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The clocks go back this weekend, and while it gives us brief relief with lighter mornings, they will soon slide back into darkness. Rising before the sun is hard, as is the reduced exposure to sunlight generally during autumn and winter, which can affect our moods, sometimes severely.
But don’t panic. We asked you for all the things that get you out of bed when you don’t feel like it, and make your mornings brighter. And we’ve rounded up some of our own tips and tricks here on the Filter.
How to make your mornings better
Alarm clock alternatives
Sunrise alarm clock
Lumie Bodyclock Spark 100
“I swear I couldn’t function in winter without my Lumie wake-up alarm clock. I also have a daylight Lumie to have around for breakfast. I only use it later in the day if it’s gloomy so I don’t get seasonal affective disorder.” Anonymous
Pete Wise said he “woke up feeling great” when using the Lumie Spark 100 and rated it the best in his roundup of the best sunrise alarm clocks. The Lumie is not only “nicely designed” but also graded a class 1 medical device.
For more, read the Filter’s guide to the best sunrise alarm clocks
Analogue alarm clock
Nanu Arc alarm clock
“Earlier this year, I changed from using a phone alarm to using a dedicated alarm clock. This has two advantages: a much gentler wake-up tone and not immediately holding a phone and doomscrolling without even getting out of bed.
“I went for a Nanu Arc alarm clock because it’s 100% dark and silent at night, and the wake-up tone is gentle. It’s the first alarm clock I haven’t hated.” Alex
Silent watch alarm
TabTime vibrating watch alarm
“I use a vibrating wristband alarm clock, rather than a phone alarm, so my partner isn’t woken up by the noise and can sleep in later than me – it hasn’t improved my mornings, but it has made his better!” Ella
A cup of tea and a kiss
“[I make mornings better by] waking up to a gentle kiss from my lovely husband, accompanied by a cup of tea, then being left alone for half an hour to browse through the Guardian, before being presented with another cup of tea. After that, I’m ready to start the day.” Rhiannon Robinson
Waking up to the radio
Roberts Revival digital radio with alarm
This Roberts radio can be set to wake you by playing your favourite radio station. The bright sunshine yellow colour adds much-needed cheer to darker days.
Get a good night’s sleep
Upgrade your mattress
Otty Original Hybrid, double
One of the most sure-fire ways to have a good morning is to get a good night’s sleep. So make sure your mattress is as comfortable, supportive and breathable as possible. If you’re hoping to upgrade, Otty’s Original Hybrid mattress came out on top in reviewer Jane Hoskyn’s rigorous testing of the best mattresses on the market.
For more, check out the best mattresses
Find a sleep aid that works for you
MyHalos blackout memory foam sleep mask
When Jane also put some of the most-hyped sleep aids to the test, this blackout eye mask from MyHalos was her favourite. She also found that this lavender pillow spray helped her relax.
For more, check out our test of the most-hyped sleep aids
Make yourself more mobile
Try 10 minutes of stretching
Adidas 4mm yoga mat
Experts agree: starting the day with some stretching can ease muscle tightness and improve joint mobility. So grab a yoga mat (if you’re in need of a new one, this green Adidas mat is a great affordable option) and find a free guided stretch video on YouTube.
Brush your teeth standing on one leg
Suri 2.0 electric toothbrush
Balance is incredibly important, but if we don’t use it, we can lose it over time. A simple but effective way to practise is to stand on one leg while cleaning your teeth. If you’re in need of a new toothbrush, reviewer Alan Martin rated Suri’s 2.0 model very highly. And as for the much debated question of whether it’s better to brush before or after breakfast, studies are conflicting – so it may be worth consulting your dentist on what’s right for you.
For more, check out the best electric toothbrushes
Relieve tension with an acupressure mat
Shakti acupressure mat
Acupressure mats are covered in tiny spikes, designed to increase blood flow and release tension in your body by triggering acupressure points. Physiologist and sleep therapist Nerina Ramlakhan recommends using one for its therapeutic benefits. “I use it for any aches and pains. I pop it on my mattress, carefully lie my bare skin on top and cover myself with my duvet,” she says.
For more, check out the best sleep aids recommended by experts
Make it easier to get out of bed
Get a cosy dressing gown
John Lewis luxe borg dressing gown
M&S fleece supersoft dressing gown
Getting out of your warm bed in winter is quite a task. Make it that bit easier with a super cosy dressing gown that you’ll be excited to put on. Anything made of a borg material or soft fleece will be extra warm and inviting.
Save your feet from cold flooring
Waffle memory foam mule slippers
Cool lined mule slippers
Stepping on to your cold kitchen floor won’t feel like such a chore with a pair of warm slippers. This waffle pair has a memory foam sole that will mould to your feet for extra comfort. And these mule slippers are fleece-lined for extra cosiness.
Don’t leave your phone by your bed
Leaving your phone outside your bedroom means you won’t be tempted to go on it as soon as you open your eyes, and you’ll be forced to get up if you want to grab it.
Upgrade your morning beverage
Get barista-style coffee at home
Sage Bambino Plus coffee machine
Manual espresso machines can be a bit daunting, but coffee aficionado Sasha Muller rated the Sage Bambino Plus the best manual machine for beginners in our roundup of the best coffee machines. It also has an automatic steam wand, “which serves up wonderfully hot, silky, frothed milk at the press of a button”.
