As the alarm clock jolts you awake, the instinct to hit snooze is often paired with a yearning for an instant energy boost—traditionally satisfied by a piping hot cup of coffee. However, the age-old ritual of kickstarting your day with coffee may warrant a second thought, especially when you dive into the fascinating intricacies of your body’s morning routine.
Consider the physiological changes that occur in our bodies early in the morning. After a night of fasting, our cortisol levels, also known as the stress hormone, naturally rise to prepare us for the day.
When you reach for that cup of coffee for a caffeine boost, it further stimulates cortisol production. If your cortisol levels are already elevated in the morning, the addition of caffeine might push your body into an excessive state, potentially leaving you feeling more alert than necessary. Prolonged exposure to elevated cortisol levels can contribute to health issues like anxiety and disrupted sleep.
Additionally, coffee acts as a diuretic, promoting increased urine production. After a night’s sleep, dehydration is common, and even mild dehydration can result in feelings of fatigue, decreased focus, and mood alterations.
This is why prioritizing water as the initial step in your morning routine is crucial. Consuming water upon waking helps rehydrate your body and facilitates a natural cleansing. Whether you opt for warm or cold water, you can enhance its taste with mint leaves or lemon juice. Rehydrating with water can enhance your energy levels, establishing a more balanced and revitalized start to your day.
The suggestion is not to entirely forsake coffee but to consider delaying that first cup until later in the morning, after ensuring your body is adequately hydrated. Try commencing your day with a glass of water tomorrow and observe how your body responds. You might discover increased energy levels and an improved mood as a gesture of gratitude from your body!
disclaimer: This is general public information. Do not substitute any medical or dietary advice from your health care professionals.
Sujata Din is a Certified Holistic Health Coach based in Singapore. Sujata assists clients all over the world through individual face-to-face consultation, as well as consultation over Skype, telephone, and Email. She equips clients with tools, information, and strategies that lead them to better health, higher energy levels, and, ultimately, a happier disposition. On top of individual consultations, Sujata conducts workshops on nutrition, cooking demonstrations, and pantry overhauls.
You can find out more about Sujata Din’s wellness advice on her website & on her Instagram feed.
