Whether you’re an Early Bird or a Night Owl, we’ve all got to get moving and get out the door. Planning out your day can even help you steal a few minutes of extra sleep. Heading out for the day can be made easier and even enjoyable by adding a few of these simple morning habits to your routine.
Wake up to a Fresh Start
Adopt Dr. Christiane Northrup’s theory of a Shiny Sink. It’s a downer to walk into a kitchen of dirty dishes. Wake up to a fresh, clean kitchen to get your day started new. You can dive into productivity and self-care straight away.
Prepare the Night Before
The less decisions you have to make in the morning, the easier getting out the door will be. Lay out the basics of your outfit. Set out your supplies for making the morning cup of coffee or tea. Do a light prep for breakfast; set out granola or oats with bowls, plan out fruit for a smoothie.
Start out Hot
Having a ritual of coffee or tea in the morning can be comforting and soothing. It’s like a reward for rising early that you can look forward to and enjoy. There’s also a multitude of health benefits that come from drinking something hot right after you wake up – clarity, alertness, digestive aid- as well as the health benefits from coffee and tea.
RELATED: Coffee for a Cause
Routine is Key
Routines can help things move because you can be in “Go Mode” and not have to worry about what task comes next. For example, if you take care of your breakfast first thing, make your coffee in your travel mug, you can easily transition into your shower and dressing routine immediately following. Then you can just grab your bags and go.
No Search Time Necessary
Have things you need for your morning routine in a spot that’s easy to see and research. For example, keep keys hanging by the door, lunch bags on the top front shelf of the fridge, and travel mugs by the coffee maker and not mixed in with regular glasses.
Daily Prayer/Mantra/Meditation
Positive thoughts start your day off right. Put yourself in a good mood, remind yourself of the good things you have, and of the good things to come.
Try something new, find small things to look forward to in the morning rush. You may find yourself turning into an Early Bird.
