Rise and shine friends! Wait wait...before you roll your eyes at me and think that I am a crazy person for even uttering those words on a grey, mid-February, Monday....hear me out. Your morning sets the tone for the rest of your day, so give it the TLC it deserves (you'll thank yourself later!) As I have gotten a little bit older (my birthday was Saturday) I have begun to notice myself treasuring mornings just a little bit more. No it is never easy to drag myself out of bed, especially mid-winter, but starting my morning off with the right outlook helps. You also get the added benefit of accomplishing so many things before noon, and making the day less stressful! So even if I haven't convinced you to come to the dark side (or the light side as the case may be) I've compiled a list of tips to help make your mornings easier.
Just. Get. Up.
Seriously, the extra ten minutes you get with the snooze button isn't providing any physiological benefit, and in fact it could be making matters worse. As hard as it is to pull yourself from your cozy nest of linens, just do it and you'll be thankful. Plus, you won't have to stress over running late!
Tune In
Before checking emails and social media, try taking just a few moments to center or meditate. If you aren't the kind of person who feels like you can just sit still, try doing a few light stretches. Focus on your breath and all the things you have to be grateful for. We rush through the day stressed and thinking about the next thing, so it is important to start centered and peaceful. If it is nice out you can do this outside and get some fresh air.
Pump the Jams
Turn on your favorite tunes to help set the mood for the day! I won't judge you on your musical taste, I promise. Whatever gets ya going!
Nourish
Take the time to sit down and eat breakfast. Whether this is with your family, or time just for yourself, plan some extra time in your morning schedule to be mindful about the sustenance you are starting your day with. If you haven't already, check out the previous blog posts on healthy breakfasts and green smoothies for ideas. http://johofitness.blogspot.com/2014/11/meal-makeover-monday-6.html and http://johofitness.blogspot.com/2015/02/a-smoothie-that-packs-punch-of-nutrients.html.
Move your Body
Exercise! You knew this was coming, didn't you? Try getting your body moving in the morning. Even if this isn't your normal workout time you can take a walk with your dog (or cat, or guinea pig, or solo) and get the blood pumping. You can still do your normal workout later, and you'll get the benefit or burning some extra calories!
Make a Plan
Create a reasonable plan for your day. Don't forget to include things you enjoy or even small things to look forward to like your favorite sitcom in the evening. Jot it all down so that you are prepared, and make sure to leave room for life's surprises!
Now you are armed with tools to design yourself the perfect morning. Try to make your morning routine something that you look forward to, and make it worth your while. You may just find that a morning routine eases some stress and prepares you to take on your day!
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