What happens to you in the morning sets the tone for the rest of your day. Yet, too many of us find ourselves rushing out the door without any kind of routine to help us feel grounded. On the other hand, an hour long workout followed by meditation isn’t realistic for most us. For a morning routine that won’t leave you defeated, here are 6 simple activities that will make your day better!
Drink a glass of water
Dehydration doesn’t only happen when you’re at the gym. Your body loses fluids simply by breathing, which you do a lot of while you sleep. That’s why you should start the day with a tall glass of water. Replacing those lost fluids first thing in the morning will help you feel energized all day long. To make sure you remember this all-important habit, keep a bottle of water right by your bedside, or wherever you look first thing in the morning.
Have some caffeine
Once you’ve had that glass of water, there’s nothing like a jolt of caffeine to wake you up. While caffeine often gets a bad reputation, there’s no harm in getting up to 400 mg a day, according to the Mayo Clinic. That’s about 3 eight ounce cups of coffee for the average adult. You can also try coffee alternatives, like black or green tea, which are packed with antioxidants and nutrients.
Make your bed
No need for crisp linens and hospital corners – but smoothing down the blanket and straightening out the pillows will give you a sense of accomplishment first thing in the morning. That glimmer of pride will stay with you, and motivate you to accomplish other tasks throughout the day. You’ll actually get this feeling with any small chore, like stacking the dishes in the dishwasher instead of leaving them out in the sink.
Go for a walk
We’re all pressed for time in the morning, but even a brisk, 10 minute walk can help you start the day in a good mood. Now, you may be asking yourself – why can’t I just exercise indoors? When you step outside, you’re exposed to natural light, which tells your body to reset its internal clock. This, according to the National Sleep Foundation, is the key to feeling energized throughout the day. Best of all, walking is easy and totally free.
Jot down “three good things”
It may sound silly, but taking just 5 minutes to reflect on what’s good in your life can help you feel happier all day long. All you have to do is write down 3 things from the previous day that made you feel good, and why. You can be very detailed with your reasons, or write something simple, like “Made coworker smile with a joke when she was upset about not getting that promotion.” According to Positive Psychology Press, participants who did this for just 1 week experienced increased happiness and less moments of sadness for the next several months.
Talk to a loved one
You know that warm and fuzzy feeling you get after talking to someone you love? Getting it in the morning has significant health benefits, including reduced stress levels. Even if you live alone, chatting or texting with a friend for a few minutes can change your outlook on what lays ahead.
As you can see, a better morning routine doesn’t require a whole lot of effort. With a few simple tweaks, you can be relaxed and ready for the day ahead!
