If you wake up feeling lacklustre and pessimistic or unenthusiastic about the day ahead, adopting a few simple habits can revolutionise your mornings. Kickstart your day by developing a new morning ritual; one that will invigorate, empower, and lift your spirits, helping you to feel energised and inspired for the day ahead.
1 | Drink Water
Hydrating after several hours of sleep should be your top priority. Don’t hit snooze or reach for your phone, make drinking a glass of water the first thing you do every morning. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, your body is likely to be experiencing the first signs of dehydration especially if you haven’t drunk anything since the previous evening. Drinking a glass of water (with a slice of lemon) first thing in the morning fires up your metabolism, helping you to feel more alive and alert.
2 | Eat Breakfast
Breakfast is a meal a lot of people skip but it’s an important chance for you to pack essential nutrients you may not get from your other meals, especially if you end up eating lunch at your desk. If you skip breakfast you’re forcing your body to run on empty and you’re more likely to make bad decisions when it comes to eating later. Make time in your morning for a nourishing meal to give you the energy you need to kickstart your day.
3 | Stretch and Move
You don’t need to throw yourself into a full body workout first thing in the morning but getting your body moving will prime you for the day ahead. Exercising first thing sets a healthy tone for the rest of your day. Gentle stretches to flex your body will benefit you both physically and mentally, helping you to feel energised and ready to tackle whatever the day throws at you. Exercising releases endorphins that trigger a positive feeling; making a little light exercise part of your morning routine will lift your spirits, helping you to feel happier and more content.
4 | Create Peace
Carving out a little time for peace and serenity in your morning routine allows you to reflect and fully engage with your surroundings; preparing you for the day ahead. Put on your favourite music or radio station, read a book, listen to a podcast, watch a TED talk, or simply be silent and still. Whether it’s an hour or a few minutes, making a little time for yourself each and every morning can make a world of difference to your frame of mind and how you deal with what the day throws at you.
5 | Visualise The Day
It’s tempting to spend the few spare moments you may have at the start of your day scrolling through social media and checking your emails. Instead, grab a pen and paper and set yourself some goals. Visualise your day, what you need and want to achieve, and create a brief to-do list. But don’t just list chores, factor in time for self-care or any hobbies and interests you have. Making a physical note of your aspirations helps to clarify your goals, boosting your well-being and increasing feelings of positivity.
