I won’t say nothing is worse than waking up still feeling tired, but…

It definitely feels like nothing is worse than waking up exhausted, especially in the moments that you feel it. Sure, there are plenty of things that are worse than not feeling fresh. But that doesn’t mean waking up tired and sluggish and feeling like the floor is made of double-sided sticky tape is enjoyable. It isn’t; it sucks. It sets you up for a bad day because you start off in a bad mood, and everything that follows gets exponentially bad.

Is it really so much to ask for a good night’s sleep that lets you wake up feeling energized? I mean, you aren’t asking for a lot, you just want to open your eyes and feel refreshed. Honestly, no amount of coffee helps you feel human when you’re a zombie all day. It’s not the ideal situation to find yourself in every morning, but here’s the good news: you don’t have to just lay there with your eyes open and accept it! Not at all. Actually, I’ve got a few tips to help you wake up with more zest and fizz than a can of lemonade. Woo!

Tip #1: Ban Blackout Blinds

I get it – blackout blinds block streetlights at night, which is essential if you ever want to actually fall asleep. But blackout blinds don’t just block out the lights at night; they block out the morning sunlight! And without sunlight creeping into your room in the morning, your body’s circadian rhythm will be all out of whack. Ditch the blinds for something more lightweight. If the streetlights are still an issue, rotate your bed to another position in your bedroom so you don’t have the light shining directly on you at night.

Tip #2: Small Dinners Only

I love food as much as the next person (especially all the junk like sweets and pop), so I know how hard it can be to turn down the heavy foods. The idea of scoffing at a giant burger, french fries, and a bowl of mac and cheese after a long day’s work can sound ridiculous. But you must resist! Big meals take so long to digest, and leave you feeling lethargic when you wake up. The solution, of course, is smaller dinners. Or, if you’re super hungry, opt for a large plate of fruit and veggies to satisfy the hunger. Not only will you sleep better, your body will feel better because you are eating more nutritious meals.

Tip #3: Be Better At Sleeping

This sounds obvious, but what are you actually doing about it? Have you bought a new mattress in the last ten years? (If not, check out the mattress reviews on www.dormreports.com before you buy!) What about your pillow – have you picked the perfect one for you, or are you still using that cheap one from your freshman year of college? That’s what I thought. It seems silly, and you may be rolling your eyes at me for bringing it up, but your pillow and mattress make a big difference in how well you sleep. Before you get sassy with me, ask yourself: what have you done to improve your chances of a good night’s sleep?

Tip #4: Water At The Ready

You’ve probably heard that coffee isn’t the best beverage to knock back in the morning. Well, the rumors are true. If you want to feel alive and kicking, coffee isn’t your best choice. What you should do instead is set a glass of water on your bedside table before bed, and drink it the moment you wake up. Your body needs hydration to get out of its lazy state. It really is that simple!

Do you have other tips for feeling fresh in the morning? Tell us in the comments!