"You can’t have a great day if you don’t start in the morning!" A play on words to say the least, but it’s true! Every day starts in the morning, so why wouldn't you make it a priority? During these trying times the world is facing due to the pandemic, it has been a constant struggle for me to hop out of bed and begin the day right. After several days and weeks, and ultimately months, I finally found myself a morning routine that improved both my mental and physical health and improved my mood. The following six steps I follow every morning have been incredibly beneficial. They can apply to anyone and I swear by them!
1. Stay Hydrated
Water is a necessity to support your body, mind and overall health. It is important to stay hydrated and drink water throughout the whole day. Scientifically speaking, it is said you should be consuming half your body weight in ounces of water per day. From the moment I wake up in the morning, I pour myself a glass of water to wake myself up and get the day started.
2. Make Your Bed
As tedious as it sounds, making your bed in the morning starts you off with productivity. I frequently found myself skipping making my bed while at home and seeming slower and tired throughout the day. I became sick of constantly dragging my feet throughout my house and feeling unproductive. After tidying up my bedroom and creating such a clean space, I have felt happier, calmer and so much more organized.
3. Freshen Up
As I was cooped up in my home throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, it felt needless to present myself. I stuck with sweatpants and a hoodie every single day and laid on my couch binging any and every Netflix series that seemed remotely interesting. I then realized I needed a change! I began to start each morning with a nice shower. The feeling of being clean woke me up and helped me to get out of my morning fatigue slump.
4. Go Outside
It doesn't matter if it's just to soak up the sun while drinking a morning coffee or a brisk walk; being outside and getting fresh air is so rejuvenating and helpful. I have been walking throughout my neighborhood and eating my morning breakfast outside every day and I have felt so much happier throughout my day and have seen my mental health improve as well.
5. Yummy Breakfast
They don't say breakfast is the most important meal of the day for nothing! I typically would tend to skip over breakfast or fill myself with not so nutritious snacks in the morning. I recently tried to increase my breakfast intake and turned to healthy recipes. From smoothie bowls, oatmeals and delicious toasts, I have felt more energized carrying into the rest of my day. Of course, I always have a coffee on the side for an extra AM kickstart!
6. Get Creative
Lastly, I began to use my mind for beneficial and positive morning habits. I find it so important to use the complex intelligence our brains hold. For the last few months, I have spent time writing down my thoughts and ideas in a journal, listening to more podcasts and reading my favorite books! I am telling you, these few habits have made me feel so much calmer, fulfilled and positive. I urge you to get your mind moving and tackle something creative, educational even. (To the right is a photograph depicting my recent, favorite podcast I have invested in)