MORNING CAN BE A DIFFICULT TIME OF DAY FOR PEOPLE.

Do you have a hard time getting up in the morning? Do you feel like you are rushed which makes you cranky?

Here are a few more ideas to help you get your day going with a more positive start!

1. Make Sure you get enough sleep.
We all need sleep, we fall apart if we don’t get sufficient sleep. The body restores and heals itself mentally and physically when we sleep. Chronic sleep deprivation leads to cardiovascular disease, immune disruption, metabolic malfunctions, and depression. The average adult needs seven to nine hours of sleep a night to function properly. Make sure you are limiting your caffeine intake if sleeping is a problem at night. Most people don’t realize that caffeine can stay in your system for 6 to 8 hours.

2. Wake up a little earlier
Cutting ourselves short of time in the morning can affect our mood for the rest of the day. When you wake up a little earlier you have more time and there is no need to rush. Being rushed causes unnecessary stress for ourselves leading to feeling irritated. Sometimes to get up a little earlier we must go to sleep a little earlier; the two go hand in hand.

3. Avoid checking your phone
Checking your phone first thing when you wake up can completely hijack your morning routine. It is very tempting to check for updates right away when you wake up but checking media can trigger stress, loss of time, and derail your mood. Instead of checking your phone try meditating for a few moments by taking 3 or 4 deep mindful breaths before you get out of bed.

4. Let the Light In
Seeing the morning sunshine can make the morning process more natural and easier. Open up your curtains right away and let the natural light in. This gives biological signals to your brain that it is time to wake up. If you have to wake up before dawn you may want to try an alarm clock that simulates a sunrise and slowly lights up your room.

5. Use Essential Oils in a Diffuser
Using a diffuser in the morning with some energizing essential oils such as Wild Orange, or any other citrus oil will help to uplift your mood. You can even prep your diffuser the night before with the water and oils. Take a few deep breaths and inhale the aroma of the essential oils to energize you for the day. Always make sure that you are using high quality essential oils.

6. Exercise and Stretch with Dr. Kim Andrews
Take a few minutes to do some mild stretching. This allows your body to wake up after you have been lying down for the night. Morning exercise can increase your energy levels so spend a few moments marching in place, stretch your neck, raise your arms up and down to get yourself going. Of course, if you have time in the morning to do more intensive exercising it is a great way to start the day and will help to keep your stress level down.

7. Eat a Healthy Breakfast
Studies have shown that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. A healthy breakfast starts your day off in a positive manner. It will provide your body and mind with the resources necessary to start your day. Eating a diet including fresh vegetables, fruits, and healthy proteins gives you proper energy production and metabolic function.