We all have those mornings where we wake up late, leave the house looking like a tornado as we rush to get to work, have a generally hectic day, and feel less than accomplished when we get home. Waking up a few minutes earlier and practicing these 10 tips can lead to a better, more positive, less stressful and more productive day —Something we all crave, at least, every once in a while!
Starting your day with meditation or some mindful breathing can help you begin your day with a sense of calm and relaxation. Instead of immediately grabbing your phone and checking your email or social media accounts first thing in the morning, take a few minutes instead to enjoy some quiet time before your day starts. Meditating in the morning can help increase your focus, energy and optimism for the day.
Instead of focusing on the busy day ahead, start your day by thinking about everything you are grateful for. Focusing on the good things in your life will increase your sense of gratitude throughout the day. Chances are, you'll find yourself noticing all the little things that you are thankful for.
Before your day gets hectic, start the day by planning three goals you want to accomplish that day and make them a priority. It can be something as simple as finding time to go grocery shopping, or finishing up that big project at work. When you set goals for yourself at the beginning of the day, you are more likely to feel productive. Keeping specific goals in mind helps drive you and holds you accountable for achieving them.
Your body is dehydrated when you wake up, so make it a point to drink a glass of water in the morning. Figure out your daily intake and aim for that by staying hydrated throughout the day. You'll feel better, you'll stay full longer, and it will reduce your chances for headaches throughout the day. Water also helps to energize your muscles and keeps your skin clear and healthy!
Even in the comfiest of beds, we all tend to wake up feeling a little bit stiff in the morning. If you cannot fit a full workout into your morning routine, try stretching. Studies show that stretching in the morning can increase flexibility, improve circulation, reduce stress and improve posture.
Throw on some tunes to dance to while you are getting ready. Something upbeat and fun will help wake you up and fill you with positive energy for your day. Studies have shown that people who listen to upbeat music are less stressed throughout the day.
When you walk into your bathroom to brush your teeth, catch a look at yourself in the mirror and smile for a few seconds, grinning at your bedhead, wrinkly pajamas and all. Smiling has a positive effect on your overall attitude, even if it is a little forced at first. It can release endorphins that will improve your happiness level and boost your mood!
If you find yourself rushing in the morning and leaving the house a mess on your way out the door, wake up a little earlier to allow yourself time to clean up as you go. It can be tempting to leave dirty dishes in the sink, toothpaste on the counter and clothes on the floor when you are in a hurry, but taking a few extra minutes to clean up will allow you to fully relax when you get home.
If you have a to-do list for the day, start with the hardest task instead of checking off the little ones. Accomplishing your most difficult task in the morning will allow you to have a happier and more productive day. This practice will also help stop procrastination!
If you have a busy schedule, plan out a few times during your day where you can be by yourself and enjoy a little downtime. Maybe you can take a walk in the park during your lunch break, or stop at a coffee shop in the morning before work. Taking a few minutes to yourself will give you a better chance of achieving your goals for the day and give you time to reflect and problem-solve if needed. Studies show that women tend to take less "me time" than men.
1. Meditate
Starting your day with meditation or some mindful breathing can help you begin your day with a sense of calm and relaxation. Instead of immediately grabbing your phone and checking your email or social media accounts first thing in the morning, take a few minutes instead to enjoy some quiet time before your day starts. Meditating in the morning can help increase your focus, energy and optimism for the day.
2. Reflect in Gratitude
Instead of focusing on the busy day ahead, start your day by thinking about everything you are grateful for. Focusing on the good things in your life will increase your sense of gratitude throughout the day. Chances are, you'll find yourself noticing all the little things that you are thankful for.
3. Set Your Daily Intentions
Before your day gets hectic, start the day by planning three goals you want to accomplish that day and make them a priority. It can be something as simple as finding time to go grocery shopping, or finishing up that big project at work. When you set goals for yourself at the beginning of the day, you are more likely to feel productive. Keeping specific goals in mind helps drive you and holds you accountable for achieving them.
4. Hydrate
Your body is dehydrated when you wake up, so make it a point to drink a glass of water in the morning. Figure out your daily intake and aim for that by staying hydrated throughout the day. You'll feel better, you'll stay full longer, and it will reduce your chances for headaches throughout the day. Water also helps to energize your muscles and keeps your skin clear and healthy!
5. Stretch
Even in the comfiest of beds, we all tend to wake up feeling a little bit stiff in the morning. If you cannot fit a full workout into your morning routine, try stretching. Studies show that stretching in the morning can increase flexibility, improve circulation, reduce stress and improve posture.
6. Listen to Music
Throw on some tunes to dance to while you are getting ready. Something upbeat and fun will help wake you up and fill you with positive energy for your day. Studies have shown that people who listen to upbeat music are less stressed throughout the day.
7. Smile
When you walk into your bathroom to brush your teeth, catch a look at yourself in the mirror and smile for a few seconds, grinning at your bedhead, wrinkly pajamas and all. Smiling has a positive effect on your overall attitude, even if it is a little forced at first. It can release endorphins that will improve your happiness level and boost your mood!
8. Clean Up After Yourself
If you find yourself rushing in the morning and leaving the house a mess on your way out the door, wake up a little earlier to allow yourself time to clean up as you go. It can be tempting to leave dirty dishes in the sink, toothpaste on the counter and clothes on the floor when you are in a hurry, but taking a few extra minutes to clean up will allow you to fully relax when you get home.
9. Do Your Hardest Task First
If you have a to-do list for the day, start with the hardest task instead of checking off the little ones. Accomplishing your most difficult task in the morning will allow you to have a happier and more productive day. This practice will also help stop procrastination!
10. Leave Time in Your Day Just for Yourself
If you have a busy schedule, plan out a few times during your day where you can be by yourself and enjoy a little downtime. Maybe you can take a walk in the park during your lunch break, or stop at a coffee shop in the morning before work. Taking a few minutes to yourself will give you a better chance of achieving your goals for the day and give you time to reflect and problem-solve if needed. Studies show that women tend to take less "me time" than men.
