In as little as 20 minutes or less each morning, you can try your best to live a healthier and even happier life by simply starting a morning routine. You are the only one that can determine if one habit is better for you than another, so give a few a try until you find the one or several that work best for your lifestyle. But getting started is usually the hardest part... why not just start tomorrow?
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Mindfulness. Take a moment and try to be mindful and stay in the current moment. Our minds tend to want to wake up and start speeding like a freight train. Try to slow it down and take five minutes to just be present. Look around your room and take it all in or find something in particular to look at and admire it. This is also a good time to look out the window and gaze outside for a few moments.
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Meditate. This can be a hard practice to begin. But only a few minutes a day can make a huge difference on how you feel the rest overall. Get into comfortable position and either close your eyes or fixate on an object. Simply relax, breathe in and out, and for only several minutes in the morning, try to erase your thoughts. If they start to pop into your mind, recognize them and then move on.
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Journal. Writing things down in your journal at the beginning of your day can put things into perspective for you before you even begin the to-do list. Jot down your thoughts and anything that has been on your mind lately and try to just let it go for that moment. Journaling is one of my top favorite ways to practice mindfulness each day and that's why I wrote why journaling is good for your mind. If you make it a daily practice, especially if it becomes a part of your morning routine, chances are, your day will be a lot less stressful.
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Yoga. Even if you haven't been a fan of trying yoga, now may be the time to give it a whirl. Get a video, a book, or even now there are many apps that can guide you through a beginner's routine of some basic yoga stretches. This in itself can get you motivated to get moving in the morning and release endorphins as well. To deepen that sense of relaxation and recovery, some people also pair their yoga practice with gentle heat therapy. Options like SunHome Saunas can complement stretching routines by helping muscles loosen and encouraging a calmer start to the day.
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Read. If reading at night puts you right to sleep (this is a good thing!), then read a little bit in the morning before you join the hustle and bustle of the day. Pick up one of the many inspirational books out there that include true stories of hope and bravery or even one with beautiful quotes about life and love. These are sure to inspire your day.
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Dance. Not only can a good dance song get you moving and ready to hit the shower even before you reach for your morning coffee, but you can keep the momentum going all day long. Make an upbeat playlist and keep the tunes handy for those moments in the day when you are feeling a little blah or sluggish.
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Breakfast. Mornings routines are made for a healthy breakfast and not a to-go mug of coffee in the car for your commute. So, skip the bagel on your lap too and make time for something healthy. If you need to, get up a little earlier and make the time you need for you. A high protein, low carb breakfast is very important to give you the necessary energy for your day.
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Prepare. With great gadgets like the programmable coffee maker
and apps that help wake you and even can sense when to get you out of bed (try Sleep Cycle), there is no excuse to be more prepared for your morning routine. Pack your lunch, your afterwork gym bag, and even anything you may need for the kids' after school activities. -
Breathe. One of the best ways to start your day is to take a few minutes and practice a breathing exercise. One of the easiest is a "4-7-8" breathing technique. Start by breathing in deeply for a count of 4, then exhale and count to 7, followed by an inhale of 8. Repeat several times and then get on with the rest of your morning. If you do this everyday, it will get easier and add it to your meditation time too.
- Set an intention for your day. Create the kind of day you want by setting an intention. Each morning, choose an intention to guide your thoughts and actions for the day. For example, your intention could be: to relax and enjoy simple pleasures; to be more kind to others; to have more fun; or whatever it is that you want to manifest in your life for that day.
and apps that help wake you and even can sense when to get you out of bed (try Sleep Cycle), there is no excuse to be more prepared for your morning routine. Pack your lunch, your afterwork gym bag, and even anything you may need for the kids' after school activities.It just takes some practice and a little extra time to get a morning routine down pat. If you want to start your day more peaceful, relaxed and focused on what ever it is you'll be doing, try some or all of these great ideas to do just that.
*This is a collaborative post. All views and texts are my own.
Why did you end the contest early? Should have 2 more days....
Mindfulness, Breakfast and Yoga are the most important to me, all three put my on the right path to have the best day possible.
Meditate, Dance, and Breakfast sound like things I'd love to do. I think it's important to start your morning off right. These tips are great reminders on how starting the day off right can be really important.
My favorites are read, mindfulness and set an intention for the day. I do love to read and it puts me to sleep at night, but I could read for a few minutes in the morning without getting sleepy again. I like the mindfulness before getting in to the morning routine, and setting an intention sounds like a very positive way to start a new day!
