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 Salt 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.

• Science: Sleep = water loss. Even mild dehydration causes fatigue and brain fog. Sodium helps water absorb into your system faster. 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.

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.