10 Tips for getting out of bed when it's cold
BY Max Kirsten
16th Jan 2024 Wellbeing
3 min read
With temperatures dipping to freezing (and below!), here's how to overcome the cold winter mornings and get out of bed to start your day the right way
As the chilly winter mornings set
in, summoning the motivation to leave the warmth of your bed becomes a daily
struggle. The temptation to hit the snooze button and stay cocooned in your
cosy haven is stronger than ever.
However, conquering the cold and starting
your day with vigour is not an insurmountable challenge. With the right
strategies, you can transform your morning routine into an invigorating
experience.
Here Max Kirsten, Resident Sleep Expert for Panda London shares ten tips to help you
get out of bed when it's cold and kickstart your day on a positive note.
1. Preheat your room
One of the secrets to making
mornings more bearable during the colder months is preheating your room. Set a
timer on a space heater to warm up your space about 30 minutes before your
alarm goes off.
Stepping into a toasty environment makes leaving the comfort of
your bed a less daunting task.
2. Invest in quality bedding
Quality bedding can help you stay warm and sleep well. Credit: Kampus Production
Upgrading your bedding to include
warm, insulating materials can make a significant difference. Opt for flannel
sheets, a thick duvet, and cosy blankets to create a snug sanctuary.
The
allure of a comfortable bed can encourage you to face the cold and start your
day.
3. Use a programmable thermostat
Take advantage of technology by
investing in a programmable thermostat. Set it to raise the room temperature
just before your alarm goes off.
"Set a programmable thermostat to raise the room temperature just before your alarm goes off"
Waking up to a warmer environment can make the
transition from bed to the rest of the world much more appealing.
4. Morning stretch routine
Stretching will help your blood circulate in the morning. Credit: Michelle Leman
Incorporate a brief morning
stretch routine to get your blood circulating and warm up your muscles.
Stretching increases flexibility, releases tension, and helps shake off the
morning chill, making it easier to leave the warmth of your bed.
5. Hydrate before bed
Staying hydrated is crucial, even
during colder months. Drinking a glass of water before bedtime not only aids in
overall health but also kick starts your metabolism.
"The metabolic boost from a glass of water before bed makes the early morning wake-up call less jarring"
This metabolic boost can
generate internal warmth, making the early morning wake-up call less jarring.
6. Create a cosy bedtime ritual
Establishing a comforting bedtime
routine can make it easier to face the cold in the morning.
Whether it's
sipping a warm cup of herbal tea, reading a book, or practising mindfulness, a
calming ritual can make your transition from waking to sleeping and vice versa
more seamless.
7. Morning light exposure
Natural light as soon as you get up will help you properly wake up. Credit: Artem Podrez
Expose yourself to natural light
as soon as you wake up. Open your curtains or, if possible, go outside for a
few minutes.
Natural light helps regulate your circadian rhythm, signalling to
your body that it's time to wake up and be alert, making it easier to get out
of bed.
8. Set a consistent wake-up time
Maintain a consistent wake-up
time, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body's internal clock and
makes it easier to get up in the morning.
"Maintaining a consistent wake-up time, even on weekends, helps regulate your body's internal clock"
Over time, your body will adjust to
the routine, making the process less challenging.
9. Warm up your clothes
Putting on clothes that have been heated will be a morning treat. Credit: Mikhail Nilov
Place your clothes on a radiator
or use a heated blanket to warm them up before putting them on.
This small but
effective step can make the act of getting dressed less daunting and provide an
extra layer of comfort against the cold.
10. Have a motivating morning routine
Plan a morning routine that
excites you. Whether it's enjoying a delicious breakfast, practising a hobby,
or engaging in a quick workout, having something to look forward to can make
the act of leaving your warm bed more appealing.
A positive morning routine
sets the tone for the rest of the day.
Incorporating these tips into
your winter morning routine can transform the way you face the chill and
energise your day. With a little preparation and the right mindset, you can
conquer the cold and make your mornings a time to embrace rather than resist.
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