If life was like an American daytime soap opera, we’d all bound out of bed as soon as the sun comes up, prepare freshly squeezed apple and beetroot juice, jog along the beach, swim 50 lengths, and then finish with an hour long yoga session.

Unfortunately though, not everyone can be a morning person, and we’re not all blessed with endless reserves of energy. But unless you work nights or have children who don’t mind having breakfast at 2pm, repeatedly hitting the snooze button on your alarm clock is not an option! Try the following tips to ensure dragging yourself out of bed won’t be so painful:

While you're still in bed...

• When the alarm goes, allow some light into your room, making it harder for you to go back to sleep. Just don’t stick your head under the duvet! Open the blinds (if you can reach from your bed), or switch on your bedside lamp.
• Kick off the covers and toss your pillows aside, so you’re not so snug and comfy.
• Playing loud music should prevent you from nodding off again, but remember it’s to wake you up, not the neighbours! Although having them pounding at your door will definitely get you out of bed.
• Attempt light stretches while you’re still in bed.
   

Now that you're out of bed...

• Do some light exercises. Stretching, light aerobics, jogging/skipping on a spot, etc are ideal.
• A cool shower will get you wide awake in no time. Use a shower gel or scrub containing invigorating essential oils like eucalyptus, mint, or grapefruit.
• Have a much needed coffee, if you’re one of those people who can’t function until you’ve had some caffeine (and let’s be honest, who can?)
• If you’re health conscious, green tea is an excellent - i.e. healthier - alternative to coffee, as is guarana based drinks. Drinking water throughout the day will also alleviate tiredness.

And if all else fails...

• Ask whoever you live with to wake you in the morning. Works best if they’re reliable!
• If you live alone, ask someone to give you a wake up call or see if your phone company will do an automatic wakeup call.
• Dot alarm clocks around the house, and set the alarm on each clock at least one minute apart. You’ll have no choice but to get out of bed to switch them all off.
• If you really are having trouble sleeping, getting out of bed, and constantly feel drained of energy, it’s worth paying a visit to your doctor.

Lesley Anne Thomas

• Easy DIY Detox Tips
• 5 Steps to a Healthier You
• November's Challenge: What She Said