Mornings are sacred, yet many of us take this time of the day for granted. What you do every morning of each day would rub off on the rest of the day, so why not make it a point to set yourself up for a happier, more positive day? Here are 9 seemingly simple morning rituals that could leave a remarkable impact on your daily well-being:
1. Wake up early or on time – Snoozing the alarm is always tempting, until you realise you’ve got only 10 minutes to get ready. When you’re scrambling around, it would only leave you stressed, sweaty and feeling disorderly. Wake up on time, or better yet, earlier than you normally would for a stress-free day.
2. Ignore your electronics – Stop reaching for your phone first thing in the morning and you’ll have a brief respite from work related matters, or the distractions of social media. Do your best to stay offline for at least one hour after you wake up, and your mind wouldn’t instantly be cluttered once your eyes pop open.
3. Be still – Regardless of whether you wish to meditate, focus on your breaths, or sit quietly in private, being mindful can encourage a positive start to your day. It greatly reduces anxiety as well as stress, and helps you focus on yourself. You can then use the time to recenter your thoughts instead of worrying about responsibilities and tasks.
4. Make the bed – It seems insignificant, but this tiny act of organisation can add a tremendous boost to your day. It’s a little accomplishment you can tick off, and it promotes a clearer mind for you to take on challenges for the day. It doesn’t take long at all!
5. Take your time – Everyone wants a simplified routine that gets them out the door soonest possible, but it’s intensely gratifying to slowly enjoy applying skincare and makeup once in a while. Give your eyebrows or winged eyeliner a few extra minutes and you’ll notice a difference in the way you feel.
6. Get active – Just move; be it a yoga session, a short walk, or an intense crossfit workout. It energises the body, boosts metabolism and elevates your mood to get your body pumped for what’s to come that day. If you don’t even have 30 minutes to spare, some simple stretches would also give the same effect.
7. Practice gratitude – Gratitude is straightforward, but it’s very powerful. It’s so easy to fall into negativity or feel like you don’t have enough, hence, learn focus on all the good things in life, no matter how small. You’ll be surprised at how much this gesture lifts your mood.
8. Eat a good breakfast – This goes without saying as nourishing your body at the start of the day is vital. It kickstarts metabolism and fuels the brain for a productive day. If you’re short on time, a smoothie or overnight oats are great options that are quick and easy.
9. Get motivated – Watch an uplifting YouTube video or listen to an inspirational podcast to feed your mind with positivity and zeal before you go about your day. Alternatively, devoting 10 to 15 minutes to connect with your heart and life goals also ensures that you stay true to yourself and your dreams. Review them, and make them happen.
