Rise and Shine Bobcats: 8 Ways to Feel More Awake

Brogan Gerhart

Are you the kind of person who slumps out of bed every morning, perpetually fatigued and sleep deprived? Do you need multiple energy drinks and several shots of espresso just to feel mildly awake? If so, then it’s no secret that waking up and getting ready can be a serious struggle, especially if the day ahead requires you to be on your A-game from start to finish.

Tips to feeling alert, awake, and enthusiastic so you can start every day off right:

  1. Get more sleep.

This tip’s a given, but it really does work. Finish your homework early, turn off your electronics at a reasonable hour, and go to sleep! Come on, this isn’t rocket science, people. More sleep equals more energy – think of the potential!

  1. Take a shower.

Not only are you keeping proper hygiene, but you’re also helping yourself feel more awake. Showering in the morning may seem a bit more time consuming than taking a shower at night, but all in all, it’s going to leave you feeling refreshed and squeaky clean at the beginning of your day.

Wiggle your toes. Stretch. Sit up. Walk around. Exercise. Any type of movement in the morning will improve circulation, boost brain activity, and, in general, it is a healthy way to start your day and improve your overall fitness.

  1. Eat a nutritious breakfast and drink more water.

Get the proper nutrients and stay hydrated. If you can accomplish this, you will have much more energy throughout the day and it will put you in a much better mood. Remember, a well-fed teen is a happy teen.

  1. Let the light in – or on.

Open the blinds and (if you wake up before the sun) turn on the lights. Usually when waking up, groggy and irritable, this is the last thing we want to do, but let’s be honest, it’s pretty hard to fall back asleep in a brightly lit room – plus, if it’s natural light, it can also improve your mood!

  1. Take a few deep breaths.

Inhale. Exhale. Feel your lungs expand and pay attention to your breath. Doing this as soon as you wake up will help your mind refocus and prepare for the day ahead. Learning how to live in the moment, even if it is just for the few seconds before you get up in the morning, will slowly begin to change how you perceive the world.

  1. Turn up the volume – and sing along.

Play some tunes! No one can want to go back to sleep when they’re listening to awesome music. Dance. Sing. Start your day off with a party and get pumped!!

  1. Look forward to your day.

Plan to do something that will actually make you want to get out of bed! Whether it be hanging out with friends, going out someplace nice to eat, or simply treating yourself to some quality alone time, plan to do something later on in the day that will get you up and excited about the much anticipated day ahead.