Tips for Getting Out of Bed?

[kittenkisses91]

Hello Everyone,

I've been having a really hard time lately getting up and out of bed in the morning. I have depression and anxiety. I literally hit my snooze button 10 times before getting up and then even when I am up I sit around with my coffee watching TV for too long before getting the energy to get dressed and start my day. It has been causing me to be late for work most days, which I feel terrible about but can't seem to change!

I just dread the day ahead, and would really like to just stay in bed! And I'm already oversleeping, I go to bed around 8:30 PM (bedtime is the best time of the day!), and am waking up around 7 AM. I sleep really well too but am exhausted!

I am on medication and in therapy. Today I was actually late for my morning therapy session so we talked about this and came up with some tips and goals for me to get up earlier but I was interested in what other people thought. One goal was to wake up with enough time to actually take a five minute walk outside to get fresh air and sunlight to start my day but I don't know how I'll be able to do that when I can't even get to work on time as it is!

Ugh! Tonight I'll be going to bed later, and I'm going to try to wake up early enough for a quick walk. We'll see how it goes!

[ChicagoGirl1961]

Have you had a thyroid hormone blood test? Low thyroid could be a factor....it can really make you tired

[kittenkisses91 in reply to ChicagoGirl1961]

I've had my thyroid checked multiple times. I've always slept a lot and my doctor always tests my thyroid but it always comes out normal.

[ami2]

My sister always set her bedroom clock ahead...like 15 or 20 minutes...that seemed to work for her. Me, I have to force myself up right when I wake up or else my "stinking thinking" starts...different problem from you, I know. I now get dressed everyday as my morning routine (which for years I stayed in my nightgowns). kittenkisses 91, never give up, put one foot in front of the other and pat yourself on the back...all through this, you have gotten to work and to your therapy sessions.

[Gertrudey]

Good question. I’m lying in bed reading your post when I should be up. 😑

Years ago I tried an alarm that slowly turned on a light rather than a jarring noise. It helped.

Also

I picture a treat to get going. Mine is a tasty ice coffee once I get up, dressed and downstairs.

The last option is extreme - get a loud dog. Mine wakes me up and I have to get moving to let him out 🐶

[kittenkisses91 in reply to Gertrudey]

My therapist actually suggested a light alarm. I’m looking them up online! And I love to get my coffee in the morning. I need to wake up early enough so I have time to actually enjoy it! And I have the opposite problem, my two cats love to snuggle and they want me to stay in bed so they are no help waking up in the morning!

[gfranklin12]

Yes I know how you are feeling😉😉😉!!! My therapist told or gave me the same advice yesterday Lol!!! I am going outside right now and get a 30 minute walk in, and attempt to start my day. Let's continue to communicate. and maybe we can "coach" one another up to do some type of morning workout😊😊😊!!!

[kittenkisses91 in reply to gfranklin12]

My “walk” this morning just consisted of me going outside on my porch with my coffee for about 5 minutes. I think the sun and cold fresh air did help wake me up a bit. Good job actually going for your walk! I’m at work now and just went for a 15 walk outside during my lunch break. It helps to get outside and not just sit in a chair all day! I’ll try to do better at my morning walking tomorrow!

[gfranklin12 in reply to kittenkisses91]

Me also!!!

[laxma]

I am in the same place with my mornings- I used to look forward to the mornings to get up and get going but now I struggle moving. I find that once I awake I get up take put on my clothes to walk , take my meds and go outside. I set a destination point which makes it easier. Maybe put some music on as you walk so your head does not take over. Start slowly and you will get there. Enjoy the day

[Lazy_dog_lover]

8:30-7 might be too much sleep. Research sleep hygiene, a routine before bed. That is hardest for me, but seems like the research makes it super important.

Have you ever had a sleep study done? Maybe what you think is restful isn't actually. They can tell if your brain settles into REM.

[kittenkisses91 in reply to Lazy_dog_lover]

I’m going to try to go to sleep later and actually wake up earlier. I do think I’m sleeping too much. I’ve never had a sleep study done but if this continues to be a problem it is something to think about. Thanks!

[Lazy_dog_lover in reply to kittenkisses91]

Good luck.

My sleep study showed I was getting to REM but my body moved all night. Like restless leg syndrome, but my whole body. No wonder I was tired when I got up....I exercised all night.😉

[marheart]

The longer I procrastinate and stay in bed with the startled and scared feelings the worse they become. Jumping out of bed made things worse.

Even tho I don't want to get up, I force myself up. Then what? The days are so long when I deal with the negative feelings and brain fog. Concentration, where are you? Focus, where are you?