You wake up to the ringing of your alarm. No cars are passing by, and the roads are empty. The only noise you hear is the sound of sprinklers watering the lawns of neighboring houses.
What do you do before the rest of the world gets up? It's important to start your day off right, and these healthy habits will definitely help you do so.
1. Avoid your phone
Technology is an integral part of our lives. It's how we communicate with family and friends across the world and is the reason we were able to continue receiving education during the coronavirus pandemic. But, aside from these benefits, looking at your phone first thing in the morning is not the best habit to have. We can easily get overwhelmed by the plethora of text messages and social media notifications, all of which can cause us to be stressed or anxious.
Push yourself to ignore the buzzing of your phone.
2. Have a clean room
A cluttered room will clutter your mind. On the other hand, a clean room will cleanse your mind. What better way to start your day than with an organized room? Even though cleaning your room can feel like a mundane and tedious task, it is one that will significantly change how you feel in the morning.
Before I go to bed, I make sure to tidy up a bit. This allows me to fall asleep with a feeling of peace. Then, in the morning, the very first task I accomplish is making my bed. Later that night, I'm happy to be greeted by a neat space.
3. Create a to-do list
Even if you're unsure of what exactly you have planned for the day, write down a few tasks you hope to complete or make progress on. A schedule, detailed or brief, will help you become more productive and efficient, especially during busy days. A to-do list can prevent you from feeling swamped.
4. Be outside
The fresh air, the chirping of the birds, and the peacefulness of the outdoors are especially beneficial in the morning. With a cup of hot tea or coffee in my hands, I take a seat on my porch's rocking chair. Observing the swaying of trees and the sunlight cast over plants and flowers gives me a sense of clarity. Some days, I treat myself to a walk around my neighborhood.
Whether it is simply sitting on the grass or going for a run, enjoying time outside will surely put you in a better mood.
5. Move your body
There is nothing worse than waking up with a stiff neck or pain in your back. But, in this uncomfortable situation, stretching can help. Stretching in the morning can relieve any tension and increase your blood flow. As little as fifteen seconds of it can allow you to approach your day feeling calm and cozy.
6. Write affirmations
This, by far, will be the hardest habit to implement in your morning routine. Even though complimenting yourself can feel awkward and embarrassing, it will unquestionably improve your day. Beginning your day with positive thoughts and words will not only provide you with confidence but also motivation.
7. Read
Before scrolling through social media apps or your text messages, encourage yourself to spend some time reading, whether it is an article online or a book. Reading can reduce your stress and enhance your focus for the long day ahead of you.
Even though you may be inclined to watch television or Netflix, try reading first!
8. Fuel your body
Breakfast is known as the most important meal of the day for a reason. Eating a balanced meal will set you up for success. Fill your plate with protein, carbohydrates, fats, and ideally, some vegetables and fruit. Your breakfast should make you feel energized, satisfied, and full.
My go-to breakfast is a smoothie with frozen banana, mango, pineapple, cucumber, spinach, and some almond milk, but I make sure to pair my smoothie with toast slathered with nut butter.
9. Hydrate
After running for hours at a basketball game, you, without hesitation, drink water. During a hot day, you, of course, drink water. However, there is another time in your day where drinking water is crucial: immediately after you wake up.
Drinking water in the morning flushes out the stomach and, as a result, helps build a strong immune system. This habit is one that seems to slip my mind frequently, but I have found that keeping a glass of water on my bedside table reminds me in the morning to hydrate.
10. Treat yourself
Your entire morning routine does not need to be full of tasks and chores. Whether it's playing with your dog outside or baking treats, do something nice for yourself. By far, the most important element of your morning is truly enjoying your routine.
Even though I push myself to read, exercise, and stretch, among many others, I always watch television in the morning with my mom. I treasure the twenty minutes where I have the chance to spend time with my mom before she heads off to work. Never forget to take time for yourself.
Parting Thoughts
Some days, maintaining your routine will be hard. However, you must refrain from feeling angry or frustrated if you find yourself hitting "snooze" on your alarm. Avoid making your morning routine feel strenuous.
Create one that you cannot wait to wake up to. If you do not feel this way every night before falling asleep, your routine may not be right for you.
