Go Ahead and Hit Snooze

There are two types of people, those who hit snooze and those who don't. Which one are you?

Do you get up right away and get moving or lay back down only to be jolted awake again 9 minutes later?

I am here to offer you an alternative to these two options. An in between if you will, because life is more fun straddling the line.

Here are my suggestions, all of which start after you hit snooze. Here we go!

1. Breathe.

According to lung.org; Your lungs mature by the time you are 25 and after 35, it is normal for lung function to decline as you age. This can make breathing more difficult as you get older. We just don't breathe deeply in our day to day lives, so starting the day with deep breathing exercises can help decrease the rate of aging.

Simply breathe fully into the belly and then chest. It may take some time for full expansion, but over time your lungs will more freely allow more air in. Keep this up until your alarm goes off again and start your day.

Deep breathing energizes the body and stimulates the lymphatic system. Hello good day!

2. Stretch

So again, you hit snooze and instead of going to sleep you start to wake up the muscles in the body. This is a more intuitive exercise than anything else, so just move in a way that feels good. If you haven't been in touch with your body lately then here are my suggestions.

Start with the full-body, mouth-open, good-morning stretch. You know the one, arms overhead and legs extended and is usually accompanied by a weird little yip or growl.

From there you can roll onto your knees into childs pose. Knees wide and forehead on the mattress, arms extended long. Move into cat/cow from there.

Another option is to then sit up and with knees bent as much as needed, fold your torso over your legs, reaching your fingertips towards your toes.

Sit up and move head around opening the neck and rolling the shoulders.

Continuing moving as you like until the alarm goes off again, then get up and get moving!

3. Meditate

When the alarm goes off, sit up in bed with the spine straight and supported by the head board and either eyes closed or soft gaze, focus on your breath or mentally scan your body.

You can also just sit with the images and feelings of any dreams you woke up with. Process what they were and if theres any meaning you can glean from them.

Another suggestion is meditating on a positive intention or affirmation for the day. This can come to you on the spot, or you can craft one the night before so it's ready to go in the a.m.

When the alarm goes off, open the eyes stretch the body and move on with your day.

4. Journaling

Hit the snooze and grab a pen and paper. This is just a brain dump exercise, so you don't even need light. Just write whatever pops into that gorgeous head of yours. This can be how you are feeling, those dreams again, or what you're having for breakfast. Anything goes. When the alarm goes off... you get it.

5. ALL the things

You can do a mix and match of any of these things. Movement and breathing go really well together, in fact, the breathing goes well with them all. A little light stretching first thing in the morning is so good for your body, so a few minutes of that afterwards.. great idea.

So yes, go ahead and hit the snooze, but don't put your body through another painful wake up, instead try one of these more nourishing options and have a better day.

What is your favorite one? Do you already do this? I'd love to hear from you!