5 Weird Morning Habits That Boosted My Energy, Mood, and Focus in 7 Days

Mornings used to be a struggle - brain fog, low mood, zero focus.

Then I tested 5 weird habits I found scattered across health forums and biohacker communities. I committed to just 7 days.

What happened next surprised me: I felt lighter, sharper, and way more energized - without caffeine overload.

Here’s why these strange tricks actually work (and what the science says).

1. Drink Lightly Salted Water Before Coffee

• Why: Rehydrates your body faster than plain water. Overnight, your body loses water and electrolytes. Starting with salt water rehydrates cells and balances adrenal function - something coffee can’t do. Starting with salt water (slightly salted water for low blood pressure) rehydrates your cells and balances adrenal function - something coffee can't do. However, if you have kidney problems, heart failure, or severe edema, excess sodium puts additional strain on your system and can worsen your condition and raise your blood pressure. In this case, it's safer to drink plain water before coffee. Or maybe just water without coffee.

  Discuss your fluid and salt intake with your doctor.

• Science: Sleep = water loss. Even mild dehydration causes fatigue and brain fog. A pinch of pink salt + lemon in warm water improves cellular function.

Bonus tip: Don’t chug. Sip it slowly while standing in sunlight for a dopamine kick.

2. Incorporate 60 Seconds of “Power Breathing” into Your Morning Habits

• Why: Activates parasympathetic nervous system (calms you down). Just 1 minute of slow, conscious breathing lowers cortisol and boosts oxygen to the brain.

• How: 4-7-8 method or 30 fast nasal breaths + long exhale.

• Scientific angle: Proven to reduce cortisol in minutes.

3. Cold Water Face Splash + Peppermint Oil

• Why: Instant cortisol reduction + alertness trigger. The cold shocks your nervous system awake. Peppermint triggers alertness in the limbic system.

• Science : Peppermint oil is linked to improved memory and energy in multiple studies.

• What I use: Natural peppermint essential oil + a steel bowl of cold water.

• Hook: It's like slapping your brain awake... lovingly.

  I am an Amazon affiliate. Get Peppermint Oil on Amazon:

4. Write Down “Yesterday’s Win”

• Why: Starts your day on an emotional high. Focusing on small wins wires your brain to seek progress instead of panic.

• Science: Journaling gratitude and achievement improves mental health and goal focus.

I didn’t realize how many “small wins” I was ignoring until I started tracking them.

5. Brush Your Teeth With Your Non-Dominant Hand

• Why: Forces full-body awareness and rewires neural pathways. This simple habit challenges your brain, forming new neural pathways.

• Science: Builds brain plasticity, mental sharpness.

• Hook: You’ll feel stupid doing it - then you’ll feel smarter after.

These 5 habits are free (or super cheap), but together they radically improved how I start the day.

Don't hesitate too long - try it tomorrow morning and post in the comments how it went.

Don’t try all 5 tomorrow. Pick 1 weird habit and try it for a few days. See how your body and brain respond.

Which of these weird habits are you trying first? Comment below or share it with someone who’s not a morning person.

Want more science-backed life upgrades like this? Read the post

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new health practice.