Baggy eyes, drowsiness and dull, pale skin are all signs that you had a restless night of sleep. Cold water to the face, a kale and spinach smoothie and a cup of coffee can and will help, but forming long-term and non-toxic beauty and eating habits can contribute to you looking – and feeling as full of energy as humanly possible in the morning. Here are 10 ways that will help you look and feel more awake:
- Go for a brisk bike ride, walk or run
This idea might cause you to roll your eyes, but a morning bike, walk or run really is where it’s at when it comes to looking and feeling more awake. It will help boost your mental focus and alertness by increasing blood flow to the brain.
- Use eye drops
Though bloodshot eyes pair well with some Halloween costumes, they’re not a great everyday look. Do yourself a favor and get some eye drops. I like Similasan’s all-natural, chemical-free drops which can be found at W
hole Foods.
- Apply eye cream
The number one sign of rocking the tired look are tired, puffy eyes. The trick is using an eye cream that contains caffeine. Caffeine helps reduce puffiness and a moisturizer will help soothe and calm the delicate skin around your eyes. I recommend Honest Beauty’s Depuffed Eye Gel. Remember to lightly massage the cream on the eye area to increase circulation.
- Consume lemon water AND smell the lemon
I know it sounds silly, but smelling the scent of citrus really does have amazing powers. It can boost your serotonin levels (the happy hormone!) and can reduce norepinephrine (the stress hormone – boo!). After you smell your lemon, cut it up and put it in an 8-oz. glass of room-temperature water and drink it. This will not only balance your PH levels, but will break your overnight fast.
- Try breathing techniques
Studies have shown that the more stress you can reduce right when you wake up (aka NOT looking at your email inbox the second you awake), the livelier you’ll look. Instead of bombarding your foggy brain with work, take a few minutes to focus on yourself, more specifically your breath. All you do is take a deep breath slowly in through the nostrils and out the mouth for a few minutes. Feel the lift of your belly as you inhale and the slight compression of your ribs as you exhale.
- Pick a bright color to wear
It’s not surprising that some colors are more energizing than others. If you tend to dress in black, then get ready to look a bit more tired. If you choose a color such as yellow, which we associate warmth and light, you can look more awake. If you’re not into bright colors – try putting some yellow or bright-colored flowers or decor near your bed and around your home. Seeing them first thing in the morning may help wake you up.
- Lash out with some mascara
I don’t know about you, but when I put on mascara and add volume to my eyelashes, I instantly feel more awake (not to mention looking more awake). It’s a quick and easy way to brighten up your eyes.
- Wash your face before bed
If you wake up with dehydrated skin, then you’re not doing the right nighttime routine. Before hitting the hay, make sure you cleanse, tone and use a serum and moisturizer that’s for your skin type. Remember not to use too much cream before bed, because that can cause more puffiness. Please use a lighter gel with peptides or botanicals.
- Take a cold shower
This is obvious. To feel more awake – take a shower because that seems like the most logical, right? Taking a cold shower everyday could be the secret of smoother skin and shinier hair – not to mention an overall well-being. It can boost your circulation and immune system, which makes you look more awake, because who looks good when they’re sick?
- Don’t skip breakfast
Eating a healthy breakfast can get your day off to a good start and fuel your body for the day. It’s important to eat something within the first hour of you waking up because this will boost your metabolism, which ultimately makes you feel good. When you feel good, you look good!
The information provided is for general interest only and should not be misconstrued as a diagnosis, prognosis or treatment recommendation. This information does not in any way constitute the practice of medicine, or any other health care profession. Readers are directed to consult their health care provider regarding their specific health situation. Marque Medical is not liable for any action taken by a reader based upon this information.