1) GIVE YOURSELF TIME
Getting up an hour earlier gives you the time to focus on yourself and set positive intentions for the day.
Rushing your morning routine means you’re more likely to feel flustered and agitated throughout the day. Be generous with yourself and relish that extra time! This will set the tone for the rest of your day.
2) ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
American super star Oprah Winfrey’s morning routine starts with opening her eyes and simply saying “Thank you”.
Appreciate the dawn of a new day with all of its myriad possibilities. It really puts a smile on your face.
3) DEEP BREATHING, GENTLE YOGA & MEDITATION
Are all great ways to blow off the cobwebs of sleep and gently awaken your mind and body.
On waking it’s a good idea to first take 8-10 deep breaths with one hand on your tummy, the other on the floor. This is both physically energizing and mentally calming. Yoga stretches will help to de-knot your muscles. And just 15 minutes of meditation creates a sense of peace that you’ll carry with you for the rest of the day.
4) WRITING
Keeping a notebook first thing in the morning is a great way to shake off worry and create positive intentions for the day ahead.
Just 10-15 minutes of “stream-of-consciousness” writing helps us to discard anxiety and create a sense of optimism and excitement to get the most out of our day, every day.
5) OUTDOORS / EXERCISE
Getting out in nature for a brisk walk or a run is a fantastic way to get your energy up.
Exercise releases endorphins – the happy hormones – that flood your body first thing in the morning, filling you with a sense of well being that lasts all day long!
6) FEEL GOOD SOUNDS AND SMELLS
Set an alarm tone that’s nice to wake up to, rather than the typical (and stressful!) B-b-b-beep. Create a morning playlist of all your favourite uplifting songs. It’s a sure-fire way to put a smile on your face and a spring in your step (singing along in the shower optional!).
You can also create a calm playlist to accompany your yoga or deep breathing. Use an aromatic shower gel or oil to turn your daily shower into a luxury. Wear a scent that gives you a sense of confidence. Put a fresh baguette in the oven or light a scented candle to make your kitchen smell wonderful!
7) EVENING ROUTINE
Why do we mention your evening routine when this article is about how to START your day?
Having a good evening routine before going to bed has a big impact on how you sleep – and therefore how well the following day begins. Simple things like turning off the TV an hour before you go to sleep, or taking a herbal tea to bed with a good book before turning off the light … These things can really help improve the quality of your sleep to ensure you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to go!
8) BREAKFAST
Well known as the most important meal of the day – yet so few of us have a proper breakfast.
Sit down to a delicious, healthy breakfast – it’s also an opportunity to catch up on the news, listen to the radio, enjoy chatting with the family or simply savour in silence. A good breakfast makes for a happy and energy-fuelled day. You wouldn’t drive a car without petrol!
9) CUDDLES
Make everyone happy! Start the day feeling loved by giving your kids, partner or pets an extra cuddle in the morning as you set off for the day!
10) A CUP OF TEA
Of course we would say that! But really, nothing beats a good cup of tea first thing in the morning.
Reassuringly familiar and always delicious, sit down and relish a cup of Breakfast tea to get your day off to a great start!
David https://markethive.com/david-ogden