11 Science-Approved Ways To Wake Up In The Morning — Without Caffeine

If you tend to choose grab-and-go meals like granola bars, or skip breakfast entirely, you may feel more tired in the AM. Food gives you calories, which equate to energy. So, fueling yourself with a good meal after sleeping all night may be an easy way to improve your energy in the morning. Classic breakfast foods like bananas, eggs, and yogurt are all energy-boosting options.

Exercising while you're tired sounds miserable, but if you are in desperate need of extra energy, this may be your answer. Exercising releases endorphins — not only kickstarting your day by giving you energy, but by also improving your mood. Less tired and less grumpy? Yes, please!

If you don't have the time or ability to do a full-on morning workout, try committing to just a ten minute exercise routine to get your heart pumping. Working out even for a short period of time can give any night owl a little pick-me-up in the morning, and throughout the day.

Vitamin B-12 is all the rage among fitness gurus on social media, but the truth is, it virtually does nothing if your body already produces a normal amount of B-12. However, people who do have a deficiency find taking B-12 can actually help combat fatigue and boost energy. Those with chronic health issues such as immune disorders or bowel diseases are more susceptible to developing a deficiency; you can determine if B-12 will help you with a simple blood test and consult with your doctor.

Yes, something as simple as stretching in the morning can make you feel more awake. Much like exercise, stretching can help improve blood flow, circulation, and oxygen levels — thus, giving your muscles more energy.

If your bedtime is all over the place, you may not have much energy in the morning — despite drinking a cup or two of coffee. "Keeping a regular and consistent sleep schedule helps your body get into a natural rhythm. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day," wrote HuffPost contributor and author Michael Fishbein. "By doing so, you will begin to naturally fall asleep and wake up at the same time each day. Waking up will feel more natural."

There's no doubt that music impacts our bodies, minds, and well-being. While slow songs tend to calm you down and help you relax, fast tempo music can actually increase your heart rate, and re-energize you. So, if you're morning is off to a slow start, playing upbeat music could help get you moving.

After a full night's rest, it's super important to drink water in addition to your morning cup of joe. Women's Health reported a 2007 study found just a decrease of 1 to 2 percent of your body's water weight could impair your thinking. Staying hydrated and replenishing your body can help you beat the morning slump.

Catching some rays during the summer will boost Vitamin D intake, and in turn, give you more energy. However, subjecting yourself to cold temperatures, or splashing cold water on your face will have the same effect of waking you up. Either way, utilizing extreme temperatures can help give you much needed energy in the morning.

No, seriously. Laughter has a whole host of health benefits, including lowering your stress, improving your mood, and energizing you by elevating your heart rate. Turn on a funny show on Netflix, or watch YouTube videos while you're waking up to help kickstart your morning.

Ever wonder why most toothpaste seems to come in mint flavor? "Mint stimulates your nerve fibers — it’s kind of like splashing cold water on your face,” Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum told Prevention. On top of brushing your teeth, chewing gum or keeping mints on hand at work may combat morning fatigue, as well as mid-afternoon slumps.

Not everyone can be a morning person, but these small tips could help you get that extra pep in your step. You don't need to rely solely on caffeine to boost your energy in the morning.