  you work at building your “morning energy” routine, be sure to review and acknowledge your successes. From simply feeling better each to potentially being more productive and enjoying your mornings more, looking back at all the things you’ve managed to get done in the early mornings is a great motivator to keep you going!

Have a great day!