Winter Morning Wake-Ups
Posted on: January 29, 2023
Waking up at this time of year can be hard with the dark mornings and chilly air. This tends to create a reluctance to get out of bed. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, an estimated two to 10 per cent of Canadians are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a depression that occurs during the same season each year, usually in the Fall or Winter. It’s more likely to occur in women than in men and is more often seen in young adults. Symptoms can include fatigue, an excessive need for sleep, increased appetite, and impaired memory and concentration.
Some ways to make it easier to wake up:
Bring on the light! Instead of being awaken in a panic by a sheering beeping noise in the darkness, invest in a daylight alarm clock. Inspired by the naturally brightening light of the sunrise (a definite plus when sunlight is at is minimum during Fall and Winter), the Philips Wake-up Light from Home Hardware uses a unique combination of light and natural sounds so you can wake up in a more natural way and feel more refreshed. It gradually increases in brightness over a 30-minute period before your wakeup time. This process of changing and increasing light stimulates your body to wake up naturally and comfortably.
Get your liquids in. Drinking water as soon as you wake up will help stimulate the body and help you stay awake. I always keep a bottle of water on the nightstand, ready for that morning sip. Winners always has a variety of water bottles to choose from. I suggest looking out for the brand Takeya. They are easy to clean, have a leakproof insulated spout lid that allows for easy one-handed drinking or pouring and features a hinge lock that keeps the cap out of your way while drinking! Tip: Check for water bottles at the merchandise displays near the cash, where you line up!
Rise and shine with Slow Cooker Overnight Oats from Metro! This is an easy-peasy, hearty, plant-based recipe where you place all ingredients in a 2-quart slow cooker on low for six to eight hours (or the night before) and in the morning serve the oats either by themselves or layer with coconut milk and delicious fresh fruit, like raspberries, strawberries and blueberries. Giving your body nutrients that can provide the most energy and vitamins during this cold season.
Get moving. Wake up 15-20 minutes earlier than usual and go for a brisk morning walk in the snow. The change in temperature and exposure to daylight will give you the boost you need. Olang Glamour waterproof boots from Walking On A Cloud are perfect for winter walks. These tall boots feature a specialized outsole with flip grip technology that keeps you feeling stable and secure on slippery surfaces. If you don’t have the time or energy for a full-blown exercise routine every morning, get your body moving somehow. Turn on the radio or your favourite playlist and bop around a bit more than usual while you get ready in the morning or add a few minutes of jogging in place to the routine.
Go for it! Try these methods above and you will notice you wake up energized to start your day, even in the dark winter months. Share your tips for beating the winter morning blues by tagging @cloverdalemall on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
~ Gillaine, Marketing Coordinator