Morning is a time many of us associate with chaos, urgency and hasty preparation for the rest of the day. Unfortunately, such frustrating beginnings can often result in a sense of disorganization that continues throughout the day, resulting in fatigue, irritability and reduced productivity. A bad morning may not define your whole day, but it can certainly set up a pattern that can be hard to break away from. Luckily, there are plenty of simple strategies you can take to start your morning with good energy that lasts all day long.
- Avoid Screens
In the 21st century, many people’s default morning ritual consists of silencing their smartphone alarm and then swiping over immediately to begin checking email or social media. Unless you’re expecting a message that’s of life or death importance, try refraining from screens for at least 15 or 20 minutes after waking up. Even a few minutes away from the screen gives your mind and body time to adjust back to the waking world and get ready for the day ahead, lending clarity and concentration. Try using a conventional alarm clock so you don’t even have to look at your phone until you’ve let your mind settle.
- Wake Up 15 Minutes Early
Even if you know exactly how long it takes you to get ready, giving yourself a few extra minutes each morning gives you time to take stock of your day and mentally prepare yourself for it. You can also use that time to soothe and clear your mind. Even five minutes of relaxing music, self-reflection or meditation can bring a refined sense of clarity to your entire day.
- Stretch
Just like you have to wait for a computer to power on before you can use it, your body isn’t quite ready for action when you first wake up. It’s a small step, but starting your morning off right with stretching can help you move through the day more easily. Before you even get out of bed, you can gently stretch your arms, fingers, legs, ankles, toes, neck and back. This limbers up your muscles and joints and increases both blood flow and oxygen to your body.
- Set a Couple of Goals for the Day
Setting a couple of realistic, achievable goals gives you a sort of roadmap to follow for the day. These goals needn’t be massive undertakings—they can be as simple as eating a healthier lunch, or finally getting to a certain task you’ve been putting off. Whatever they are, daily goals create a sense of purpose that bestows both increased focus and a feeling of accomplishment once they’re completed.
- Eat a Healthy Breakfast
It’s a standard piece of advice, but it bears repeating because so few people follow it. The benefits of a balanced breakfast are numerous, including improved performance and concentration, increased strength and endurance, lower cholesterol, weight control and simply better overall health. Note however that all of these come from a healthy breakfast containing fresh fruits, vegetables and lean protein such as eggs—not donuts or fast food.
- Exercise
Morning is a time many of us associate with chaos, urgency and hasty preparation for the rest of the day. Unfortunately, such frustrating beginnings can often result in a sense of disorganization that continues throughout the day, resulting in fatigue, irritability and reduced productivity. A bad morning may not define your whole day, but it can certainly set up a pattern that can be hard to break away from. Luckily, there are plenty of simple strategies you can take to start your morning with good energy that lasts all day long.
