Caffeine is the drug of choice for most people. If you’re hooked on your morning cup of coffee to jumpstart your brain, why not try these drug-free techniques?

• Sleep with your window shades open: Even if the sun is shining outside, you’ll have no idea if you are sleeping in cave-like darkness.
• If you keep your curtains slightly open, as the sun rises outside, it will gently pour in and gradually wake you up.
• Snooze on purpose: I don’t know how people can wake right up after their alarm goes off. I set my alarm at least 40 minutes before I actually have to wake up. That way, I can snooze many times, and it gets my body and mind used to the idea that soon I’ll have to get out of bed.
• Exercise in the morning: If you can, set your alarm even earlier so you can get up and go for a walk, or jog, or pop in a workout DVD. By doing something you want to do, you won’t be so aggravated about having to wake up.
• Stop eating 2 hours before you lie down at night: Not only is this good for sleeping, but it’s a great tip for losing weight. So when you wake up, your hungry belly will inspire you to get up and fill it with some yummy breakfast.
• Avoid caffeinated beverages and spicy foods late at night: They’ll prevent you from getting to sleep at a decent hour, so when it is time to wake up, you won’t feel rested.
• Get to sleep an hour or two earlier: Get this – you may be tired in the morning because you’re not getting enough sleep. I don’t mean to be sarcastic but not everyone needs 8 hours – some need less and some need more.
• Avoid taking naps during the day: If you take a power nap in the late afternoon, you won’t feel tired when it’s bedtime. Then, you’ll fall asleep much later and if you have to wake up early, won’t get a full night of sleep. It’s a vicious cycle.

by FitSugar