Simple Ways To Make Your Mornings MORE Effective.
Say no to SNOOZE. This one can be really difficult but it can be the most important. Hitting the snooze button is actually doing more harm than good. It causes your brain to start a new cycle of sleep and when the alarm goes off a second time you can end up in a deeper, earlier section making it even harder to get going.
Put on your favorite jams. Listening to music stimulates the formation of certain brain chemicals and can increase the dopamine. Music has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress, and increase feelings of empowerment, confidence, and positivity.
Find that natural light. This is really important for our internal clocks. Exposure to natural light first thing in the morning increases alertness, mood, productivity, and future sleep patterns.
Put the phone down. This is sometimes really hard for me so I completely get it but its so important to keep those first morning minutes for YOU. Don’t start the day with worries, emails, social media drama.. at least take the first 30 minutes to yourself to set the tone for your day.
Say hello to morning hydration. One of the best things you can do first thing in the morning is to drink a large glass of water. Sleeping, you have gone 7–8 hours without drinking and although you might not feel thirsty, your body slowly becomes dehydrated. Water first thing in the morning re-hydrates you, kick starts your metabolism, and enables the process of flushing out toxins.
I do this every single day. Make the bed. There’s something weirdly centering and refreshing about this. It also makes me feel like I have already accomplished something and feel organized and ready to tackle the day. Making the bed creates a positive state of mind at bedtime too. You can rest and relax after a stressful day without having the messy room ‘feels. The de-cluttered space lowers stress levels and prompts sleep.
Put away yesterday. Stressed out about yesterday? It’s done and over with and if it was a train wreck, you can’t change it so focus on today instead. Each day is a new time to take steps and make decisions toward your goals. Focus on it without the lingering clouds and worries of yesterday.
Streeeeeetch and get a little exercise. Theres something to stretching. It feels amazing and taking just a few minutes to increase flexibility and range of motion in the muscles and joints will improve circulation and relieve tension. A simple fitness routine first thing in the morning sets the health vibes for the rest of your day, boosts energy and mood, and increases productivity.
