How often do you wake up feeling tired or unmotivated? Are you looking forward to going to work or dreading it? If you answered yes to either question, then you might want to try something new. The key to waking up motivated is simple: get moving early enough every day.
Getting out of bed and starting the day off right is easier said than done. In fact, some days you may struggle to even drag yourself through the motions. That’s why it pays to plan ahead. Read on to find out how to get motivated in the morning, for better and happier days.
Why is it so hard to get motivated in the morning?
The answer lies in your sleep patterns. Most people are not getting enough quality sleep at night. This means that when they finally do wake up, their bodies are still groggy from lack of rest. As a result, they feel sluggish and uninspired. They also tend to have less energy throughout the day.
If you want to start the day with more motivation, make sure you get plenty of good-quality sleep each night. Try to go to bed earlier and get up later. You can use an alarm clock if you need to, but don’t set it too early. Instead, aim for somewhere between 6am and 8am.
If you’re struggling to fall asleep, try using melatonin supplements. These natural products help promote healthy sleep cycles by regulating your body’s internal clocks. Melatonin helps regulate the production of hormones like cortisol and serotonin, which play important roles in helping us relax and stay calm. It’s also been shown to improve concentration and memory.
Another way to boost your mood in the morning is to eat breakfast. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that eating breakfast improves cognitive performance. Researchers believe this is becausebreakfast provides your brain with glucose, which is essential for maintaining mental alertness.
Another reason to eat breakfast is that it gives you time to think about what you’ll be doing during the day. Eating a nutritious meal will give you the energy you need to tackle whatever tasks come your way.
What should I eat for breakfast?
Eating a balanced breakfast is one of the best ways to kickstart your day. Aim for foods rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Oatmeal – This high-fiber food contains lots of nutrients, including magnesium, potassium, vitamin B6, and iron. It’s easy to prepare and has alow glycemic index (GI).
- Eggs – An egg is a great source of protein, as well as other nutrients such as zinc, selenium, and lutein.
- Yogurt – This dairy product is packed with calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. It’s a good source of probiotics, which support digestive health.
- Fruit – Fruits contain manydifferent types of vitamins and minerals. Some examples include vitamin C, folate, and manganese.
- Whole grains – Grains provide complex carbohydrates that keep blood sugar levels steady. They also contain fiber, which promotes regular bowel movements.
- Nuts and seeds – These crunchy snacks are full of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Almonds, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, and sunflower seeds all offer different benefits.
- Milk – Dairy products are excellent sources of calcium, which supports bone strength. They also contain vitamin D, which may reduce risk of cancer.
Is waking up at 5 am better?
Many people find that waking up early makes them more productive. However, there are downsides to this approach. For example, studies show that those who wake up early often experience higher stress levels than others.
It is often said that waking up at 5 am is better than waking up at 7, 8, or 9 am. But why? The answer lies in how our bodies work. When we first wake up, our brains aren’t fully awake yet. As a result, we tend to feel groggy and tired. The earlier you try to wake up, the stronger this sense of grogginess can feel.
What are the benefits of waking up at 5 am?
Waking up early allows you to start your day on an even keel. You won’t have any distractions from noise or light when you first wake up. Instead, you’ll be able to focus on getting things done without being interrupted.
You’ll also likely feel less stressed. Studies show that people who wake up early are less prone to anxiety and depression. In fact, they’ve been shown to perform better on tests of attention and memory.
If you don’t like waking up early, you might consider going to bed easier. The reason that waking up so early feels so painful may be that you aren't getting enough sleep early enough. Change things up and see what happens.
Does having a routine increase motivation?
Having a set schedule helps us keep focused and motivated throughout the day. It gives us structure and order, which helps us avoid feeling overwhelmed by chaos.
When we have a plan, we're less likely to procrastinate. Procrastination is one of the biggest roadblocks to accomplishing anything. If you've ever found yourself saying "I'll do it later" or "I'm not really sure I should do this," then you probably procrastinated.
Procrastination is a habit that takes practice to break. Start small and stick to your plan. For example, if you need to write down 10 ideas before you go to bed, then write them down. Don't think about them until morning. Then, once you've written them down, put them away somewhere safe where you won't forget them.
The next time you find yourself thinking "I'll do it tomorrow," figure out if it can instead be done today. If it is a task you want to avoid and do not enjoy, then why not get it out of the way, and let your tomorrow be more enjoyable? You might just find that the things that scare you aren't as bad as they appeared they would be.
Do you know what motivates you?
Motivation plays a big role in how successful we are at achieving goals. We all have different reasons for wanting to accomplish something. Sometimes these reasons change over time, but it is important to know what they are so you can stay on track to achieving your goals.
Some common motivations:
- To help someone else
- To make money to support oneself financially
- To get ahead
- To do something fun
- To improve yourself
- To learn new skills
- To achieve personal growth
- To contribute to society
- To become healthier
- To save money for a dream purchase
- To spend time with family and friends
- To relax
- To meet deadlines
- To complete projects
- To finish school
- To reach milestones
- To feel actualized
Everyone is different, and everyone's dream is going to be different as well, and matter just as much. Make sure you know what yours is, so that you don't lose sight of it. When you know what you want to accomplish in a day, it makes it a lot easier to wake up and start doing it.
