Back to back virtual meetings, fending for yourself, cooking, taking care of chores and other life-ly responsibilities make our mornings not-so-fresh. And after trying to keep it together and showing up the next morning, someone says ‘you look tired’ and that’s not a pleasant feeling, trust us. We want to then scream ‘well you know what, I AM TIRED’ because too bad we don’t look like movie characters with clear skin early morning, wide eyes, perfect hair and are okay eating two almonds for breakfast.
Most days, we roll out of bed with signs of exhaustion – dark circles, pillow creases, and a sallow complexion. And we look for every possible way to look lively for the day ahead.
So we’ve got you a zero budget routine for you to look and feel energetic in the morning because who needs fancy creams and long routines. And no, you don’t need store-bought products, at all.
But before we start, if you’re feel as tired as you look, start with a full cup of coffee or a fresh fruit juice.
– Breathe in an Invigorating Scent
According to sleep.org, “The smell of the fruits can boost your body’s production of serotonin, a hormone that makes you feel happy. They also reduce levels of the stress hormone norepinephrine, so you’ll wake up but still feel calm.” We recommend lemon because of its intense citrus aroma. It smells of peppermint, Eucalyptus and rosemary work wonders too.
– Give your skin a fresh flush
Bringing some life back to your skin is one of the best and simplest ways to look well-rested. If you want to look genuinely flushed and fresh, a workout is the way to go. Starting your morning with a simple exercise prompts your blood flow, in turn, making you look active. We recommend a quick morning yoga routine or a nice run.
– Clear redness in your eyes
Getting 8 hours of sleep every day sounds like a dream. And a dream we can’t have because we don’t sleep enough to start with. If your eyes tend to look dry or red every morning and you are sleep deprived—slices of fresh cucumber to the rescue. Put them on your eyes for five minutes to reduce puffiness. Cucumbers have antioxidants that reduce irritation, while the cold temperature (assuming they came from the fridge) reduces inflammation.
– Wash your face with cold water
If you’re not in the mood for a cold shower in the morning, fill up a bowl of water with some ice cubes and splash the water on your face. Dawn Wilder from the HuffingontPost.com said, “It instantly tightens pores and shrinks little capillaries, making your skin appear more even. Plus, it makes you feel more awake, which will affect the way you look.”
– Drink as much water as you can throughout the day
If plants, which are living things, wilt without water, we will too.
Don’t forget to keep a water bottle at your desk at all times. Make sure to refill it every time you’re done. All the visits to the water cooler (and the bathroom!) will keep you alive and well.
Fake it till you make it, fam.