From Snooze to Success: Tips for Waking Up Your Brain and Enhancing Focus

You stumble blindly gathering an outfit you hope matches, you leave your coffee on the roof of the car, busily scoffing a bagel as you drive.

We’ve all had mornings like this. Difficult mornings are the norm. It takes time to kickstart your brain and get it moving. The thing is, it’s much like an old gas-powered lawnmower. You think once you finally get it started, it’s going to keep running… and then it stalls. It doesn’t matter how many times you try; you just can’t get it going again.

This is something many of us face as late afternoon arrives. Lunch is long gone, and as finishing time draws close, your eyes grow heavy and your brain starts malfunctioning. It’s frustrating, especially because it’s too late to power your brain with coffee. Unless, of course, you want to be awake all night. There is good news! Here are some proven brain-starters.

Hydrate

Grab a glass of water. Your body requires a regular flow of water, and dehydration can impact how your brain functions. As you feel your brain “falling asleep,” then it’s time to hydrate.

You should aim to drink water regularly throughout the day to avoid experiencing this inactive brain problem. Since we are all unique, we all have different hydration needs. The best way to determine the minimum intake you need to thrive is this: hop on a scale first thing in the morning.

Take note of your weight and prepare to do a little math. Halve your weight and that is your target. Don’t panic; you should aim to drink that number in ounces not pounds!

Bathroom Break

Take a bathroom break and splash cold water in your face. A nice cool off is great for kickstarting your brain. You may want to take a facecloth to work with you to dry off. It will make the process far more enjoyable.

Physical Activity

Get moving! Push your chair back from your desk and get your heart-rate pumping. This might sound like the last thing you’d like to do at this point in your day, but it really will help. Try some jumping jacks or run on the spot. If you can escape the office and go for a walk, that’s even better.

Upbeat Tunes

Music is your best friend, or it can be if you let it. What music do you normally listen to as you exercise? Try cranking it in your ears to give your brain a massive boost of energy.

Healthy Snack

It might be time to grab a snack. Think nuts and dark chocolate or hummus and carrot sticks, blueberries and pumpkin seeds. There are plenty of brain-boosting snacks that are quick, easy, delicious, and handy! Choose something you enjoy and break it out when you feel your brain slipping into sleep mode.

Games

Force your brain to wake up by forcing it into action. Grab a crossword or fire up your phone and choose a game that makes you think. It might seem like procrastination or time-wasting, but the reality is this five-minute break to fire up your brain is going to make you more productive for the rest of the day.

Sunshine

Never underestimate the power of light. There’s something about light hitting your eyes that stimulates your brain. You’re probably rolling your eyes, considering sleep mode is kicking in when you’re sitting in a bright room.

Natural light is far better for this than the artificial light installed in offices. Slip outside and enjoy some natural light. Of course, you also enjoy the added benefit of fresh air. The two of those combined are sure to revitalize your brain!