Are you still struggling to gather the energy you need in the morning? Whether you are a morning person or not, here are a few strategies to help put you in the best position to take on the day.

Towel and Cold Water Method:

In Tim Ferriss' Tribe of Mentors book, Ben Stiller talks about dipping his head in a bucket of cold water to start the day. While this is extreme, I find my method a little more practical. The night before, fill an insulated water bottle with cold water and ice. Place the bottle and a dry towel on your nightstand, or within reach of your bed. When the morning comes, dip the towel in water, rub it on your face, and BOOM! You are ready to tackle your day.

Warm Water with Lemon:

Last time I checked, you aren't drinking any fluids while you are asleep. When your body goes anywhere from 6-10 of sleeping hours without drinking, you will be dehydrated when you wake up. When the alarm sounds, it is important to have a drink ready at your finger tips. Water with lemon is one of the best things you can drink to help give you that mental boost you need to start the day. Lemon contains 187% of your daily value of Vitamin C, which aids in enzyme function and liver detox. Ingesting this and chugging more water will instantly provide you a great amount of energy at the onset of the day.

Natural Light Exposure:

One of the best things you can do to aid your wakeup is to introduce yourself to sunlight as early as possible. Natural light increases the amount of serotonin in your body, which is a neurotransmitter that regulates your mood and sleep. Serotonin is often referred to as the "happy chemical" because high levels contribute to positive mood and social well-being. Having high levels of this will allow you to head into your day with a positive and alert mindset. It is also a precursor to melatonin, which winds you down and helps you sleep. After 12 hours, serotonin is converted to melatonin. Natural light will be a difference maker the earlier you expose yourself to it. I actually sleep with my blinds open, so that I can wake up to the sunlight.

Incorporating these strategies into your morning routine takes little effort, but the results will be impactful. Not only will you be more awake, but you will have a happier mood as you begin the day and go out and change the world. Good luck!