7 easy tips to make you feel more awake in the AM (without drinking more coffee)

Skip another cup of hot coffee and try these handy tips to being productive in the morning

1. Light it up Melatonin is critical in regulating your sleep, so when it's light your body produces less melatonin making you feel more alert. So first thing in the morning, instead of laying in the dark when your alarm goes off, open up those curtains and wake yourself up naturally.

2. Cold showers Researchers have found that the shock of cold shower increases your metabolic rate and makes you less fatigued. Plus, it makes you want to get out the shower stat, saving you water and time. Nifty.

3. Hydrate yourself During a night's sleep, you sweat which dehydrates you, and studies have shown mild dehydration decreases alertness and negatively affects concentration. So in the morning, grab a glass of water to fight off that tired feeling.

4. Eat a healthy breakfast Consuming a meal first thing in the morning makes you more alert but beware, eating simple sugars and breakfast high in fat, could lead you to consuming more food throughout the day. Better give those superfood breakfast recipes a go. 5. Drink more orange juice Citrus fruits like oranges are rich in molecules called flavinoids which according to one study, have been seen to increase alertness and cognitive function.

6. Be physically active students Studies have shown that physical activity enhances cognitive functions due to the increased blood flow providing the brain with more oxygen.

7. Listen to music Music has the ability to increase brain activity associated with movement and also potentially increases the feel-good chemical called dopamine. Time to update those morning commute playlists.

And now you're morning routine can be coffee-free.

Source: ABC via TheProspect.net

(We still want that cuppa though.)