Believe it or not – most people spend too much time in bed.
And even more people make the mistake of thinking that more time in bed = more energy and feeling ready for the day.
Now I know getting out of bed can be tough.
The alarm goes off and for a moment and you just want to stay wrapped up in bed, warm and cosy, wishing you didn’t have to move, hitting the snooze button for ‘just 10 more minutes’.
Of course we get up after a while anyway, usually because we have to, but for many of us it’s a chore and sometimes it’s painful – but it’s a little known fact that spending more than 7-8 hours in bed isn’t good for us.
In fact, it’s unhealthy and a lack of knowledge on this topic is why most people lose the battle of the bedroom… and what should be the best part of the day can often be stressful.
Some days might be different, but doesn’t the day nearly always start off on a bad note? Especially when the last thing you want to do is get out from under the covers, and then spend the little time you have rushing around to get ready…
But here’s why most people struggle on a morning and lose the ‘bedroom battle’…
Not only do most people lack vitamin D, but they also struggle in eating a balanced diet and getting enough exercise…
…Which leads to the big mistake of thinking that the answer to more energy, is spending more time asleep.
That’s rarely the case. Unless there’s an underlying medical condition, you’re a new mum, or you suffer from extreme sleep deprivation, a lack of energy means your body is out of balance.
The reality is that more sleep doesn’t = more energy. It actually makes you feel more tired!
So here’s some natural ways in which can help you wake up early in the morning (and there’s not a coffee in sight!).
Find the light…
Melatonin is a hormone produced by your brain and regulates your sleep. When it’s dark, your body produces more melatonin making you sleepy. When it’s light, the production of melatonin drops.
If you struggle to wake up, open your curtains to let the light in.
The other alternative is to give an illuminating alarm clock a go – you’ll be woken up naturally with light, and won’t be disturbed all of a sudden with a loud alarm noise.
Keep hydrated…
Your body is made up of 60% water, but when you sleep you sweat, breathe and don’t drink for hours – which dehydrates you.
Dehydration reduces alertness, increases tiredness and affects mental concentration.
Before you go to bed place a glass of water beside you and down it as soon as you wake up.
I do this each morning, I have done for months, and I really feel the difference.
Start the day with a healthy breakfast…
It’s been proven that people feel more alert after eating breakfast first thing in the morning.
If your breakfast is high in processed sugar, your energy will drop quickly.
But if you have a breakfast packed full of natural carbohydrates, fats and protein – alertness lasts longer throughout the morning.
(A favourite of mine is scrambled eggs on brown toast and a glass of orange juice)…
Listen to music…
Music has the ability to release feel-good chemicals throughout your body. Starting your day with your favourite upbeat tunes can get you moving, and is guaranteed to set your day off on a good note.
Get active…
This one probably sounds obvious but getting up to do something active in the morning gets your blood pumping and releases your feel-good chemicals.
It doesn’t have to be strenuous exercise like a gym class or a run, it can be something simple like going for a gentle walk, or doing some stretches in the comfort of your own home.
To sum it up – when it comes to sleep, less is more.
On average you need 6-7 hours sleep each night, but if you’re currently getting 9 or more, then any attempt to switch to less will leave you feeling groggy. But only at first.
If you stick at it for about 30 days, it’ll eventually become a habit that leaves you feeling great with MORE energy.
And not only that, but you’ll also have MORE time in your life!…
Rising earlier could help you to exercise more and give you time to plan and enjoy your day ahead, and even get the housework done in peace if you wanted!
If you manage to make this a healthy habit by climbing out of bed just ONE hour earlier each morning you will find spare time equivalent to an entire week in your life every month.
Last but not least, get to bed earlier if you still struggle with getting out of bed in the morning. Trouble nodding off may be a sign of high stress levels, so doing gentle walking, swimming, meditation or yoga is a fantastic way to help decrease stress at the same time.
