Have you ever encountered those people that have an innate glow, seemingly from the beginning of their day until they fall asleep? You know exactly who we are talking about. They are most likely fit people who pretend like they don’t do anything for their sculpted physiques and stress-free lives. These fit guys and gals most likely have one thing in common: they have a specific morning routine that they try to complete every day.
Some of you may be thinking that you don’t want to get up and take part in a series of exercises, physical or mental, in the morning. Do you want to help reduce stress levels, rev up your metabolism, improve mental health, and invite more positivity into your life? If you would like to adopt one of those things into your life, it’s time to plan out a morning routine. You don’t have to do all of the following suggestions; rather, mix and match practices that work best for you. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t challenge yourself by stepping outside your comfort zone, though. Don’t be afraid to push yourself towards excellence.
#1: Don’t Look At Your Phone For At Least One Hour
Smartphones are amazing pieces of technology, but they are also contributing to increased anxiety, stress, self-esteem issues, sleep troubles, and poor posture. Grabbing your phone as soon as you wake up is not a healthy habit; rather, it can be quite unhealthy for you mental state and productivity levels. When you avoid your phone for at least an hour after waking up, you may notice that your thoughts are clearer and the urge to look at your phone lessens throughout the day.
#2: Hydrate Immediately
After you get your wits about you from your sleepy state, fill that glass up with some high quality H2O to rehydrate your body and allow for better digestive energy throughout the day. Water comes before any other beverage in the morning! Yes, even before coffee or tea. The purpose of this is to not dehydrate the body more than it already is. Plus, starting your day with water encourages you to drink more water throughout the day.
#3: Set An Alarm That’s Fun
Nobody wants to wake up to the standard, annoying ringing alarm clock, which you inevitably want to smash for disturbing your slumber. Wake up to a song that immediately puts you in a good mood and gets you moving. If you set “Happy” by Pharrell Williams for your alarm clock, for example, chances are you are going to wake dancing and start the day in a positive mood.
#4: Recite Positive Affirmations
This isn’t a practice for everyone, but many people find that reciting or listening to positive affirmations in the morning inspires positivity and motivates them to be more productive. Affirmations can also boost self-esteem, self-appreciation, and force you to speak the positive truths about yourself that you know exist. It is common to recite a single affirmation while meditating to visualize what you want to accomplish during the day.
#5: Exercise
You knew this was coming, so don’t act surprised. Most people are stationary at a desk all day, and the most exercise they get is walking to the bathroom and back to the desk. A morning exercise routine doesn’t have to be a grueling workout that leaves you in pain all day. It’s an opportunity to avoid the sedentary lifestyle, get the blood flowing, and increase mobility and range of motion. Consider a simple yoga routine, at-home H.I.I.T workout, or even dance to your favorite song like nobody is watching.
#6: Fresh Air, Sunlight, And Deep Breaths
A cloudy day does not mean that it is dark as night outside. Open those curtains or blinds and allow the natural light to enter your home. Sunlight helps to awaken your senses and invites positivity into your day. Take it one step further by opening a window, or two, or three. Fill your lungs with fresh air because oxygen provides the brain with energy. If you are experiencing tremendously hot temperatures, it’s acceptable to only open windows for a short while.
Finally, begin each day as though it is a blank canvas that is ready to be painted. Leave your thoughts, arguments, and frustrations from yesterday behind and begin today anew. There’s no room for negativity in your new day.
