Waking up in the mornings can be rough, but it doesn’t have to be.
The right mindset and a morning routine can jump-start your mind and body. Just like you should take time to unwind at the end of the day, you should also take time in the morning to warm up your body and wake up your mind.
We’ve come up with a morning routine that is sure to leave you feeling alert, energized and ready for a successful day.The Night Before
Preparing for a successful day actually starts the night before. Lay out your entire outfit, including your shoes, purse and any accessories you plan to wear. The same goes for your lunch. If you’re having a salad, you can prepare the whole thing and put it in a container. Make the dressing too or if you’re using a store-bought one, pour it into a small container. Designate an area in your fridge just for your lunch. That way, in the morning you can just grab your lunch and go. Don’t forget to complete your bedtime routine to ensure a good night’s rest.
Exercise
Whether it’s yoga or a 20 minute run, getting your body moving first thing in the morning is the best way to wake up your body. This will get your blood flowing and bring oxygen to your brain, releasing endorphins, which will make you happier overall. Many people, including Dr. Oz swear by practicing surya namaskara (sun salutations). “The physical act of moving the body in the sequence of the sun invites an awakening of physical, mental and subtle energies in all directions. The variations of surya namaskara involve full body stretching, forward folding, upper and lower body strengthening, heart opening and intervals of rest.
It is also a means by which to connect to the energy of nature; as the sun rises, so do we,” explains Camille Aragon, a Yoga instructor in Washington, D.C. But if you don’t have time to complete surya namaskara, even just stretching for just ten minutes is enough to warm up your muscles and loosen the stiffness in your back, core and neck. It’s even better to do your workout outside because your body clock is regulated by sunlight. The sunlight will instantly tell your body it’s time to start the day. Plus, the fresh air is rejuvenating.Eat a Balanced Breakfast
It’s important to eat within an hour of exercising, but what’s even more important is to stay hydrated. Having a glass of green juice is an easy way to get a couple of servings of vegetables early in the day. Add coconut water to the juice to replenish the electrolytes you lost while working out. According to LIVESTRONG, a balanced breakfast consists of “carbohydrates for energy, protein for muscle coordination and fiber for healthy digestion.”
Your breakfasts should meet your specific needs. If you want something to stimulate your muscles and help you focus throughout the day, your breakfast should be protein-based. Choose lean proteins, such as chicken or turkey. Pair the meat with two eggs topped with low-fat cheddar cheese, a cup of low-fat yogurt or a celery stick with peanut butter. Add complex carbohydrates to your meal with veggies, a slice of wheat toast or a bran muffin. If you’re short on time, check out these breakfast ideas you can make in under ten minutes.
Rev Up Your Mind
Once you’ve eaten a healthy breakfast and your body is fully awake, it’s time to bring attention to your brain. Just like your body needs exercise to stay physically fit, your brain needs exercise in the form of reading and solving problems to stay mentally agile. There are several ways to do this on even the busiest morning, such as listening or watching the news, looking over your schedule, journaling or doing a visualization exercise.
We love journaling and visualization exercises because it gives us the most freedom. There is no wrong or right way. Journaling is a good way to clear your mind. You can write what you have to accomplish for the day or anything you’re worried about. If you have a gratitude journal, write three things you’re thankful for each day.
Visualization is something else you can practice. If you have a vision board, choose an image and close your eyes. Picture yourself and what you need to do to accomplish what the image signifies. Or you can do a simple visual exercise of mapping out your day and how you want certain things to happen. You can also pair visualization with journaling and write down your dreams and goals.
Morning routines are designed to get your body into a rhythm. As you go through your routine, your body and mind are able to get in the mindset that it’s time to be alert and focus on the day ahead. Morning routines should be customized to fit your individual needs. If you need more ideas on how to create your morning routine, check out this blog post from Makenna Johnston. Whatever your morning routine looks like, make sure that it’s enjoyable and gets you ready to tackle whatever the day brings.
(Feature Photo via We Heart It)