I like Breakfast, Prepare, and Set an Intention for Your day. I normally rush off without food and end up feeling cranky. If I prepare a few things ahead of time like the coffee, lunch, etc I think my day will be a lot smoother. And setting an intention so I don't feel like at the end of a rushed day I didn't accomplish anything!
My top 3 are meditation, breakfast, and prepare. My best mornings are when I prepare the night before. Meditation is a wonderful practice, and of course I have to eat breakfast
I am NOT a morning person & they used to be horrible at my house, especially since I am a single mom of 4! I finally figured out that I had to have at least 30 mins to myself before kids got up!
My favorite 3 suggestions are Yoga, dance & set plan for day!!
Journal, read, and breakfast are my favorite tips. I do like to write but I should take the time to journal daily. Reading is such a calming activity that I love. And breakfast is something I really don't do at all that I know would change my days & give me more energy in the morning & throughout the day.
I read a meditation each morning that makes a large difference in my mood for the day. It also includes several of your points such as reading the meditation then reflecting on its message and also it usually has a message/intention for the day which I make a conscious effort to do throughout the day. It can include being kinder to others, as you stated, or being more thoughtful and considerate.
I think Breathe, Breakfast and Dance would be ones that I could follow. Maybe not dance every morning but depending on my health and energy levels 🙂
Mindfulness, Set an Intention for the day and Breathe are what I need to work on.
I need to be more mindful and aware of what I'm thinking and my surroundings by not letting life just pass me by and setting an intention for the day will help me stay on track to achieving my goals and I need to learn how to properly breathe for better health, relaxation and energy.
Dance--Good reggae loud
Mindfulness--keep God first in your thoughts
Breathe--please
My favorite tips are keeping a journal as it helps me not to lose myself. Dancing lifts my spirits and puts me in a good mood. Breakfast is so very important to me and makes me feel strong enough to get through the day. I love to program my coffee maker so that I smell the brew when I wake up:)
I choose breakfast, prepare and breathe. I know I need fuel in the am I am constantly trying to practice taking deep breaths due to extreme anxiety. With the anxiety I also hv found if I prepare mentally and physically for each new day it seems to keep me focused on that mire than fear
Read, Breathe, and Dance works best for me. Reading is my favorite thing. Who isn't happy when they're dancing and breathing gives you a moment to get yourself ready for the day.
I really like Prepare, Set an intention for the day, and am working on Breakfast. I still have a hard time actually eating anything, but it has made a HUGE difference to have a protein shake before I even have a cup of coffee. I got a programmable coffee maker for Christmas and it is wonderful to wake to the smell of a fresh brew. So easy to add that little step to packing lunches and such before bed. My favorite, though, is setting an intention for the day. I include our three year old in that. We discuss what it is, how it will fit with our plans for the day, and we help keep each other on point as we go along.
Mindfulness Meditate & Read appeal to me 🙂
My favorites are mindfulness, breakfast, and set an intention for the day. I already try to include mindfulness in my morning routine by waking up and be thankful for my life and my kids. It gives me more pep in my step and to get out of bed with a smile. I also like Breakfast because it's something I need to focus on more, I tend to just drink coffee and then am dragging mid day. Set and intention for the day is great because it will keep me focused on what I want to accomplish and keep negative thoughts away.
My top three are breathe, journaling, and breakfast! Breathing because it can help to get me centered for the day. Journaling for getting my thoughts in order. And breakfast for nourishing my body.
When I get up in the morning, I try to eat something healthy and light right away. A nice cup of Timmies coffee and some oatmeal with berries and yogurt really starts me off on the right foot.
I get myself up at least an hour before I have to walk out the door. I shower to wake myself up and I always eat something like hard boiled eggs so I have good energy for the day.
I like meditate, mindfulness and yoga. I would love to start my day with meditation but I cant seem to begin the routine.
I like the meditate , journal and breathe tips. I choose mediate because it would help me relax. I like to journal my thoughts and it is great stress relief. I also picked breathe because it does make me less stressed.
I'm a fan of the breathe, breakfast, set an intention for the day. The breathing 4-7-8 Is a great way to focus my myself on the day ahead. Great way to wind down at night too. Breakfast is so very important to get your body going. I'm a teacher so setting my intention for the day gets my heart in the right place.
