By Catarina Cowden
TheActiveTimes.com

Mornings can be rough. Especially for those of us who aren't exactly morning people; those of us who hit the snooze button time and time again, until we roll over to see we have just 10 minutes to get to work on time.

It may seem like there's barely enough time in the morning to brush your teeth, let alone sit down and enjoy a nice breakfast while filling out a crossword puzzle. But, implementing habits and a routine that allow for some downtime in the AM hours can seriously benefit your energy levels, productivity and overall happiness for the rest of the day.

There are so many easy ways to jumpstart your day that it's worth getting rid of the snooze button and getting up to seize the day. In no time, your body will be used to your newly found morning energy, and you'll be on your way to becoming a 'morning person.'

Easy Morning Hacks To Brighten Your Day

 

Don't Hit Snooze

Hitting the snooze button can mess up your entire day. Those few minutes are not worth throwing off your internal clock. When the alarm goes off, adrenaline kicks in, and your body is ready to get up and go.

 

Don't Hit Snooze

Hit the snooze to catch some extra Zs and your body and mind become confused making you feel more out of it then if you had waken up with the first alarm.

 

Get Outside

Studies show that getting outside can increase your creativity and happiness. Take in some fresh air, go for a walk, or simply watch the sun rise for a few minutes. The time spent outside can help you feel more alert and at ease later in the day.

 

Get Outside

Take in some fresh air, go for a walk, or simply watch the sun rise for a few minutes. The time spent outside can help you feel more alert and at ease later in the day.

 

Exercise

Getting your exercise in before you start your day has shown to be beneficial in many ways.

 

Exercise

Studies have shown that exercise makes you more productive at work, can help with your sleeping patterns and shows an overall increase in your energy levels for the rest of the day.

 

Drink Water

Keep a glass of water by your bedside so when you wake up it is the first thing you reach for. Not only will this wake you up immediately, but it will also kick start your metabolism. Also, for those who find difficulty getting up after the first buzz of the alarm, drinking a glass of water often makes you feel like you have to pee, thus getting you directly out of bed.

 

Drink Water

Also, for those who find difficulty getting up after the first buzz of the alarm, drinking a glass of water often makes you feel like you have to pee, thus getting you directly out of bed.

 

Eat a Good Breakfast

Breakfast can determine the outcome of your day. It is the first meal to determine your energy levels for the rest of the day. While you may not have a huge appetite in the morning, giving your body good foods filled with protein can wake you up for the rest of the day.

 

Eat a Good Breakfast

Also, eating breakfast within an hour of waking up can boost your metabolism and regulate your eating habits for the rest of the day.

 

Don't Drink Coffee Right Away

Waking up is difficult. And for many, coffee is the answer. Whether it be the smell or just the sudden caffeine, people rely on it.

 

Don't Drink Coffee Right Away

But, studies have actually shown that caffeine has a better affect on you after you've been up a couple hours. So make your coffee at work, and stick to water at home.

 

Stretch

If you shudder at the fear of waking up early to go to the gym, simply doing a few yoga poses or stretches can dramatically improve your day.

 

Stretch

Stretching will wake up your body and improve energy and productivity.

previous next

For the complete list of the Easy Morning Hacks, go to TheActiveTimes.com.

More From The Active Times:
-- Habits of Genuinely Happy People
-- Healthy Habits You Should Never Neglect
-- Habits That Are Making You Age Prematurely
-- Why Morning is the Best Time For Exercise