6 Ways to Start Off Your Day in the Right Direction
Often, how positively your day pans out is dependent on how you start it. A negative start to the day can leave you feeling unmotivated and lethargic as the day goes on. That’s why it’s essential to always start your day in the right way, with regular and smart habits that can really make a difference.
Eat a Healthy Breakfast
What you eat first thing in the morning can have an impact on the rest of the day, so it’s important to get it right. If you skip breakfast, you are making it more likely that you will be distracted by hunger when you begin work, or perhaps feel more tired and less energized. This may also lead to you spending more on an impulsive, heavy lunch.
If you eat a heavy, unhealthy breakfast, you may feel more sluggish and uncomfortable.
Preparing a healthy breakfast means you can include the best ingredients to help you feel energized and more alert.
It’s also a good idea to get into the habit of drinking water first thing in the morning.
Have a Morning Exercise Routine
Exercising first thing in the morning is the best time to complete your fitness needs. If you wait until after the working day, you’re more likely to be tired and end up canceling any exercise plans. Exercising first thing in the morning not only means that you can get it out of the way, but it also helps to wake you up, stretch out your body and have you feeling invigorated enough to achieve your goals throughout the day.
Do Morning Stretches
If you’re simply not someone who has the means or motivation to do a full workout at the start of the day, that doesn’t mean you can’t do some beneficial stretches. Certain stretches, and especially yoga positions, can really help to shake off sleep and stretch out your body, promoting better blood flow, more flexible muscles, and a more relaxed mindset.
Practice Gratitude
Start your morning outlining what you are grateful for. This could be a five-minute mindful practice, or you could write in a journal three things you are grateful for, for example. This can help to get your mind in the right perspective and go into the day with a positive outlook, and knowing that you have a lot to be appreciative of.
Avoid Snoozing Your Alarm
You may think that snoozing for an extra ten minutes means you’ll feel more awake, but in fact, it can achieve the opposite. Drifting in and out of sleep will only result in you feeling more groggy and confuse your brain.
Instead, set your alarm for the exact time you need to get straight out of bed so that you can sleep straight through until you have to get up.
Leave Yourself Plenty of Time in the Morning
You will feel much more at ease and less stressed if you get up early enough in the morning to have time to spare. Rushing around will cause stress, and not having enough time means it’s more likely that you will skip important practices like eating breakfast and exercising.