We’ve all had those mornings. The alarm goes off, you open one eye, and your first thought
is, “How am I supposed to do today like this?” You technically slept. You’re not sick. But you still feel sluggish, foggy, and about three steps behind before you’ve even gotten out of bed.
The good news? Feeling tired in the morning doesn’t always mean you need more sleep. Often, it means your body and brain just need a better
“on-ramp” into the day. A few small shifts can help you feel noticeably more peppy, without chugging coffee and hoping for the best.
Here are some gentle, realistic ways to wake up feeling more like yourself.
1. Start with Light (Before You Start with Screens): Your body wakes up best when it sees light. Natural light tells your brain, “Okay, it’s go time.” Before you reach for your phone:
Open the curtains or blinds.
Step outside for a minute if you can.
Sit near a bright window while you sip your drink.
Even a few minutes of morning light can help reset your internal clock and reduce that groggy feeling.
2. Drink Water Before Anything Else: After hours of sleep, your body is slightly dehydrated. That alone can make you feel tired, fuzzy, and low-energy. Before coffee, tea, or
breakfast:
Drink a full glass of water.
Add lemon if you like flavor.
Keep a glass by your bed if mornings feel rushed.
This simple habit wakes up your system more than most people realize.
3. Move…Just a Little
You don’t need a workout at dawn. You just need circulation. Try:
A gentle stretch beside the bed
Rolling your shoulders and neck
A short walk down the driveway or hallway
Marching in place
while brushing your teeth
Two minutes of movement can be enough to tell your body, “We’re up now.”
4. Eat Something That Actually Helps
Skipping breakfast, or grabbing only something sugary, often leads to a mid-morning crash. Aim for a mix of:
Protein (yogurt, eggs, nut butter)
Fiber (fruit, whole grains)
Healthy fat (nuts, seeds, avocado)
Even something small is better than nothing. Think: yogurt and berries,
toast with peanut butter, or a
hard-boiled egg and fruit.
5. Create a “Soft Start” Routine: If your mornings feel frantic, your body stays in stress mode...and
that’s exhausting. A soft start might include:
Sitting quietly for two minutes
Reading something positive
Writing one intention for the day
Listening to calm music
Enjoying your
drink without multitasking
You’re not being “lazy.” You’re setting your nervous system up for a better day.
6. Check Your Evening Habits: Morning energy
often starts the night before. Ask yourself:
Am I going to bed at wildly different times?
Am I scrolling in bed too long?
Am I falling asleep with the TV on?
Am I going to bed overstimulated?
One small improvement, like shutting screens off 20 minutes earlier, can make mornings noticeably better.
7. Don’t Rely Only on Caffeine: Coffee can help, but it shouldn’t be the only thing propping you up. If you feel awful until your second cup, it may mean:
You’re dehydrated
You’re not eating enough
You’re not getting quality sleep
Your mornings are too rushed
Use caffeine as a boost, not a rescue plan.
8. Do One Tiny “Win” Early: Nothing wakes up motivation like a small success. Try:
Making your bed
Clearing one counter
Putting dishes in the dishwasher
Writing one short TO
DO
Answering one easy email
That tiny win builds momentum...and energy follows action more than we think.
9. Listen to What Your Tiredness Is Telling You:
Sometimes tired isn’t about sleep at all. It can mean:
You’ve been overdoing
it
You’re mentally overloaded
You’re saying yes too often
You haven’t had real downtime
If you’re tired every morning, it may be your body asking for gentler days, not just earlier bedtimes.
On another note...
Travel
Smarter: Essentials for Every TripPacking for a trip doesn’t have to be stressful. This carefully curated list includes must-have travel essentials that will keep you organized, comfortable, and ready for any adventure. Whether you're heading out for a weekend getaway, a business trip, or an international vacation, these essentials ensure you're always prepared.
