How kick-starting your days with positive practices & intentions can do wonders for you in the long run.
There’s a sense of possibility and serenity about mornings, while many of us night owls would be quick to disagree, once you realize how beneficial it is to have a well-structured morning routine that has the power to set the tone for the rest of the day, you might want to switch to ‘early bird mode’ to reap the lifetime benefits that rising early can provide.
What is it about mornings that is so special?
Upon rising from bed after a good night’s sleep, it’s important to realize that you’ve marked a new beginning for yourself, and for the next hour or 2, you can exercise full control over what happens. While still in bed, set your intention for the day, remind yourself of your purpose and choose to enter the day in a structured and effective way.
What Practices Should I Keep in mind when planning for my A.M. routine?
Tech-Detox
In a hyper-connected world, where life is becoming super digitally dependent, why not be phone-free or at least opt out of social media when starting the day? The Do Not Disturb option on your phone allows you to navigate through your phone without being notified of all your e-mails, calls and texts. So, you can still access your music, meditation and work out apps while eliminating the feeling of being overwhelmed by external factors.
Move Your Body
Scheduling in time for a work-out or a form of movement like stretching and yoga is guaranteed to shake off the morning grogginess we so often feel. Going through with a workout, even if it’s only for 15 minutes, can get your blood and lymphatic systems flowing, it also oxygenates your insides which helps you detox, and it surely helps with toning and strengthening muscles for an improved physique.
Hydrate & Nourish
Dehydration can result in low moods, a lack of mental clarity and can make you look and feel drained.
Drinking water first thing in the morning is super important; it helps with digestion later in the day and also supports your liver in its main function of flushing out toxins from your system. As for what to eat, opt for nutritious choices that combine complex carbs for energy, protein for maintaining optimal tissue and muscle health and healthy fats to give you fuel to go about your day with maximum energy.
Positive Thinking
Whether you choose to do it through visualization, having a gratitude journal where you list down 5 things you’re grateful for in life, or by practicing meditation to clear your head from excessive thoughts and introduce calmness and focus. Exercising positive thoughts early on can help you build a habit of living more mindfully.
Beauty & Style Rituals
Typically, the last step, this is the time to pamper yourself and get creative. Adhere to a daily skin care routine with a focus on moisturizing and surely ending with a high SPF, then moving on to make-up and dressing up in an outfit that you find aesthetically beautiful and one that makes you feel confident and empowered.
Surely, you can mix and match some of the elements listed above to suit your pace, interests and lifestyle. To conclude, the morning routine’s success is contingent on making it a lifetime habit to ensure success, prosperity and a state of mindfulness.