Morning people have become a rare species. It takes a good disposition and a good breakfast— including good coffee—to get one up and running. But unsurprisingly, all it really takes is a good night’s sleep. If you’re a reluctant morning person (i.e., an early riser against your will—blame the body clock) or just plain reluctant, we’ve come up with this little insta-R&R guideline to get you going.
Obviously, waking up pleasantly is a result of a comfortable slumber. We’ve always been told to start tucking in by 8 p.m., but who sleeps that early these days? With packed schedules and killer traffic to conquer, here’s a more feasible approach to bedtime.
Wind Down
Ideally, 8 p.m.
Realistically, 9:30 to 10:30 p.m.
15 Minutes: Shower
A warm shower relaxes the body even for just 15 minutes or less; the cozy temp makes most drowsy. Couple with a fresh lather and a candle with a soothing scent.
30 Minutes: Tucking In
Bring your candle from your shower to your bedside and up the ambience with a pillow spray that’s fresh, not cloying.
A Hundred Strokes
Remember that myth of brushing your hair 100 times before bed to achieve great hair? The benefits might not be fully proven, but one thing is for sure: It gives you a good scalp massage that’s extra comforting, especially if a sister or S.O. does it for you.
Waking Up
Ideally, 5 a.m.
Realistically, 6 a.m.
5 Minutes: Snooze Button
An hour makes a whole lot of difference. While a 5 a.m. alarm might make you think you’re giving yourself more leeway to wake up, you’re just wasting precious time you could’ve spent soundly sleeping, especially since the sun has yet to rise at this hour. However, 6 a.m. is more realistic. Your circadian rhythm (a.k.a. body clock) recognizes sunlight as a natural wake-up call.
45 Minutes: Getting Ready
Food First
A good gulp of water quickly rehydrates the night’s fast (hence “breakfast”). Having breakfast gives you time to de-bloat before heading out.
De-puff
A warm, steamy shower de-puffs all bloating caused by lying down, allergies, your breakfast, etc.
Energize
While a warm shower reduces puffiness, a cold final rinse not only energizes the body, but calms skin and scalp, making sure they don’t dry and flake from hot shower temps (it happens!).
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