If you're anything like me, you've probably been going to bed late all summer and sleeping in later too. Now that it's back-to-school for so many of us, waking up early to get the kids ready for school is going to be tough. Waking up joyful will be an even a greater challenge, but with a little determination we can do it!
Here are twelve ways to wake up joyful and refreshed:
- Cut back on the caffeine the night before so you get quality sleep. Avoid coffee, cola, and chocolate.
- Go to bed early the night before. Even if you don't feel tired, your body will get used to the time that you set it to.
- Train your body to get used to a sleeping schedule. The average person needs six to seven hours of sleep each night, but more importantly, our bodies crave routine!
- Clean the kitchen the night before so that it's a welcoming site in the morning.
- Don't got to bed angry or irritated. If you are quarreling with your spouse, work it out before hitting the sack. If you are angry with a co-worker or friend, let go of the anger and hurt. Don't let it fester overnight.
- Don't overeat the night before or your stomach will be at work all night.
- Wake up as soon as the alarm rings. I know this is a tough one, but you can get into the habit of doing it if you practice enough. Sit up immediately, then stand. Don't hit the snooze button or you'll only form a habit that's hard to break.
- Greet your family with a smile and say something encouraging.
- Start the day with prayer and scripture.
- Make a schedule for the day including things that you will look forward to, or check your shedule if you make it the night before.
- Get moving as soon as you can. Rather than reclining on the couch watching the news with your morning coffee, throw some laundry in, do some vacuuming, or go for a brisk walk. A little exercise will kick start your day.
- Eat a healthy breakfast. Studies show that children who eat a good breakfast get better grades. My own personal studies (based on a survey of one person) show that moms who eat a good breakfast do quality housework and are less cranky throughout the day! :)
My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.~ Psalm 5:3, KJV
You are loved by an almighty God,
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I love this! I'm working on getting up a little earlier every day, and this is just perfect. I think I'll print it out and keep it by my bed. :)
ReplyDeleteI especially love all the research you did for #12. ;) Too funny!
I love your 'research' for #12! My son complains about being hungry by 10 every morning. I have been trying to make him huge breakfasts full of protein since he started school last week...so far, so good, I think!
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I have been staying up too late, and I tend to hit snooze several times and not be very cheery in the mornings...I am going to work hard on your list! Thanks for sharing it!
Me too! I've gotten into the habit of hitting snooze a lot this past summer!
DeleteI don't want to "counter" your advice-for a healthy person it's right on task. I would like to suggest though that if any of your readers really struggles with this that they visit a naturopath or other alternative health professional. I learned "by accident" that I have adrenal fatigue that prevents me from being able to sleep well and wake up refreshed no matter what I do. I spent many years thinking I must just be lazy and felt guilty about needing an afternoon nap. Once I learned of this condition I began to make the necessary changes to improve my health, but it's taking a long time. I'd love to wake up and actually feel like I slept!
ReplyDeleteKelly, it's a good thing that you found out what the problem was. Now you have me curious as to how you found out by accident. :D
DeleteWell known simple things.. But, really encouraging to brush it up again and start my day with a little more confidence that I can start those from now with the help our dear God. Thanks for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteNot hitting the snooze is a big thing, hubby dies that and now I no longer even hear it :)
ReplyDeleteOne way that I have found to help me wake up, is a radio alarm, waking up to Christian music is way better than the bone jarring buzz of an alarm clock!
Darlene,
ReplyDeleteI went to a new chiropractor and he gave me a questionnaire to fill out. Based on my responses he suggested I may have adrenal fatigue. I researched it and sure enough-anything that had ever been wrong with me health wise was covered. 3 years later I'm still struggling, but also recently discovered that I have a huge load of lead stored away and that might be why.