Get the most out of your weekday mornings

Submitted by Inspiring on Thu 14/04/16

Is your current pre-work regime to fall out of bed, stumble into the shower and run to the train station with a piece of toast in one hand and coffee in the other?

Do you feel like there isn’t enough time in the morning and find yourself struggling to get up or into work mode? We know that feeling.

Try out our tips on waking up, getting energised, and getting things done in the early hours:

Prepare for work the night before. Set out your clothes and shoes and pack anything you’re bound to forget into your bag. You should also check your calendar for events and reminders to avoid any nasty shocks. Don’t leave dishes in the sink overnight as this will make going into the kitchen in the morning an unpleasant and unwelcoming experience.
Get a good night sleep. To achieve a successful snooze avoid the stimulant-sedative cycle of coffee to wake you up in the morning and alcohol to help you sleep at night. Create a perfect sleeping environment in your bedroom by ensuring it is cool, dark, quiet and uncluttered. This can be achieved by thick curtains or eye mask, the use of ear plugs and removal of TVs and computers. Top tip: have a hot bath before bed as the cooling process releases the sleep hormone melatonin.
Have a good wakeup call. Waking up badly can be very damaging to your day. According to Margo, the author of The Good Sleep Guide it is important to wake up in the right point of your sleep cycle. There are apps available that monitor your movement and wake you up during a light period of sleep.
Exercise. Cranking out a few push-ups first thing in the morning tells your body it’s time to get up and do something. Exercise, whatever it is and however small gives you that ‘can-do’ smug feeling. It vitalises and gives you a sense of energy to make you feel more productive and de-stressed.
Eat well. Remember breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It is best to eat within an hour of waking to switch on your metabolism and replenish and rehydrate your body. If you don’t eat breakfast it can make you moody, tired and restless leading to decreased concentration and productivity.Top tip: eat foods with slow release energy and protein. The best breakfasts are filling and balanced e.g. two poached eggs with rye bread and grilled tomatoes or natural yoghurt with berries and seeds.
Use energising and multitasking grooming products. Your morning shower should be an enjoyable part of your wake-up routine. Consider using energising products containing invigorating ingredients such as menthol to stimulate the senses. Use multitasking products such as a face cleanser and shaving foam all in one.
Relax on your commute. Use your commute to catch up on news or read a book. Try and let your mind drift to help you relax and energise..