Monday Morning Wake Up: 5 Ways to Stay Alert at the Office
After the weekend – whether it was busy or relaxing – it can be a challenge to stay awake and alert at the office on Monday morning. Don’t fret; we’ve got great tips to help you make it through the Monday morning blues. Check out these 5 ways to stay alert at the office.
Exercise
Want a surefire way to wake up? Get some exercise before work! You can make it simple, like a brisk 30-minute walk or jog around the neighborhood, or make it intense, like a 1.5-hour bike ride to work. To avoid exhaustion, know your limits and start small. Don’t go for an 8-mile run before work if that’s the furthest you’ve ever run! And make sure you have a snack prepared to eat post-workout to avoid fatigue. If you don’t have time for early workouts, then do 15 minutes of simple stretches, push ups, and sit ups as soon as you wake up.
Make Time For Breakfast
While nothing beats a good night’s sleep, eating a good but light breakfast can supercharge your brain and body, helping you feel more alert for hours. Whether you have plenty of time for stovetop oatmeal, or just a few minutes to grab egg muffins on the way out the door, eating breakfast is a great way to boost your energy levels and wake up! You should also drink at least a liter of water as early as you can. Buy a tumbler or reusable water bottle and fill it the night before, then grab it as you walk out the door. (Tip: Fill this with a green smoothie and have a nourishing breakfast on the go!)
Expose Yourself to Bright Natural Light
It’s not always possible to head out into bright sunshine every morning, but when the sun is shining, take a 5-minute break and walk around. The light helps your body’s internal clock know when it should be waking and when it should be sleeping – and it should definitely be awake during the day! Bright artificial lights might be a good second choice, but natural is always best!
Never Hit Snooze
This is hard for us all; even the most avid morning person wants to hit snooze every once in a while. Give yourself the perfect amount of time to get ready so that you’re not hitting snooze every ten minutes. You should try setting your alarm for the last possible time, so you have no choice but to get up! The snooze button is going to annoy you and everyone else in hearing distance, so do yourself a favor and get out of bed right away!
Listen to Music
Whether it’s 7 in the morning or 2:30 in the afternoon, listening to high-tempo music is a great way to wake up. Listen to something energetic on your way to work, or use headphones at the office. Find some great songs or albums you like, and you’ll be dancing in your seat – not sleeping!
Image Credit: Prweb.com, Frugalnutrition.com