For more, check out the best coffee machines for your home
Have a lemon water
Dreamfarm lemon fluicer
A glass of water with lemon juice first thing may aid digestion and will give you an antioxidant boost. Reader Fran recommends this lemon squeezer: “Most are a faff, rarely very effective and take a bit of effort to clean. This Australian-designed gizmo is quick, efficient and ready to go again after a quick rinse … and, although it is quite big, it folds away for very neat storage.”
Get outside first thing
Pre-breakfast gardening
Hori hori knife
“What makes my early mornings better is getting into nature with coffee and a cat. The cat wakes me up early for food. I feed him while making coffee. Then I head outside with him to do our garden walk, where I often do a bit of unplanned gardening.” Andre van Straaten
“I put on an outer layer over my pyjamas and go outside to inspect my tiny garden. Being outside early lifts my spirits.” Karla Ptacek
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Make breakfast a treat
Meal prep
Kilner breakfast jar
If you don’t have much time in the morning, try meal prepping your breakfast – future you will thank you for it. These Kilner jars come with a handy spoon attached – perfect for overnight oats.
Have breakfast in bed
White wooden breakfast tray
Make getting out of bed easier by … staying there. There’s something so luxurious about breakfast in bed; this tray will make it easy to eat even the messiest of breakfasts, and hopefully save your duvet from any spillages.
Get off to a healthy start
Ninja Blast cordless portable blender
Smoothies are a great way to increase your fruit and veg intake to help boost your immune system during flu season. This portable blender from Ninja was rated the best for gym workouts and on-the-go blending by Rachel Ogden in our guide to the best blenders.
For more, check out the best blenders: nine favourites for smoothies and soups, tested
Pimp your breakfast
Peppadew spicy chipotle crunch
Pimp your breakfast with condiments that are so tasty, you’ll never skip breakfast again. This chipotle crunch chilli oil is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy and smoky. It goes extremely well with eggs, avo toast … or anything really.
Light candles at breakfast
Kastehelmi candleholder
“Inspired by Danish family members, I burn tea lights at breakfast in winter. The soft light is gentle and cosy, but uplifting – and decidedly hyggelig. I have three of these Kastehelmi glass candle holders by Iittala.” Hannah Booth
Make it easier to leave the house
Plan your morning
Sticky note to-do lists
“I have a sticky note to-do list for the morning on the fridge. That way, I already know how I’m spending the first few hours of my day.” Anonymous
Solve bad hair days
Joan clip in Bleached Buttercup
Make getting ready for the day easy, with hair accessories that create quick, low-fuss hair styles. Fashion writer Ellie Violet Bramley recommends this fun clip from Tort, and says: “It might not come cheap compared with the clips you can buy in Claire’s but, having recently bought one from this company, I can assure you they’re a superior build.”
Fresh fragrance
Jones Road shower scent
This fragrance, originally recommended by Sali Hughes, has notes of sea spray, neroli, orange blossom and white patchouli to give you a “just-washed” scent that will keep you feeling fresh all morning.
Improve your commute
Read instead of scrolling
Books that support independent journalism
Look forward to your commute by immersing yourself in a good book instead of scrolling on your phone. This might leave you feeling like you’ve accomplished something before you’ve even arrived at work.
Listen to an audiobook or podcast
Audible Premium Plus subscription
… or listen to an audiobook or podcast instead (we’re currently loving The Rest Is Entertainment’s Celebrity Traitors specials). Audible Premium Plus membership allows you to choose one of 8,000 audiobooks a month, as well as its podcasts.
Take a hot drink on the go
KeepCup Commuter
Even the most hellish commute is improved by having your morning caffeine fix to sip on – particularly if you ran out of time to make one at home. The KeepCup Commuter was rated best overall in Pete Wise’s test of the best travel mugs. It even managed to performed well during his rigorous trampoline bounce test.
For more, check out the best travel mugs and reusable coffee cups
Be ready for wet weather
Get a durable umbrella
Original Duckhead umbrella
Don’t let the rain put you off getting up and out. Filter deputy editor Monica Horridge was given her Original Duckhead 20 years ago, and it’s still going strong.
For more, check out 17 thoughtful gifts that last – and won’t end up in landfill
Have a raincoat ready
Rains unisex long rain jacket
Autumn means unexpected showers are always around the corner, so having a raincoat handy is a must. This long jacket from Scandinavian brand Rains was chosen by Ellie Violet Bramley as her best all-round raincoat.
For more, check out 10 women’s raincoats to style out drizzly days
… or a handy hood
Waterproof hooded scarf
This waterproof hooded scarf, recommended by our fashion assistant Charlotte Gornall, is the ultimate portable rain protection. Just shove it in your bag to ensure you never have to turn up to work looking like a drowned rat again.
For more, check out 10 stylish and practical ways to look good in wet weather
Get some morning exercise
Try a new class
ClassPass membership
There’s something about doing a pre-work class that makes you feel like you’re winning at life, whether you do a gentle yoga class or an intense Hiit session. ClassPass is a great way to try out lots of classes and find one that works for you.
Hit the gym
Large everyday holdall
If you’re going to hit the gym on the way to work, you’ll need a bag big enough to fit your toiletries, a change of clothes and probably a change of shoes too. This bag from Gymshark has been designed to go from the gym to work (or vice versa) with a wet pocket to store sweaty gym clothes and a specific compartment for a change of shoes.
Get in your steps
If you’re working from home, it’s easy to get caught up with the day’s tasks and not get outside. Try getting yourself out for a pre-work walk to get in your steps first thing and leave yourself feeling energised for work. Or, if you’re commuting in, why not get off the train or bus a stop early and walk some of the way?
For more, read the best fitness tech and gadgets, according to experts
