Wake up refreshed with Wellness Wednesday!

Rise and Shine!

We all have that voice in our head that tells us we’re going to wake up early to make time for a morning workout session, but then once the alarm goes off, we either hit that snooze button or turn off the alarm and accidentally fall back asleep. Obviously, we mean well, but there’s just something about our mattress that early in the morning that makes it a little harder to wake up and get the ball rolling.

If one of your personal goals this year is to become a morning person, here are some tips to help you out!

Establish a night-time routine

One way to make yourself a morning person is by focusing on what you’re doing before you go to bed. Here are some ideas to get you started with your night-time routine:

• Set an alarm to fall asleep. Set an alarm or reminder 30-45 minutes before your bedtime to remind yourself it’s time to unplug and unwind for the night.
• Relax your body and mind. Yoga and meditation can help quiet your mind and keep it from focusing on all the things you need to focus on tomorrow morning.
• Write it out. If your anxious mind isn’t wanting to calm down, journaling can help get those racing thoughts out of your head and help you focus on getting a peaceful night of rest.
• Screen your tech. Put your phone down. Close Netflix. Turn off the news. Blue light can disrupt your body’s natural urge to fall asleep, so it’s best to limit screen time a couple of hours before bedtime and set yourself up for a successful night’s sleep!

Start off on the right foot

If one of your other goals for this year is to increase your physical activity or feel stronger and healthier, here’s an idea: start your day off with a workout. There’s been some debate on whether it’s better to exercise in the morning or the evening, but it’s ultimately up to the individual – we’re all unique in our daily schedules and preferences! Here are some of the benefits of working out first thing in the morning:

• Fewer distractions. You start off the day before even looking at your to-do list or emails. Morning workouts can also help produce endorphins, which are your “feel-good” neurotransmitters, to start your morning on a positive note!
• Increased energy. When you exercise, oxygen and nutrients are delivered to your heart and lungs, which can improve your cardiovascular system and increase your stamina. This can also help you feel energized throughout the day!
• Better sleep. Light exposure early in the day can help increase melatonin levels at night so that you spend more time in a deep sleep.

If you’re not into the idea of waking up early to knock out your daily workout, here are some ideas for some stretches to wake up your muscles after your 8-10 hours!

Ease into it!

If you’re planning on switching up your sleep schedule, take small steps rather than trying to force a drastic change. Every night before bed, try setting your alarm five minutes earlier until you reach your goal. These small increments will add up over time! Most importantly, listen to your body when it tells you it’s time to fall asleep.

For more tips on how to become an early bird, click here!

Make time for fun!

Instead of waking up and doing your everyday routine, what about doing something fun or creative?

This could be an hour or two of your favorite video games, an episode or two of your favorite show, a personal dance party, or whatever hobby you’d like!

Starting your day with something you love gives you more “me time” before delving into your to-do list and adds some fun and creativity to your morning cup of coffee.

What are your favorite ways to start the day on a positive note? We want to hear from YOU! Share your tips on social media and tag us!