09-03-19
Your morning sets the tone for your entire day. Research is showing that positive habits in the morning have an overall effect on your productivity, your mind and your wellbeing as a whole. If we skip the research for a second and take a minute to think about how you feel when you have a positive morning versus a “lazy” morning or “waking up on the wrong side of the bed” you will find noticeable differences. We don’t need Google or this article to tell us that. Rather, let’s dive into a few morning habits that help maximize and set the tone for the day ahead.
Get up: It would seem obvious that the first part of a positive morning would be to get out of bed but it is a very important part of your morning routine. Not just to get out of bed, but to get out of bed when the alarm sounds rather than hitting snooze for an extra 10 to 30 minutes of sleep. This simple act ensures that you have enough time to wake up and practice your routine before the tasks of the day set in. It’s the very first habit that helps to set the tone for the day.
Meditate: Imagine waking up in the morning and sitting in peaceful silence while breathing deeply. Sounds refreshing, doesn’t it? This is your time to clear your mind, say a prayer, reflect on gratitude…whatever you choose to focus on. This is your meditation, your opportunity to begin with a calm mind, relaxed body, and sense of purpose and peace.
Practice Gratitude: Each and every person has something to be grateful for and there is tremendous power in giving thanks and acknowledging this beautiful life you have been blessed with. Take a minute to journal a few things you are grateful for each morning. You will likely notice yourself feeling a little more inspired after this exercise.
Read: We are not talking about your Facebook or Instagram feed here. In fact, try to skip the screen and social feed until you are done with your routine. Replace that habit (if you have it) with reading a page or two in a book that aids in personal development and fills your mind with positivity.
Visualize: We all have goals, aspirations, and dreams. Take a minute or two each morning to close your eyes and visualize yourself achieving these goals. Focus on what your life will look like and feel like when you accomplish them.
Move Your Body: Stand up and get that body moving. Do a few sun salutations, jumping jacks, march in place… the choice is yours. All you have to do is move and it only takes a minute or two to get the blood pumping and your heart rate up. This will help energize your body for the day ahead.
Dry Brush: Keep a dry shower brush in the bathroom and scrub your body before you get in the shower. Dry brushing helps to exfoliate your skin, eliminate toxins, improve circulation and remove metabolic waste. Not to mention the side effect of a more healthy, glowing appearance.
The best part? This routine will take between six and 12 minutes! How would you feel if this is how you started each day? A healthy and positive morning routine is a big part of what we call living the #NewEarthLife.