Waking up can be difficult. Maybe you didn’t get to bed on time or sleep well during the night. Perhaps you have a child that needed your help and were up in the middle of the night. And the morning always seems to come way too earlier after nights like these. Here are five ways to energize your morning and get your day started off with purpose.
1. Make Space for Quiet Time
Our world is overwhelmingly loud with so much competing for your attention from kids to work to social media and other responsibilities. It is vital to make space for quiet time without distraction where you can tune into your center. You don’t need to wake up ridiculously early to make this effective. Setting aside even five minutes of quiet time is ideal for feeling balanced and ready to tackle the day ahead. Pick a quiet activity you enjoy that helps you feel centered and connected to your soul. Here are a few of my favorite ideas reading (an inspirational book or scripture), prayer, gentle stretching, simple yoga poses, and meditation. Pick one or two that help you feel peaceful and balanced.
2. Re-hydrate with Lemon Water
Start your day off by re-hydrating your body. Set a glass on your nightstand before going to bed or have one ready on the kitchen counter if you need a reminder. Fill your glass with warm water, squeeze the juice from half of a fresh lemon into it or a drop of lemon essential oil and drink up. This simple drink will help boost your immune system and prepare it for the day ahead. It is also beneficial for aiding digestion, supporting your body’s natural detox processes, and balancing your pH levels.
3. Exercise
After a full night’s sleep, one of the best things you can do for yourself is move your body. Find something you enjoy whether it is going for a morning walk, an at-home circuit workout, a yoga DVD, or jumping on the trampoline with your kids. As long as you move your body, get your heart rate up, and enjoy it, you will benefit from it.
Even if you can only spend 10-15 minutes exercising in the morning, it is crucial for your health. Exercise is key in getting your lymph fluid moving and helping your lymphatic system. Your lymphatic system aids your body in toxin removal. Exercising improves your circulation and is the perfect way to jump-start your body after lying down all night.
4. Eat a Healthy Breakfast
Refuel your body after a night’s rest and exercise with a healthy breakfast. Your body craves proper fuel to feel its best and function at your highest capacity. Instead of reaching for a box of sugary cereal, choose a healthy, balanced breakfast to give you a variety of nutrients. Include protein and healthy fat to help you stay full longer and stabilize your blood sugar.
5. Visualize Your Day
Take a few minutes and visualize what you want or need to accomplish in the day ahead of you. Pick one or two things on your to-do list that must be accomplished to help you achieve your goals. Think through what steps you will need to take and prepare yourself to sail through them with ease.
Taking some time for yourself in the morning will go a long way in setting you up for a successful, balanced day ahead. If the list seems overwhelming, choose one or two of the tips above to transition your morning routine into one full of purpose and intention. You will be amazed at the difference that thoughtful morning rituals will make. You may soon find yourself looking forward to your morning rituals as they energize you to start your day off with purpose.
