7 Reasons Why You Should Establish A Morning Routine
Mornings can be tough, but they can determine the success of the rest of your day. Creating a morning routine for yourself is essential for not only getting in the right mindset for the day, but for leading a successful life. Giving ourselves enough time in the morning to complete an established morning routine can lead to a more energized, mindful and positive outcome.
I promise, by trying these few steps and including them in your schedule each morning, you are going to see a big difference in your attitude towards the day and overall productivity.
1. Document Any Thoughts & Dreams
Some people are into journals some are not. If you are one of those who aren't, I encourage you to still try it out. It doesn’t have to be an essay each morning, but a few thoughts of ideas or goals for your day. I personally like writing down what I remember of my dreams each morning. This is a healthy habit for the subconscious mind that is working while you sleep.
Going straight to our phones and computer screens is a fast way to drain creativity and energy, try accessing your thoughts, being creative and in touch with your mind. This also helps clear your head space for the start of your day, writing your ideas out on paper to see can organize your mind and maybe spark a few ideas for your day.
2. Drink Water
Drinking water has a million and more health benefits for our body, but drinking it in the morning amplifies those. Do you ever feel instant cravings when you first wake up in the morning? Most people assume it’s for coffee, tea or whatever warm beverage they might think they need. This feeling is actually your body telling you, you are dehydrated!
It is recommended to start your day with 16 ounces or two glasses of water. Not only will this hydrate your body and skin, but will kill any late-morning snacking for people who want to drop a few pounds. By being well hydrated, you are fueled for the day, can metabolize food and break it down more efficiently making you ultimately more productive and less groggy. You know the feeling.
3. Stretch It Out
Studies show that yoga, meditation or simply stretching in the morning can help reduce anxiety, relax your body, and even start your metabolism early to shed some pounds throughout your day. If you are working at a desk all day, this is ideal to do to strengthen your back and prevent bad posture.
Studies show that people who did yoga in the morning felt more energized, feel more motivated, and felt calmer throughout their day. Doing this little activity in the morning also has long-term benefits for your body. Yoga is shown to reduce and ease chronic pain and arthritis, improve sleep quality, makes your body stronger, enhances lung functions, and gain more mobility.
To learn more check out this article on 21 Reasons To Do Yoga.
4. Give Yourself Enough Time
Being rushed in the morning can completely destroy a morning routine and creates a mindset of stress and anxiety just in time for work. Me time in the morning is substantially important because it sets the tone for the day. If your morning is a slow, calm pace your mood will improve and your brain will have time to rest for the day ahead.
You should always be your number one priority, or else you will be placed on the back burner all day. By doing so you are telling yourself that you are important. Your health is important. Your well-being is IMPORTANT.
5. Listen To The Right Music
Let your music fast track your morning moods, inspire you for the day and get your ready to be on the move. Music is a powerful tool that controls how we feel. Uplifting music can create an energy boost to help get you out of bed and ready for the day.
Create a personalized wake-up playlist of songs you think can deliver positivity and beats to get you moving. Music can have a similar effect that drugs have on the brain. It releases dopamine or good-feeling hormones that create a pleasurable experience.
“A song that is too vigorous from the start won’t help you get out of bed — it’s too much too soon,” said Greenberg, Business Insider reported. “Songs that start more gently (even just for a few seconds) and then build, help you wake up more gradually.”
Everyone is different, so find your personalized songs that get you out of bed and ready for the day.
For a Wake-Up playlist check out Spotify's morning tunes.
6. Nothing Beats Breakfast
Have you heard the saying that breakfast is the most important meal of the day? I know I
have, over and over from my parents, doctors, friends and they are all right.
Breakfast kick starts your metabolism and gives you the brain power and energy you need for the day. Has anyone ever told you to eat a big breakfast before a test or exams? It’s because breakfast gives you the focus and concentration you need for those exams.
To gain the benefits of breakfast make sure you are eating the right foods. A pastry or doughnut is not going to cut it. A mix of foods like proteins, healthy fats and fiber is a great way to start your day.
An example meal is two over easy eggs, sliced avocado, bread, and fruit. If you are short for time make a breakfast smoothie. You can find thousands of recipes online with smoothies that deliver the same amount of benefits that a breakfast does.
7. Sweat It Out
I know this step isn’t for everyone, but if you can, work out in the morning. Anyone can workout in the morning, it just takes time, practice and a lot of discipline. Working out anytime boosts your metabolism, but you can burn even more calories by working out in the morning. Even when sitting at a desk or driving, your body will continue to burn extra calories even after your workout.
If you find you don’t have the time or face distractions after work that stop you from working out, why not do it in the morning? This helps you find that consistency in your workout and never miss another gym day again.
