Start Your Day off Right

You set the tone for your whole day the moment you wake up

A day that begins well tends to stay on track. But if you are the type that drags out of bed at the last minute and hits the ground running, you are doing yourself, and your day, a disservice. Even if you are a morning person and go to the gym for an early workout, your day begins the moment you open your eyes. Follow these tips for a better morning routine.

Your morning routine starts before you even get out of bed. In fact, it begins before you even get in the bed. Leave your tablet and smartphone in another room. You’ll be staring at screens all day; they can wait a few minutes. Don’t get stressed before you wake up properly.

Next, do nothing. Just lie there and allow your system to come fully awake. Then do some gentle stretches. Stretch out your legs, knees, and shoulders before getting up. Roll over to a sitting position on the edge of the bed and do a few knee lifts and ankle circles. Stretch your back and rotate your head and neck.

Rise slowly and walk over to the windows. Open the shades and let some light into the room. Sunlight will inform your mind it’s time to be up and about. Your body can also start taking in some vitamin D. If you are up before the sun, leave the shades open for when it does arise. Go ahead and open the windows to let some fresh air in, or at least, non-recycled air.

Now continue easing into the day by drinking a glass or two of water while you brew your favorite morning beverage. Sit down for a few minutes and enjoy that first cup, letting your mind wander where it will.

By the time you find yourself thinking about what you need to do today, your mind and your body will be ready to face whatever challenges the day brings, relaxed and non-stressed.

Make time for breakfast. You’ve always heard itself the most important meal of the day. Whether that’s true or not, it is your first chance to get some fuel in your system, so why skip it. Get up 20 minutes earlier and have a quick but nutritious breakfast. Starting your day hungry will lower your energy and compound the problem by making you reach for unhealthy snacks all morning.

It doesn’t matter how much you have to do today or how hectic things will get later; you don’t have to jump into the deep end first thing. Take fifteen minutes first thing in the morning for yourself and another twenty for a good breakfast.

Your day will thank you.

This story and nine others are now available in an eBook on Kindle. Paperback coming soon! Check it out here.