I like to read, prepare and breakfast with my morning routine. Therefore, these are the things I choose! All of these ideas are great though...I may start dancing in the morning too - never thought of that!
Thank you so much for sharing this post. I don't think some people realize how important mornings are! I love the idea of meditation in the morning , it really gets your mind set in the right direction. I currently do yoga first thing when I wake up and it has made a huge difference in my energy for the day. I also love breakfast. It's so important to get a nutritional breakfast to start your day.
I would definitely choose yoga, prepare, and breakfast! I have always loved doing yoga, it makes me feel amazing! I love preparing for the next day the night before, especially as a mom of three. And of course I believe breakfast is the best meal of the day, as I definitely drag without it. 🙂
I am a big fan of food so I never skip breakfast. it helps me get through the day. I might also try breathe since I need to calm down more often. I usually do yoga with a class, I don't know about doing it on my own in the morning, unless you count a few stretches.
Meditate would be my first because my mind is always going. I need to slow down.
Breakfast would be number 2. I usually have to skip breakfast because I am always running late.
Prepare would be number 3. This way maybe I would have more time and not run late.
Mindfulness is my fave because being in the moment is a major goal of mine right now.Meditation is second because I find that it helps me focus on the day and all I have to do.Yoga is third because it relaxes me and sets me off right for the day.Great for end of day too!
I like to meditate, read and have breakfast.
My top 3 favorites are breakfast, read & dance. I'd like to do all the others as well, but I found that these 3 are more suitable for me.
My top 3 favorites are breathe, read and meditate. I try to do all three every day!
My favorites would be Journal, Prepare and Breathe!!! I want to thank you so much. I have anxiety, so I actually wrote these down in my notes, in my phone. I am loving this list! I am going to start first thing tomorrow morning. Seriously, thank you from the bottom of my heart! I have tried many things. Your hard work is appreciated! Thank you and God bless!
I love dancing. I do it almost every day, and sweat my booty off. I also do yoga infrequently. I should be more mindful of eating breakfast. I usually skip it in lieu of coffee.
prepare, breathe and mediate. I have such a hard time getting everyone out on time because I am a single mommy and I know these three things would help me get through he morning better.
I like Read, Dance, & Breakfast because those are 3 of my favorite things!
Breath,Prepare,and Journal,works best,but everything is helpful.Thanks for sharing.
My top is Read. I do this every day. My second is dance. I'm doing more of this with my son. My third is yoga. I find it keeps me fit and calm if I do it regularly.
My top 3 ideas from you suggestions are: dance, eat breakfast and set an intention for your day. I chose dance because it sounds like it would be fun to do. I chose eating breakfast because I know that's something I should already be doing. And I chose set an intention for your day because it sounds like something that would keep me motivated throughout the day.
I need to do the Breathe, meditation and yoga. They sound like something I could and would do daily.
#3 Journal- writing something right after I get up could be a dream or just something that needs to be done- wonderful I need a pretty journal.
#9 Breathe- to start the day by centering myself helps with stress.
#10 set an intention for your day- this is great way to accomplish something specific, even if it is just relaxing.
I like the Mindfulness. I like to look out the window and see what's happening. I do eat a healthy breakfast just about all mornings. One of mine is to get as much ready the night before.
Breakfast, news (on my smartphone, not on journal!) and Set An Intention for the day!
Since retiring I don't have to do this every single day, but to get myself together I think number one for me would be to BREATHE. I have always thought a BREAKFAST helps me maintain early. After all that I would say MINDFULNESS helps me focus and decide what I will do that day, if I have no definite plans.
Meditate, set an intention for your day and breakfast are my top 3. Having a clear mind and a good breakfast helps me focus on my day. It also increases my ability to deal with the daily stress of work.
My favorite three are Mindfulness, a good breakfast and just Breathe, this is a new day make the best of it
Read, breakfast, journaling. All three keep your mind active and prepare you for the day.
Oh my favorite three are Breathe, Read, and Set An Intention for the day! Reading is so inspirational for me and always makes me feel good! I think the set an intention is important for you to know what has to be done..and not get you too stressed out. Its easier for me to plan my day! And...when things are tough....Breathe!
Breakfast, prepare and intention. I have a VERY ACTIVE 15 month old that sleeps with me so there isn't a lot of mindful gazing out the window or blissful yoga time right out of the gate. Life is easier when you picked up and set out clothing for the next day.