Your morning routine has a big impact on how you feel throughout the day. If you’re feeling groggy, stressed out, and short on patience, your morning routine could be to blame.
Here are some tips that will help your mornings (and your days) feel less like a struggle — so you can feel less stressed, more productive, and happier overall.
Switch Up Your Alarm Clock
Being awoken by a jarring alarm can start your day off on the wrong foot. It’s not exactly soothing to hear a blaring noise in your ear when you’re in the middle or REM sleep.
Try trading in your traditional alarm that makes a loud beeping sound for one that plays soothing, happy music.
Or, you could ditch the sound all together and try waking up to light. Put the lights in your bedroom on a timer and set them for the time you want to wake up.
Do note that it may take a bit of time to adjust to waking up to light, so set an alarm that plays music until your body has gotten used to this new method of waking.
Ditch the Screens
It might be tempting to grab your phone or turn on the TV when you first wake up, but try to resist the urge.
Tech and screens put the focus on something other than you in the morning and prevents you from taking the time to really wake up.
Give yourself at least 15 minutes after waking before you look at any screens. If you’re having trouble giving into the temptation to check your phone, try turning off your notifications before you go to bed and turn them back on after you’ve fully woken.
Drink Water
Before you grab a cup of coffee, drink some water.
Water is essential for physical and mental health. While you were sleeping, your body went without water for several hours, which could lead to a level of dehydration.
Drinking a glass or two of cold water will quickly rehydrate your body. This can kick-start your metabolism, boost your brain activity, and ultimately lift your spirits and make you feel more awake. So, before that morning coffee, pour yourself a glass of water.
Practice Yoga
Reserve some time to practice yoga. Whether it’s a few poses or a full session, doing yoga in the morning can do wonders for your mood.
We all know it can be hard to squeeze in exercise most mornings, but if you have the chance, it will make a difference in your whole day.
It will help to ground your body and your mind, allow you to find your center, and focus your energy and your thoughts on you instead of everything else that’s lined up on your plate for the day. As a result, you’ll feel less stressed, more alert and ready to take on your day.
Bring in the Light
Open up the curtains and shades and let the sunshine in.
Natural sunlight helps your body produce vitamin D, which does so many wonderful things for you. It helps to boost your productivity, makes you feel more awake, and uplifts your mood.
If possible, drink your water and practice your yoga routine in a space that is filled with sunlight.
You will notice a significant difference in the way you feel in the morning and throughout the day.
By following these simple tips, you will start your day off on the right foot and be ready to take on whatever comes your way.