Beat the Early Morning Blues

I hate to admit it, but it takes four alarms plus the cat stepping all over my head to get me out of bed on time in the morning. And on a day like today—the day after a holiday—I'm lucky to get up in enough time to even fix my hair. So when I read today's Tools & Tips on NFIB.com, I was excited to learn that there's help after all for those of us who just aren't "morning people," such as:

• A good morning begins the evening before. Avoid stress during the hours leading up to bedtime, as excessive evening stress diminishes a good night's sleep.


• Avoid heavy foods, alcohol and caffeine before bedtime. They inhibit good sleep and can make you groggy the next day.


• Since most people have an easier time rising when it's light, hook your alarm up to a light or dimmer switch that turns on as the day draws near.


• Try placing the alarm clock across the room or in the corridor to force yourself out of bed.

The article also offers helpful hints on boosting your energy level after you've managed to crawl out of bed, such as performing simple exercises like stretching or running in place. I thought I was a lost cause, but I'm willing to give these tips a try. They at least sound better than my current morning exercise—the alarm toss.