It’s fair to say that most folks are not naturally morning people.

Even if you have to get up early every morning, it seems as if the process never gets easier. Even once you’re out of bed you spend a couple of hours stumbling around until you finally begin to feel human again.

Here are five ways to make that morning wake-up routine go a bit smoother. And even better, none of the suggestions include caffeine-laden energy drinks or coffee.

A Brief Morning Exercise Break

It might seem like a very optimistic idea to suggest to someone who is half asleep that they should be working out. But a gentle yet energetic bit of exercise not only wakes up the body, but it also invigorates the mind.

Since you are doing this the first thing in the morning, you want to start slowly with some stretching exercises and/or mild aerobics. Even some simple body stretches help to wake up the body. If you have a treadmill in your home, this would be a good time to use it.

Exercises such as leg thrusts and slow-paced jumping jacks will work as well. If you’re accustomed to watching a bit of TV in the morning, this is a good way to get yourself in shape while still distracting your mind with a bit of morning news. Not only will you feel more awake after exercise, but you’ll also start getting in better shape without even realizing it.

Some Non-Coffee Alternatives

Millions of people start their day with coffee. Even though they don’t much like the taste, what they do appreciate is the caffeine, which also explains the growing popularity of energy drinks and caffeinated-potions.

If you’re looking for an alternative that isn’t dangerous to consume on a daily basis, consider green tea. It contains caffeine, but it also includes anti-oxidants that help your body maintain its energy throughout the day.

Also consider some healthy and non-caffeinated drinks such as a morning smoothie made from your favorite fruits. The small amount of natural sugars will boost your energy without the caffeine or harsh coffee taste. You can also add vitamins or other add-ins to the smoothie and increase your health while still enjoying a drink that tastes delicious.

And early in the morning Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them: and Laban departed, and returned unto his place. —Genesis 31:55, KJV

Let’s Put Our Dancing Shoes On

There is nothing like a bit of joyful music to get a person’s heart pumping and jumping with joy of the Lord. Set your alarm clock to awake you with your favorite Christian radio station instead of a buzzer when it’s time to get up and let the energy of the music pull you out of bed and prepare you for the world.

The best option is to purchase an alarm clock that will play music off of an iPod or other music players. That way you can program the music that works best for you, and if you’re ambitious enough, you can even create morning playlists that help you build just the right mood on those mornings when the last thing you want to do is climb out of a cozy bed.

A Nice Morning Walk

If exercising first thing in the morning sounds daunting, or if you’re not quite in the shape you’d like to be in, then a morning walk is a good compromise.

No matter where you live, mornings tend to be quiet and peaceful, and strolling through the neighborhood early in the day can be calming and refreshing for the soul. Like the exercise option, a daily walk will soon have you in better physical shape, which is a plus for both the body and the soul.

Laugh

Grab the comic strip section of the paper, watch a few funny cat videos on YouTube, turn on your favorite comedic morning radio or TV show or swap some jokes with your significant other or kids.

According to Mayo Clinic, laughing releases endorphins that can enhance your oxygen intake, stimulating your brain, heart, lungs and muscles. It also helps to reduce stress, soothe tension, strengthen the immune system and can even put you in a better mood. They don’t say laughter is the best medicine for nothing!

Choose the best recipe to get you going in the morning and share with us through comments unique ways you come to life after falling out of bed.