Morning Yawns

Do you ever feel like you're stuck at work and
you can't shake off the morning yawns??

Pic of my dog, Moki, in Dec 2009.  He feels for you.

Well, I will be the first to admit that I am not at all a morning person.  However, I've found a few ways to manage throughout my most tiring days.  

1)  Drink a glass of water.  Fatigue can be a sigh of dehydration, so whether you chug a cold glass here and there or you sip gradually throughout the day, water will keep your body hydrated and your mind focused.

2)  Eat some cold fresh fruit.  They are easy to digest so they serve as quick fuel.  The citrus also gives you energy, so try drinking a glass of orange juice or eating an apple.  Munching on something like grapes can work as well.

3)  Get up and walk around.  Raise your heart rate and get your blood flowing, even if it means walking up and down the stairs for a few minutes.  This will put your body in exercise-mode and will definitely activate your mind and body.

4)  Go outside and take a quick breather.  Fresh air and some mindful breathing exercises can calm your nerves but also wake up the brain.  Once you come back in, you'll feel refreshed and more able to focus.

5)  Try to stay optimistic and focus on the positives.  Negativity is energy draining and will leave you more tired and cranky than necessary.

6)  Avoid caffeine and excess sugars because they usually lead to crashing.  Point blank.

7)  Eat a healthy snack that has good protein.  Yogurt and eggs are excellent sources and they also contain tyrosine, which helps your brain produce more dopamine and norepinephrine to keep you motivated and energetic.

8)  Get better quality sleep the night before!  If that means going to bed earlier or cutting out the caffeine/alcohol or working out a couple hours before bedtime, just do it.  Good sleep will lead to more refreshed mornings.