What’s your typical morning like? What happens in the first few hours upon waking up can set the tone for the rest of your day.
So make it less stressful and more productive by incorporating these simple but powerful habits into your morning routine and watch how your day—and life—transform and change for the better.
1. Wake up earlier than you need to.
This will afford you time to slow down and plan your day instead of rushing to get things done after you’ve hit the snooze button several times (which could actually make you feel more tired and sluggish). That extra time you have given yourself in the morning to accomplish some tasks—whether it be squeezing in a quick workout, tending to your plant or fur babies, or simply watching the sunrise—will make you feeling relaxed before your day “officially” starts.
2. Find time for gratitude.
With the myriad things you need to do, it’s easy to be overwhelmed and lose focus. So take time to reflect, count your blessings, and be thankful for them. Every morning, acknowledge something—even the tiniest ones—you are grateful for and observe how this practice gives you more positive emotions and outlook in life.
3. Make your bed when you wake up.
Allotting a minute or two to do this daily practice actually has a bigger impact than you might think. It’s the first task you have to accomplish every day, and with this small sense of pride, it will inspire you to tick off more tasks on your list throughout the day. And if it isn’t a good day for you, you’ll come home to a bed that’s made and neat, and that can instantly lift your mood!
4. Write down a daily to-do list.
Make it a productive and efficient day by preparing a list of the things you need to accomplish for the day. This can help you stay on track as it serves as your constant reminder of the important and urgent tasks you need to get done, as well as those that could wait.
5. Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning.
While grabbing a cup of coffee may seem like the most logical choice to jumpstart off one’s day, choosing water as your first beverage of the day can actually offer some serious benefits. As you just went several hours without taking in any liquid, hydration is very important when you wake up in the morning. Your best bet? Water!
6. Eat a healthy and hearty breakfast.
Breakfast is not called the most important meal of the day for nothing. Your mind and body need fuel to help you power through the day, and a filling breakfast does that for you. Also, you’d want to be a good role model to your little ones about not skipping breakfast.
7. Forget not your daily affirmations.
Never underestimate the power of positive affirmations. They motivate you to do better and achieve your goals. By constantly reminding yourself of your power and strength, it improves your mindset and boosts your self-esteem. In a world where negative thoughts can easily creep in, never forget to affirm yourself every morning. For moments that feel like it's so tough to mama, here are some loving words to power you through.
