So last week I found an awesome way to wake up IMMEDIATELY and without caffeine.
Equipment needed:
-1 spider
That's all you need. I was putting on my pants when a spider crawled out of them and up my leg. I was alert and awake in a jiffy. Thankfully I didn't scream like a little girl or did I? I kind of blacked out, so who knows.
Anyway, it got me thinking of ways to get going in the morning so you can get your workout in, get to work, or wherever you might be going first thing in the morning awake and ready to roll.
Get excited! (The most important one)
You woke up again and you are alive. That is a reason to be excited for sure. Today could be the day you make a difference in someone's life. Today might be the day you have a breakthrough with your body or your fitness level. Every day is a gift! Now some days it is like getting socks for a gift but still it's the thought that counts. Wake up feeling excited and ready because this might be the day! DO NOT let someone or something determine the mood of your day, you control that.
Get out of bed right away
This is one I have to do. No snoozing for me. If you're addicted to snoozing, why not just set your alarm to when you really get up anyway? Stop teasing yourself with those little bits of sleep, it just makes things worse. Wake up, slap that alarm, and hit the ground running. You will feel so much more energized than the snooze routine.
Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day
This one will help get your body used to what you are doing to it. If you alternate going to bed at 9pm one night and waking up at 430am with staying up until 11pm and waking up at 630 your body gets confused. Your body likes homeostasis and being in a routine. Doing the same thing every time for exercise=bad. Doing the same thing for sleep=good.
Pump up the jam
You like that song? Well turn it up! (Freedom Rock reference) Blare some music you really like to get you going in the morning. Got people still asleep in your house? Blare your iPod with headphones at a non-ear damaging level to get the party started.
Deep breaths
Your brain needs oxygen to clear the fog of waking up early. Throw a few stretches in there to top it off.
Drink cold water
Put some water in the fridge the night before and in the morning drink a nice cold glass of water first thing in the morning. It will wake you AND your metabolism up. Win, win.
Get the blood flowing
Jumping jacks or even better wacky jacks are a good way to get some blood and oxygen stirred up. High knees, punch your pillow a few times, raise the roof, whatever it takes.
Spider
No explanation needed