Start Your Day the Right Way
Do you wake up on the wrong side of the bed? How can you learn to start your day the right way? I mean, and actually set the tone for the rest of the day for success. Let me tell you, the need to rush your morning and get on with the day’s to-do’s is everlasting. So, it must be an intentional practice to embrace a routine that allows you adequate time and space to set yourself up for success! The way we begin our mornings shapes our mindset, mood, and energy levels- why not start with habits that nurture our mental health? Here are some simple, but powerful strategies for creating a morning routine that promotes a balanced, positive mindset:
1. Wake Up Early: I know this is asking a lot for those of you who enjoy your beauty sleep. However, giving yourself extra time can be a little gift. Start by increasing your alarm to go off by 15 minute increments until your body adjusts and your reach your desired start time. My secret weapon is a gradual alarm clock. It’s worth the investment, trust me! Here’s a link to my favorite one.
2. Hydrate and Nourish Your Body: Start the day with a glass of water. Your body is dehydrated from your resting state during sleep. So there’s a reason we wake with the crave to down a glass of cold water and lubricate the esophogus. Remember to also break your fast, yes I’m recommending to eat something before you leave the house. Even if it’s small.
3. Practice Mindfulness/Meditate: Set the tone with a positive mindset and create intention for the day. Perhaps using guided meditation can help you find a theme or mantra to take you through your day. This only needs a few minutes of your attention to be effective. Those around you will thank you for it!
4. Move Your Body: I love nothing more than when I can wake up and cross off a morning workout from my to-do list. It energizes me for the whole day. Now, I’m aware this can be a challenge with a busy work schedule. Be realistic when planning your exercise goals. It’s okay if this is worked into other times/methods for your day or even throughout the week. The goal is just to be moving your body to release the lethargic energy.
5. Set Today’s Intentions: Setting intentions for the day is such a powerful way to ground yourself and focus your energy. Here’s a little framework to guide you- reflect on how you want to feel, identify your priorities, choose how you want to show up and set one action/habit you’d like to accomplish.
6. Don’t Pick Up Your Phone Yet: Yes, pulling away from tech first thing in the morning can make a huge difference. It’s so easy to fall into the habit of checking emails, social media, or news right after waking up, but this can lead to stress or distraction before you’ve even had a chance to center yourself. Try some of these other suggestions instead.
7. Gratitude Reflection: I’ve spoken on gratitude before and it makes a world of difference on your mindset and day’s outcome to reflect on the things you’re grateful for. Check out this blog post to explore how to practice gratitude.
8. Plan Self-care: As I said, the to-do’s are endless. Therefore, you have to prioritize when you’re doing self-care. Plan it! Sign up for a workout class, pencil in a social event with your friends, or even tell your spouse/partner about your self-care plan- all of these can help jump start a routine of accountability. It becomes easier as it becomes a habit.
The way we present ourselves not only makes impression upon others, but on the way we feel about our own worth too. Allowing time, energy and activity to aid us rather than run us is a start to cultivating a morning routine that feels right!
Get Inspired,
Lauren
