Coffee is the antidote of choice for most sleepyheads in the morning.  In fact, a Gallup poll revealed that 64 percent of American adults drink at least one cup of coffee per day. But if you want to energize your morning without the caffeine, here are five things to get you going:

1. Take a cold shower. Taking a cold shower in the morning can increase alertness, improve blood circulation and reduce stress.

When your body is exposed to cold water, it causes you to breathe deeply in response to the shock of the cold water—thus increasing your oxygen intake. With more oxygen, your heart rate increases, releasing a rush of blood throughout the body and making you feel more energized.

2. Exercise. Morning workouts can give you the energy you need to take on the day.  Exercise releases endorphins that promote mental clarity and an improved attention span.

To improve your chances of taking on morning exercise:

• Establish an earlier bedtime.
• Sleep in your workout clothes.
• Give yourself a few weeks to establish a routine.
• Fuel up on light snacks like bananas, wheat toast or a small bowl of oatmeal.

3. Go outside. Wake up and go outside for at least five to ten minutes. Light regulates the body’s biological clock, signaling to the brain that it’s time to get moving.

Exposure to sunlight may also help boost serotonin, a “feel good” hormone produced in the brain.

4. Drink water. Drinking cold water after waking up can stimulate the adrenaline hormone, which gets the heart pumping and boosts blood flow to the brain.

Water also helps improve natural dehydration that occurs during sleep. Try to drink at least two eight-ounce glasses of water when you wake up. 

5. Listen to music. A study by researchers at McGill University found that music helps the brain release the “feel good” chemical dopamine, which plays a role in motivation.

To really get moving in the morning, choose songs with positive lyrics that have a strong bass or drum beat.

For more helpful, healthful tips, click here. 

Need to make an appointment with a Piedmont physician? Save time, book online.