Starting the day off in the right way can do wonders for your physical and mental health. A good morning routine coupled with realistic goals can give you all the boost you need to make the most of every day. So, it is time to stop dreading the inevitable ring of the alarm clock and start hopping out of bed every morning, ready for the day ahead.
Give yourself time
There is nothing worse than rushing around in the morning desperately trying to get everything ready on time. If you want to start the day as you mean to go on, you need to give yourself time to accomplish everything you need to do. How much extra time you need will depend on what you would like to get done; but start half an hour early and see how you fare. Remember, though, do not miss out on valuable sleep. You will need to go to bed that bit earlier to not miss out on your shuteye.
Start the day with water before your cup of joe
When you wake up, the first thing you should reach for is a glass of water. Your body dehydrates while you sleep, so filling up on fluids and satisfying your thirst gets you going a lot quicker than tea or coffee. Having water first also stops you from drinking your coffee too quickly, preventing a caffeine rush and the subsequent crash a few hours later.
Loosen up your body
You are out of bed, you have had your glass of water, and now it is time to stretch out your morning aches and pains! A simple five-minute routine of full-body stretches is all you need. Or, if you are a fan of yoga, incorporating a few cycles of the sun salutation into your morning is ideal. You want to get the blood flowing and your heart rate up slightly so you are ready to kick on with the day.
Try meditation
If you have the time, a short period of meditation can focus your mind and get you ready for the day’s challenges. Think of it as the calm before the storm.
If you are new to meditation and mindfulness, there are many apps and videos that guide you through the whole process. Going into the day with a clear mind will boost your productivity and prepare you for any unforeseen problems that may pop up.
Make a list of what you want to get out of the day
Every day is different, and while you will always need to tackle some recurring jobs, there will undoubtedly be new challenges that arise. Making a list of what you need to accomplish during the day can center your mind and give you the drive to get the jobs done. The time when you sit down for your morning cup of coffee is a great space to think through the day and give yourself a plan of attack.
Get some chores done if you have time
Unfortunately, getting the chores done is never much fun. Anything you can tick off your list early will give you less to worry about when the day’s stresses arrive. Even if it is just making the bed or folding some clothes, every little bit is one less thing to worry about when you have more on your plate later in the day.
Starting off in the right way can be just the pick-me-up you need to make the most of every day. If you can take the pressure off by getting some chores done and taking care of your body and mind, your productivity will get a massive boost. It will take time to get to where you want to be, so do not worry if you find it difficult at first. However, if you stick with your routine, you will soon see the days are much easier to manage.
