Tips on how to have a healthy, energetic morning!

Do you feel sluggish and unmotivated in the morning?
Do you have trouble rolling out of bed when the alarm goes off?
Do you drag yourself to the bathroom and just wish you could climb back into bed for a few more hours?
You’re not alone: many people feel this way.

There are natural ways, however, to remedy this and increase your morning energy.

• Get regular sleep. Getting enough sleep each night increases morning energy the natural way. Lack of sleep will leave you feeling tired and listless all day. Some people need seven, eight or even nine hours of sleep to feel good in the morning; whatever your body requires, strive to get that amount of sleep each night. The right amount of sleep for you will make a world of difference in the way you feel when the alarm clock goes off.
• When you wake up in the morning, step outside and breathe deeply for a couple of minutes. Raise your arms and stretch your body. The fresh air (and hopefully, sunshine) will awaken your senses.
• Drink a pint glass of water first thing in the morning. The human body is made up of a large percentage of water; the brain is made up of 95% water, blood is 82% and lungs 90%. A mere 2% drop in our body's water supply can trigger signs of dehydration. Mild dehydration is also one of the most common causes of daytime fatigue.
• It’s important to eat breakfast. As a matter of fact, every meal of the day is important, but eating a balanced breakfast that includes some lean protein will give you natural energy to start your day. Also, to your morning coffee or tea, add a teaspoon of honey. The caffeine plus the natural sugar in the honey will give you a boost of energy.
• Take daily multi-vitamins. Even people who try to eat healthy food every day are most likely deficient in some of the necessary vitamins and minerals. By taking a good multivitamin each day you’ll give your body a boost of natural energy as well as making you healthier over-all.
• Take a 5-10 minute walk in the morning. The fresh air, sunshine and exercise will rev up your engine and energize you.
• Take up a new hobby or creative interest. Monotony breeds fatigue. When you have nothing to look forward to, it’s hard to generate energy. We all need to create new energy and zest into our lives. What do you enjoy doing? Is there a hobby you’ve always wanted to try? Do something creative (craft projects, painting, woodworking, etc.) – it will invigorate you. Once you have a passionate interest in your life, getting up in the morning will be more of a joy than a chore.