If the term “morning person” makes you cringe, then it’s time for an attitude adjustment. We’ve all been there; hitting the snooze button more than once, groaning into your pillow as you finally wake up, and that zombie-like shuffle to the bathroom so you can splash cold water on your face with the hope that you’ll wake up.
So what can you do to turn that zombie-shuffle into a brisk stride? Why not give yourself something to look forward to when you get up in the morning.
The Perfect Morning: 5 Ways To Start Your Day Off Right
Create a night time routine
A great morning starts with a good night’s sleep. If you find yourself going to bed at 1:00 a.m., getting up at 6:00 a.m. and you’re exhausted and craving a nap by 5:00 p.m., then you need more sleep.
Create a ‘get ready for bed’ routine with steps that will tell your body it’s time to switch off the day. Start by turning off all electronics an hour or two before you fall asleep. Blue light exposure, the kind from computer screens, can disrupt your sleep. Take a warm bath or shower, read for a bit (not on your computer, phone or tablet), then switch off the bedside light. Keep up with the routine and soon you’ll be getting a great night’s sleep.
Ease into the morning
Who really likes a morning alarm? No one loves that blaring, obnoxious noise that jerks us out of sleep with a pounding heart. It’s enough to get you mad, which is not the best way to start the day. Thanks to technology, you can choose your alarm sound, whether it’s the soothing sounds of music, rushing water or your favourite get-up-and-go tunes. “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child, anyone?
Prep Work
That great night sleep needs a good start in the morning. Most of us don’t have that much time in the morning. We’re running around getting ourselves and our family ready so we can get out the door on time. Save some time and slow down your pace by preparing as many things as you can the night before. This includes choosing your morning coffee the night before and having all of your tools set up for when you enter the kitchen the following morning.
This applies to breakfast as well. If you’re a fan of oatmeal, why not prep it the night before in a slow cooker? Get some slow-cook oats, add your favourite ingredients, leave to cook overnight and wake up to warm, nutritious, and filling food.
Exercise
We know, you’re not a morning person, but incorporating exercise into your morning routine can lead to a healthier and creative you. You don’t have start running 5ks but a few stretches or a brisk walk can get you in the right mindset for your day.
Prep, prep, prep, then slow down
Make your lunch the night before, program your coffee maker, prep your breakfast, even if you don’t eat oatmeal, just getting the ingredients ready for breakfast can save time and make your mornings run smoothly. Finally, organize your bag, briefcase and your outfit. These little things mean you can get ready in the morning and use those precious minutes to relax, take some time and think about your day. Maybe try a little early-morning meditation. By the time you leave your house, you’re ready for a day that will be all about winning.