Are you hitting the snooze button more now that the weather is turning brisk? Join the club. With temperatures dipping steadily lower, many of us have a hard time leaving the cozy warmth of our beds. Factor in the lack of daylight, and it’s a wonder that anyone manages to rise before noon these days.
Frigid weather can make getting out of bed a real task, especially if you’ve never been a so-called “morning person.” But take heart! There are plenty of simple tips and tricks for learning how to wake up when it’s cold in the morning. Indeed, it could be as easy as bundling yourself in a cozy weighted robe or curating the perfect wake-up playlist.
Ready to reclaim your mornings this fall and winter? Check out these expert ideas for making cold weather wake-ups easier.
Also Read: 3 Reasons Why You Have Neck Pain – A Short Guide
1. Set an Earlier Bedtime
It’s much easier to rouse yourself from bed on a brisk winter morning when you’re sufficiently well-rested. Setting an earlier bedtime will help ensure you get plenty of high-quality Zzzs, making the task of hopping out of bed feel less daunting the next day. Just be careful to avoid forcing an early bedtime on yourself, which some experts warn can induce insomnia.
Instead, try shifting your bedtime forward in 15-minute increments and easing your body into a sleepy state with calming nighttime activities (reading, journaling, meditation, etc.). Winding down with a weighted eye mask may be particularly helpful for catching more Zzzs, as it can block sleep-disturbing light while instilling a sense of calm.
2. Hop in the Shower
Hopping into a hot, steamy shower is a tried-and-true way to fight off the morning chill. One of the reasons a hot shower feels so good is that the hot water dilates our blood vessels, improving our circulation and allowing warm blood to reach our extremities. The end result is feeling nice and warm all over.
Still, it’s worth noting that showering doesn’t help everyone wake up in the morning. Indeed, if you didn’t get good sleep the night before, taking a warm shower could make you feel even sleepier. For that reason, you may want to shower at night instead.
3. Keep Warm Clothes on the Bed
If you have a shared bathroom, taking a piping hot shower first thing in the morning might not be in the cards. In that case, consider keeping a set of warm clothes on the bed. That way, they’re ready for you upon waking up.
Trust us — slipping into a cozy pair of slippers and a soft weighted robe can go a long way in keeping you at a comfy temperature in the wee hours of the morning! For added warmth, opt for long-sleeve pajamas and socks. Wool socks, in particular, are great for winter because they’re breathable yet warm.
4. Program the Coffee Maker
Sure, reaching for a tall glass of water in the morning would probably be healthier. But most people rely on a hefty dose of caffeine to jolt themselves awake. If you need to get your caffeine fix, you might as well get it in the form of a hot beverage.
Many coffee machines on the market come with alarm clock functionality, allowing users to program a brew at a certain time. Waking up to the sweet smell of coffee is a guaranteed pick-me-up. If a fancy coffee machine isn’t in the budget, try roping a partner or a roommate into taking turns making your morning cup of Joe.
Also Check: Top 5 Best Krups Coffee Makers– Reviews & Buying guide
5. Treat Yourself to a Hot Breakfast
Are you food motivated? Rewarding yourself with a hot breakfast may help you conjure up the willpower you need to crawl out of bed in the morning. Again, maybe you and your housemates can take turns making a savory breakfast for each other. If that’s not an option, consider enticing yourself out of bed with the promise of delicious food from your go-to breakfast place.
6. Start Your Day with Exercise
Exercise is always a good idea, especially in the morning. Beyond helping you set the tone for a healthier day, morning workouts are excellent for boosting energy and improving focus. Plus, they warm up your body naturally by converting stored energy into heat energy.
For maximum benefit, consider a high-intensity workout. Jumping jacks, mountain climbers, and burpees are great because they require no equipment. Running on a treadmill would also be good for waking yourself up and getting warm in a hurry.
Not a morning workout person? Opt for lighter stretches and easy yoga routines.
7. Invest in a Space Heater
Central heating systems, while cost-efficient, might not do enough to take the chill off your bedroom in the morning. Fortunately, that’s where space heaters come into play. These convenient heating devices run on electricity and provide supplemental heat on-demand, so you can stay toasty warm while you get ready in the morning.
Space heaters come in many different shapes, sizes, and styles, each offering various features to keep you warm and comfortable in cold weather. Some even have built-in humidifiers to keep your skin from drying out.
No matter which space heater you choose, be sure to keep safety in mind. Read the safety manual before you try your space heater on for size, and always keep it at least a couple of feet away from bedding, clothing, and other potential fire hazards.
8. Blast Some Upbeat Music
Not only does listening to music make you calmer and happier, but research shows that it can help you get out of bed in the morning.
According to a study conducted by Spotify in partnership with music psychologist David Greenberg, positive songs with strong, slow-building beats can encourage you to get out from under the covers. Among the upbeat tracks they recommend for getting out of bed include Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida,” St. Lucia’s “Elevate” and Avicii’s “Wake Me Up.”
Also Know: Why Is My Alexa Offline?
Final Words
Conditioning yourself to be a morning person isn’t easy, especially when it’s dark and cold. Still, getting out of bed on a brisk morning doesn’t need to be a painful experience. With these simple tricks, you can launch yourself out from the covers and start your day on the right foot!
