So the alarm sounds and you already feel defeated by the day when it hasn’t even started. Sound familiar to anyone? I know I’ve been there a time or two or 100, but there’s a few things that I’ve learned that helps shift my mind and gives me a better chance at having a more productive day. I wanted to share these with you because I truly believe that you have something beautiful to bring to our world and you’re more likely to bring it if you feel motivated and energetic.
Listen up, take notes and let's start implementing these healthy habits and showing our world what we’ve got!
01. Stop hitting the snooze button. I once read a book that said the sleep you’re getting between the snooze button(s) isn’t actual productive sleep. So instead of snoozing past the alarm, set your clock for the time that you need to wake up. Then, countdown from 5 and make yourself get up. This hack comes from the book “5 second rule” by Mel Robbins and although at first the 5,4,3,2,1 countdown seemed ridiculous, I do think it works. There’s something in daring your brain to do something and then making yourself do it. Give it a try and see what you think! It may just transform the way you process waking up in the mornings.
02. Down a glass of water BEFORE your morning brew. Hydration is so important when it comes to energy levels and alertness, but it also sometimes seems like a daunting task. I’ve now made it a habit to down a pint of water before I allow myself a beloved cup of coffee in the morning. That little tweak has set me up for staying hydrated throughout my day. I already feel ahead of myself at 6:30am because I know that I’m a glass of water down before I even start my day.
03. Make space for morning quiet time. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again and again, waking up before everyone else in our house is a non-negotiable for me because it truly sets me up to have a better day. The key is to not open your phone or turn on the television, but instead to sit with your thoughts, journal, read a morning devotional, sip your coffee in peace, ponder your to-do list, read and/or pray. I also believe that you don’t have to be a ‘morning person’ to do this. I’ve come to believe that waking up before your family is a choice. It’s about making an intentional effort to prioritize yourself and top up your cup so that you can pour into others. If you’re not already doing this then I challenge you to try it for a week and then decide if you want to keep this habit or not. I have a good feeling that you will love it and never go back.
04. Move your body. The days that I exercise or move my body in the mornings are the days that I feel more energised and pumped for the day ahead. I know that this isn’t easy and may not be possible for everyone, but I do think it adds to the productivity of your day. Maybe you don’t have time for a 20 minute sweat fest, but you do have time for a quick walk around the block? Even a spare 5 minutes of stretching or crunches will suffice, just something to get your heart rate up and endorphins flowing.
There you have it! If you want to kick start your day and give yourself a better chance at making it a productive one, then try these four steps and see how your mornings morph into something you enjoy. No one ever said adding healthy habits into your life is easy, but I promise it’s always worth it. You’re worth it, you have so much to add to this world that setting yourself up for success in the mornings gives you a better chance to bring it.
I’d love to hear if you’ve tried any of these and how it’s changed your day? Leave a comment below or drop us a line at hello@mailyourmark.com
