There is a word for hitting the snooze button over and over – it’s called “drockling.” For those who want to wake up happy, it’s a certified no-no. Why? Drockling confuses the body’s internal clock, making it more difficult to wake up happy and bright-eyed. So, if that’s a “DON’T” – what are some “DO’S” to wake up in a cheerful state of mind?
1. Do whatever you can the night before to create an effortless AM.
Whether it’s choosing your clothes or setting your coffee pot to wake you with a fresh cup, there are many small actions you can take to make your morning less hectic.
2. Do get a good night’s sleep.
Create a healthy bedtime routine. Rather than upsetting news stories, you might try spending 30 minutes listening to gentle music as you prepare for bed or pack lunches for the next day. This is much better for promoting good sleep than streaming even your favorite shows or looking into the blue light of technology. Truly restful sleep helps you happily embrace the day.
3. Do wake up to a new “alarm.”
There is more than one kind of alarm clock! Don’t want to be jarred out of a deep sleep by a piercing sound? You may find sunrise clocks to be a softer alternative to audio alarm clocks. They use light that mimics the natural sunrise to wake you. Prefer music? Research shows that alert wakefulness may in part require mechanisms that encourage a redistribution of blood flow to the brain – something certain types of sound and music can do. You might try programming your alarm with a few upbeat songs and find out what works best for you.
4. Do practice gratitude first thing in the morning.
Many people find that this can have a meaningful effect on their mood for the rest of the day. Perhaps allow yourself to feel joy through some gentle stretching, meditating, or listening to something that inspires you. Or try writing down three things you’re thankful for each morning. Many people find that this allows them the chance to really think and focus on the positive, before the day takes off.
5. Find something attainable in each day to be excited about.
It doesn’t have to be a fabulous undertaking, just something that brings you true joy – like 30 minutes at lunch reading your new John Grisham novel. (Okay that’s me.) Or sushi for dinner … or running with your dog after work. Whatever works for you, will work to anchor your day. Don’t skip it and put it off till tomorrow — because you’ll think of another terrific thing to do tomorrow, and the next!
Stuart McFarlane and Adrian Dyer. “There’s a Secret to The Perfect Wake-Up Sound, And Scientists Think They’ve Cracked It.” ScienceAlert.com, March 19, 2022, https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-think-they-know-the-secret-to-the-perfect-wake-up-alarm-sound