6 Morning Habits That Are Making You Tired

If you find yourself constantly exhausted during the day, it's easy to blame the night before for your lack of energy. Although sleep is important, what you do first thing in the morning matters as well, and you may be participating in morning habits that are making you tired. Certain routines can make you feel sluggish and unmotivated for the rest of the day, so it's important you start your morning off on the right foot.

You're probably not the only one who feels tired everyday; 45 percent of Americans report feeling tired or fatigued up to three times a week, even if they get seven to eight hours of sleep, according to statistics from YouGov.com. Considering your energy can rely on more than just sleep, it's important to make sure you're starting your morning with activities that boost your energy levels and leave you ready to conquer the day ahead. Eating the right foods, setting the right frame of mind, and keeping yourself organized can all have an impact on how the rest of your day proceeds.

If you constantly feel lethargic and you're not sure why, consider these six morning habits that could be making you feel tired.

1. Snoozing

It can seem tempting to try to sneak in a little bit of extra sleep, but pressing snooze on your alarm clock will actually end up leaving you more tired. When you fall back asleep, your body begins a new sleep cycle, and if you awaken not much longer, you're likely interrupting a deep-sleep cycle, which leaves you feeling worse than before.

2. Leaving Everything Until The Last Minute

Running around trying to get everything together can leave you exhausted before the day even begins. "Organize what you’re going to wear and what is essential that you need to do before leaving for work," says Matilde Parente, MD, FCAP over email. "If you haven’t done this the night before, do it while you’re in the shower, making your coffee or brushing your teeth. Make time work for you."

3. Not Eating A Healthy Breakfast

"Caffeine alone isn’t enough to get you past feeling tired," says Parente. "Eat something healthful with protein, fat and a bit of carbs to jumpstart your day." Studies in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition show that eating a breakfast high in healthy fats can help give you more energy throughout the day.

4. Starting The Day Negatively

Your thoughts and intentions for the day can affect more than just your mood. "Shut down all negative thoughts, and create your own optimism," says Parente. "Wake up everyday with thoughts of thanks and gratitude, whether to someone or for something." Expressing gratitude can spill over into all areas of your life, helping to boost your happiness, improve your energy levels, and strengthen your physical health, according to Harvard Health.

5. Leaving The House Without Water

If you're not drinking water first thing in the morning, you may be setting yourself up to be tired. A study from the Journal of Nutrition found that even just mild dehydration can cause moodiness and fatigue, so don't forget to fill up your water bottle before you head out the door.

6. Leaving The Curtains Closed

It might seem easier to flip on a light switch rather than open your curtains and blinds, but natural light can actually help take you out of that groggy morning feeling and give you some energy. Natural lights boosts your serotonin levels and increases your intake of vitamin D, which can help fight fatigue.

Starting your morning properly can have an impact on your whole day, so take some time in the morning to ensure you'll have a positive and energetic afternoon.

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