Not everyone can be a morning person. For a lot of us, it takes time for our brains to come online when we get up. Caffeine is often the go-to option for making this happen, but relying on coffee or tea to wake you up isn’t always the best choice. But by the time you need to get your day started for real, you want your brain to be engaged with the real world. So how can you do that without having to mainline caffeine? Plenty of other activities can help you stretch your brain and get it working for when you really need it.
Play a Game or Puzzle
Many of us spent a long time starting the day with a quick round of Wordle. But for some people, beginning the day with a puzzle or game wasn’t just a flash in the pan. It’s a great way to get your brain online in the morning and there are hundreds of different options. You could start your day with a few simple rounds of roulette (just for fun) or maybe do a daily crossword. It’s something you can do while eating your breakfast, during your commute, or just while sitting in bed as you begin to wake up.
Catch Up on the News
Kicking off the day by finding out about all the latest doom and gloom in the world might not be your idea of a good wakeup. But a lot of people do enjoy starting their day by catching up on the news. Whether you read it, watch it or listen to it, you can wake your brain by taking in important events, both good and bad. Taking some time to think about it all is a useful way to start engaging yourself with the real world. By the time you get to work, you’ll have something to discuss with your coworkers.
Read a Book
Reading can be a really pleasant morning activity. You can spend a few minutes reading in bed, get up and read before or during breakfast, or perhaps take a book on your commute. You might only have time for a chapter or two, or just a few pages, but it’s a good way to start your morning doing something you enjoy. If you’re in the middle of something gripping, it’s something to look forward to both when you get up and when you’ve finished your other obligations and can finally sit down with your book again.
Journal
Instead of reading, you might enjoy starting your day with writing. Journaling is often recommended as an activity that’s good for your mental health. It’s also good practice if you fancy yourself a bit of a writer. Or if you like drawing, you can journal in a more visual style. Some people like to write down their dreams when they wake up, or you might just spend some time thinking about the day ahead of you. Journaling in the morning could help to clear your mind so that you’re ready for the rest of the day.
Meditate
There are some things you might not like about mornings, but they can often be excellent when you want a few minutes of quiet. Get up early, and maybe before anyone else, and you can have time to yourself for reflection. Meditation is a calm way to begin your day and prepare your mind for what’s ahead. Just ten minutes of meditation in the morning could help you get your brain online. But rather than engaging it in something strenuous, it enables you to give your mind a break. It helps to relax your body too, helping you let go of tension.
Do Some Exercise
Physical activity helps both your body and mind wake up in the morning. Some people like to start their day with a proper workout, perhaps even going to the gym. But you don’t necessarily have to lift weights or run a few miles to wake up with some physical activity. Even stretching will help you wake up or you might want to do something like yoga or Tai Chi for a gentle wakeup. Going for a short walk is also an option, giving you the chance to get some fresh air first thing in the morning too.
Make Breakfast
A nutritious breakfast is essential in the morning if you want to supply your brain with the right fuel. Think about having slow-releasing carbs that will keep you going through the morning. But it’s not just eating breakfast that can help you engage your brain. Making breakfast is a simple task that can help you slowly wake up and get you firing on all cylinders. Just be careful about using the stove if you know you’re someone who struggles with being fully attentive in the morning. You don’t want your breakfast to turn into a disaster.
Listen to Something
Watching TV in the morning can be a bit too distracting when you have to get ready. But some people find that listening to something can be a nice compromise. It engages your brain while still allowing you to get other things done. You might like listening to the radio, a podcast, an audiobook, or just some music. You don’t have to be doing other things at the same time though. Sometimes it’s nice to just sit and listen.
Plan Your Day
If you haven’t already planned your day the night before, spending a few minutes to do it in the morning is smart. You can think about what’s ahead of you, what tasks you have to check off, and how you’re going to make the best use of your time. Planning your day allows you to prepare yourself and get in the right frame of mind for whatever you might be doing that day. Whether you’re going to work or just pottering around your house, it can give you a sense of calm and organization.
Waking up isn’t always easy, but you can find a morning routine that works for you. Once you’ve got your brain online, you’ll feel ready to take on the day.
One Response
Engaging in a game or puzzle upon waking stimulates cognitive functions, activating the brain and enhancing mental agility. It challenges problem-solving skills, encouraging creative thinking and strategic planning. This mental exercise sharpens memory and improves concentration, setting a proactive tone for the day. Games and puzzles also promote dopamine release, boosting mood and motivation. By stimulating various regions of the brain, they foster neuroplasticity, enhancing overall cognitive flexibility and resilience. Thus, starting the day with a mental workout primes the brain for optimal performance.