What you do when you first wake up in the morning sets the tone for the rest of your day. When you open your eyes from a restful night sleep, how do you feel? What are the first things you do in the morning? Do you reach for your phone? Do you automatically start thinking of all you have to do? Making simple adjustments to your morning routine can set your day up in an energetic way. Here are a few simple suggestions:
Refrain from technology for at least 1 hour after waking. Do your best not to reach for your phone or however you access social media, emails, messages, and the news.
Wake up with gratitude – as soon as you open your eyes, cultivate a habit to think of 3 things you are grateful for upon waking. If it helps you can keep a gratitude journal by your bedside and can write a list every morning of what gratitude comes to mind.
Make time for yourself
Meditate even if for only 5-10 minutes. Find a comfortable, quiet place, where you can sit and observe whatever thoughts come through and release them without judgment as you return to the natural cycle of your breath. You can listen to a guided meditation such as the ‘daily inspiration’ from the Chopra app or do a bio-feedback meditation such as the MUSE device.
Just breathe – there are various breathing techniques you can practice, whether you would like to feel calmer first thing in the morning if you have an action-packed day, or you need a bit of energy to get you going. Try focusing on breathing techniques that will match the energy you desire.
Nourish your body with a healthy morning breakfast or a delicious smoothie or juice. Take the time to enjoy and savor your meal. Again, try to refrain from distractions such as technology if it within your first hour of waking.
Light Movement – do some yoga to invigorate your body, or perhaps your body is feeling tight and are in need of some yin-yoga style stretching, maybe a gentle walk around your neighborhood is what your body calls for.
Read or write – enjoy a good book whether that be a self-help book, fiction, a novel, a magazine article, whatever it is use some time to relax and unwind. Perhaps you like to write or journal which can be a great way to process whatever is going on in your mind. Just like the day is a fresh start, so too is a blank page.
Savor a cup – whether coffee is your jam first thing in the morning, or a lively tea, or perhaps an adaptogen latte? Whatever gets your blood flowing and energizes you from within use this time to make a lovely ritual, savoring every sip in your cup.
Hydrate – flush out any toxins and simply hydrate your body with that much needed H20. Drinking plenty of water when you first wake is a wonderful way to start the day. Aim to drink at least 2 cups first thing in the morning after you brush your teeth. If you can drink 4 cups of water, you will really feel the benefits! Try not to drink too fast if you are not used to that amount of water in one sitting.
Practice positive affirmations – set yourself onto the path of positivity first thing in your day by repeating positive affirmations such as. I feel energized. I am whole. I am healthy. I am ready to take on the day.
Overall, how you start your day sets the tone for the rest of the day. Once you get into the habit of incorporating a morning routine, with time it will feel more natural and you will be energized with the very thought of your morning ritual.