Mornings: you either love them or hate them. Regardless of how you feel when your alarm goes off, there’s no denying that a morning well spent brings a day of content. To start your day off on the right foot, try incorporating these seven habits into your morning routine.
Drink Water:
Drinking a big glass of water first thing in the morning is a small but impactful way to start your day. The seven to eight hours of recommended sleep per night is a long time to go without water, so it’s important to rehydrate when you wake up. And yes, this means before you have your first cup of coffee. In addition to rehydration, drinking water boosts your metabolism. So drink up and your body will reap amazing benefits.
Make Your Bed:
This may seem silly, but starting your day by completing a small task makes it seem easier to accomplish other tasks throughout the day. Plus, you’re going to feel so much better coming home after a long day of work to a clean room (even if it is just your bed).
Take a Break From Your Phone:
This one can be tough, especially since we live in a world where social media makes the world go round. When you wake up and immediately start scrolling through Instagram or checking your email, you’re turning your attention to others when you should be focusing on yourself. Starting off your morning phone-free sets the tone for a day that you’re fully present and intrinsically motivated. Checking your phone when your alarm goes off serves you no value, so give yourself at least half an hour to focus on your needs before your turn your attention to others.
Eat a Healthy Breakfast:
You’ve heard this since the dawn of time, but eating breakfast is easily the most important morning to-do. Studies have found that people who eat breakfast are more likely to maintain a healthy weight, have more energy, have a better memory, and have improved concentration. Not to mention, eating a healthy breakfast helps to combat cravings for less nutritious foods later in the day. If you only have time for one thing in the morning, this is it.
Make Time For You:
For most of us, we’re on-the-go as soon as we step outside our door in the morning. Be it physically or mentally, we are non-stop until our heads hit the pillow at night. This is why it’s so crucial to spend at least 15-30 minutes in the morning dedicated to you. It’s easy to say you’ll take the time later for some “me” time but life gets crazy and sometimes that later never comes. If you carve out even the smallest bit of time for yourself in the morning, you’ll be guaranteed to start the day with a smile on your face. This time should be spent doing something that brings you joy. Whether it’s reading, painting, writing, journaling, or meditating, this is your time to focus on your needs before the daily madness begins.
Get Moving:
It’s no surprise that exercise has major benefits for your mental and physical health. Getting in a morning workout will ensure you start your day feeling accomplished, jumpstart your metabolism, boost your endorphins, and reduce stress. Basically, you’ll start your day feeling like you can conquer the world. Even if you can only squeeze in a 20-minute sweat session, your body and mind will thank you.
Set Your Daily Goals:
How many times have you started the day with the hopes of finishing certain tasks and ended the day with zero things crossed off your to-do list? It can happen all too often. Setting goals and writing down to-do’s will ensure you start the day off with intention. Making actionable goals will keep you on track so you can end the day feeling accomplished.
By Danielle Koban: Danielle is a freelance writer with focuses in career and wellness topics. Her work has been featured in Mavenly + Co., Elana Lyn, and Her Agenda. When she’s not writing, she can be found planning her upcoming wedding and hanging out with her German shepherd, Moose. To learn more about Danielle, visit www.danielledoolen.com.
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