9 Ways To Look & Feel More Awake Every Morning (No Coffee!)

I’m exhausted, and many of my family and friends echo the same sentiments. Trying to stay 'on' 24-7 can be exhausting and dang near impossible. We are hyper-connected with technology from the time we rise until we go to sleep, ironically making disconnecting even more challenging. All of this information flow and connectivity makes it tough to disengage, and eventually, you'll start to look and feel drained. So how do you feel and look more awake in the morning?

READ: 5 Foods That Make You Look Tired

If you are looking for some ways to reenergize, here are 9 tips to help you look and feel more awake:

1. Drink up.

No, not that kind of drink. The other one that every one of us needs: water. Our body is made up of over 55% water, which is why we need to stay hydrated.

Water helps you function better, keeps your skin hydrated and is an excellent way to revitalize your body. You can even spritz your face with cool water as a way to revive your skin. If you drink water in the morning it also helps to boost your metabolism.

2. Cold spoons can help those bags under your eyes.

Take two spoons and put them in the freezer for a few minutes. Remove the spoons from the freezer and apply them over your eyes.

Can you say, “Bags be gone?” Yep, it’s cold but very effective at reducing the puffiness around your eyes that can be present when you wake up.

3. Moisturize, moisturize, and moisturize.

Remember how mama would always say the key to healthy-looking skin was moisturizing? She was right! Applying moisturizer, light serum, or oil to your face is a great way to trick your skin into achieving a healthy glow. Throw on a bronzer and you are ready to go.

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4. Brows matter.

If you are wondering why we are eyebrow obsessed, it’s with good reason. Brows define and provide shape to your face. They are an instant face lifter. If your brows are a mess...well, let’s just say they can be a huge distraction. Keep an eyebrow brush handy and keep

those brows in check. When your eyebrows look good and are well-groomed, they frame that beautiful face of yours. Make sure you keep them in order.

5. Concealer is your friend.

Sometimes it’s the minimal application of makeup that looks the best. If I knew the power of concealer years ago, it would have had a permanent home in my makeup drawer.

Concealer is easy to apply and does a lot to brighten your skin and make you look more awake. It opens up your eyes and is an excellent cover for those dark circles under the eyes.

6. Wake up at the same time.

Sleeping in feels so good, but inconsistent sleep cycles can wreak havoc on your energy levels. Pick a specific time in which you will wake up and stick to it, even on the weekends. This enables you to keep your energy levels consistent.

7. Get your vitamin D with the sun.

Do you notice that when it’s sunny outside you have more energy, but when it’s dark and rainy, you want to stay under the covers? Timing your wake-up times with the sun can help you to wake up more naturally and to feel more alert.

8. Wake up to some music.

There is a reason everyone loves Pharell’s "Happy" song. No matter what mood you are in, you can’t help but feel happier after you listen to this song. Music boosts your mood and the serotonin levels in your brain, which contribute to improving your mood. Your favorite music may put you in the mood for tip number 9.

READ: 9 Reasons Why You Are Always So Tired

9. Get your workout on in the morning.

Working out in the morning has its advantages. It helps to increase your energy immediately. The flushed skin you have as the blood rushes to your face as a result of your cardio leaves you feeling and looking more refreshed, and you feel these benefits for hours afterward. Oh and a bonus, you have officially gotten your workout out of the way, which means you don’t have to worry about getting it in later in the day. Working out earlier also makes you pay closer attention to what you eat throughout the day. Win-win!

Now that you know what to do to look and feel more awake, it's time to get started! Begin now, incorporating these tips into your day-to-day routine to boost your energy and feel better.