5 top tips for making the winter mornings more enjoyable

Being startled awake by a morning alarm could be setting you up for a difficult start. Research has shown that, in fact, if you rely on an alarm clock to wake you up, you’re likely to go through the day feeling more tired than if you allowed yourself time to wake naturally.

The science suggests that using an alarm and waking abruptly causes your heart rate and blood pressure to increase, as well as heightening feelings of stress because adrenaline kicks in.

So, when you go to bed tonight, switch your alarm off and allow yourself the luxury of waking in your own time. If this isn’t feasible, replace your startling alarm by setting your sound to birdsong or forest sounds. Alternatively, invest in a sunrise “alarm clock” that wakes you with gradually increasing light.

A more relaxed wake-up call can help you begin your day with a sense of ease and calm, reducing the likelihood of feeling frazzled or anxious.

Now you’re ready to start your day the right way, here are a few other tips for making the cold winter mornings more bearable and, dare we say, even a little bit enjoyable.

1. Take a hot shower

Standing under a hot shower first thing can help regulate your body temperature. The hot water will increase your blood circulation and get you feeling warm outside and in.

Better still, heat your clothes before you shower and once you’re dressed you’ll be toasty snug, warm and comfortable.

2. Swap your usual morning brew for green tea

Green tea is a soothing drink that’s great for getting you going in the morning. While it contains caffeine, it’s less than the amount you’d have from a cup of coffee.

Above all, what makes green tea especially good is the L-theanine it provides, promoting a calming effect. Drinking green tea can also improve your mood and reduce anxiety. If you enjoy it, drink it at regular intervals throughout the day.

3. Tuck into a nutritious breakfast

Eating a good breakfast can leave you feeling energised and ready to go. While it’s easy to reach for good old cereal and toast, starting your day with something warm and nutritional could make a big difference.

Here are three healthy and tasty suggestions:

• Scrambled eggs served with sliced avocado
• Porridge spiced with cinnamon or ginger
• Greek yogurt with honey or berries.

Remember, there are no hard and fast rules about what you can and can’t eat for breakfast. If it’s what you crave, there’s nothing to stop you from tucking into a warm bowl of soup or even a portion of curry or spicy chilli.

4. Wrap up warm and head outdoors

Exercise releases feel-good endorphins, so once you’re fuelled, head outdoors for a walk and get your heart pumping.

A morning walk will mean you breathe in the fresh hair and get some much-needed light. While it may not light enough – or warm enough – to provide the required dose of vitamin D, it will get your blood pumping.

5. Boost your mood with movement

If the weather outside is frightful, why not put on some music and have a workout at home, or simply dance in your living room. Alternatively, do some yoga stretches – there are loads of great classes online that are easy to find with a quick search on YouTube.

Anything that gets you moving will help warm you up and could leave you feeling better for the rest of the day.

If all else fails…

Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t find the motivation required to leap out of bed and into the day. Be kind to yourself. Some mornings are made for staying snug under your duvet with a good book or the radio for company.

And remember: it won’t be long before the days gradually start becoming lighter. In fact, following the Winter Solstice on 22 December, the UK gets lighter by two minutes and seven seconds every day.

Snowdrops and crocuses can often be sighted early in January too. So, if all else fails, know that winter will pass and spring will arrive, bringing new life, bright skies, warmer mornings, and fresh opportunities.

Get in touch

If you have a secret to making winter mornings more enjoyable, we’d love to hear from you.

Should you wish to use the winter months to organise your finances and ensure your financial plan is in tip-top condition to help you achieve your long-term goals, please get in touch.

Email us at info@harperlees.co.uk or call 01277 350560 and we’ll be very happy to help.

Please note

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.