It’s officially hurricane season, but this year may look a little different than others as rising ocean temperatures and El Niño are set for an unprecedented clash. It’s a match-up that has experts an...
Let’s be real; we’re not all morning people. Most of us wake up feeling groggy, unorganized, and rushed. Wouldn’t it be great to actually enjoy your mornings by building on a routine? I used to be the queen of pressing snooze until one day I got tired of just rolling out of bed and feeling frustrated for the rest of the day. Yes, it feels good to sleep in that extra 15 minutes, but what if you did something productive with that 15 minutes that could change the entire course of your day?
Many of us have several responsibilities and can often feel strapped for time. Having a morning routine offers many benefits, such as:
-
Less stress
-
Mental clarity
-
Improved memory
-
Better productivity at work
-
Feeling of stability
-
More free time in the evening
-
Better sleep quality
Where to Start
If you’re not a morning person, start with something you actually enjoy. For example, I enjoy taking my dog for a walk while listening to a positive podcast or uplifting music. Whatever you choose to start your day, make sure it’ll set the tone for a quality, productive day. Unsure of what will make you stop pressing the snooze button? Try meditation to set your intention for the day, subscribe to Yoga with Adriene for a quick morning stretch, go for a walk, read a book, write down your thoughts and/or goals, etc. Start with that one thing that will get you out of bed, then build on it. Create a goal the night before and do your best to stick to it.
No Pressure
Your routine doesn’t have to be perfect and the same every single morning. The goal is to just be intentional with your morning by shifting your energy toward creating a daily practice that works best for you. Once you start putting pressure on having the perfect morning routine, you will more than likely give up. Allow yourself the flexibility to adapt and the patience to find what works well and what doesn’t. I have a few friends that exercise every morning at 5:00 a.m. and of course, I wanted to try it, but it didn’t work for me. Evening workouts work better for me. Don’t try to copy what others are doing–do what works best for you!
Be Consistent
Consistency is key! Practicing consistency will make your routine feel normal over time. Before you know it, your routine will start to feel like something you look forward to. It’s okay if you skip a day or two, just do your best to jump back into your morning practice. We’re human so nothing is ever going to be perfect or go as planned. Just make sure you’re doing your best.
Related Categories
OtherRoxanne Leal
Roxanne Leal is the Director of Wellness for SWBC Employee Benefits Group. She specializes in developing strategic wellness programs based on high-cost claims, survey data, and aggregate reports.
Let Us Know What You Thought about this Post.
Put your Comment Below.