Did you know that the side of the bed that you prefer to sleep on is dictated by your personality? According to a survey of 2000 individuals the top 5 reasons that people sleep on their side of the bed is because of:
- Easier access to leave the bed
- My partner prefers the other side
- Better access to nightstand
- Better view of TV
- I like to sleep against a wall
Right brained people, those who tend to be more creative, imaginative, and emotional tend to sleep on the right side and left brained people, who tend to be more logical and rational in thought, tend to sleep on the left side. Some say that if you wake up from your right side, you will start your day in a more peaceful state of mind and less stressed filled. It is also believed in Feng Shui that it’s best to get out of bed on the left side as it associates the left side of the bed with family, health, and power.
Waking up on the wrong side of the bed emotionally is totally possible. The main reason is due to the transitional period between wake and sleep called sleep inertia. This is when upon waking we are feeling groggy and foggy, and getting out of bed is a real struggle. This feeling can last anywhere between 1 minute to 4 hours, but it doesn’t normally last longer than 30 minutes. The more sleep deprived you are the longer you’re going to feel it when you wake up. It’s important to note that it’s normal to wake up feeling tired. To experience bouts of sleep inertia is a normal experience. Not many of us are bouncing out of bed with smiles but there are a few things you can do to help make mornings not as sleepy.
What to do when you wake up tired:
Get Hydrated – You’ll likely be pretty dehydrated after 7 to 8 hours of sleep so start off the day with a cold
glass of water to rehydrate your body and get your blood pumping.
Jump in a Cold Shower – The cold water increases your body’s circulation, which means your body requires
more oxygen helping you feel more awake and refreshed.
What to do when you wake up sad:
Smile! If you are lying in bed feeling glum – smile! Put a smile on your face and keep it there as you get out of bed to trick your mind into thinking you are happier than you may feel at that moment.
Create a morning up-beat playlist that is going to help you dance that blues away and start off your day feeling a little brighter and lighter and think if two or three things that you are thankful for or excited about.
What to do when you wake up anxious:
When you wake feeling anxious choosing the right breathing exercise can work fast to calm your nervous system. You may need to try a few breath work techniques before you find the one that works best for you but the more you use them, the more effective they will become. There are some great apps and digital memberships that you can use to help guide you like Calm, Headspace. Putting the focus on breathing activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which slows your heart rate and encourages your body to calm down and relax.
Also, resist checking your social media, the news, or your emails at least 30 minutes after you wake up an instead use that time as calming personal time for yourself like going for a morning walk, practicing your breath work, or organizing your thoughts.
What to do when you wake up lonely:
The importance of connection plays such a fundamental role in your overall happiness and wellbeing. Waking up feeling a sense of loneliness could be a signal to you to reevaluate the relationships you have around you, and what you can do to bring in more connection. Because we can’t necessarily control waking up alone don’t only focus on filling your attachment tank in the morning. What do you do throughout the day or in the evening to bring you the connection you need? Perhaps it’s finally making that coffee date with your friend, scheduling a regular Zoom chat with friends or family from far away. Look into joining a club or gym to bring you the social contact that you need.
Also, to help make those lonely mornings a little more connected, tune into your favorite podcast or show while you get ready to start your day. Familiar voices speaking on topics that interest you can help you shake away the quiet blues and start your day off right.
