I'm NOT A Morning Person!
We can’t all be morning people right? I'm definitely not that's for sure! But I don't rush through my morning, creating stress and anxiety for myself. I have a routine, that I stick by (mostly!) that has made it easier to start my day stress free. And this helps me manage my day, to be more calm, centered and ready to accept and handle any challenges sent my way.
Here are 7 tips to start your day off with less stress!
1. Get A Head Start
Plan your outfit the night before. Place everything from your shoes to your shirts, pants and undergarments in an easily accessible place. To get extra-organized, you can meal prep for your week ahead with easy and long-lasting recipes like soups or breakfast bars.
2. A Calming Photo
There is a reason I chose the above photo. It creates a sense of calm. Looking through photos will boost happiness and lower stress levels. Choose a family album or have a photo similar to the one above to ogle while you are sipping your morning brew.
3. Avoid Electronics
Skip the emails! They'll still be there when you start work. The stress of emails and the distraction of social media that early in the day can totally suck you in and derail you from the task at hand... getting up and moving. Wait at least 20 minutes before you dive into any electronics.
4. Stay Present, Create An Anchor
Plan for today. When your mind starts thinking about tomorrow or next week, or even next year, pause. Meditation, gratitude practices and journaling are all productive ways to keep your head out of the clouds and wiping away worry. To keep your focus, choose a starting ritual or anchor that signals to your brain that it’s time rise and SHINE. It could be a cup of coffee or chai, or a 10 minute stretch or yoga routing.
5. Set A False Alarm
Trick your sleepy self into thinking you need to be up earlier than you actually do. Just think, an extra 20-30 minutes in case something unplanned happens, or get some organization completed, or use that extra time to do something you love, like play with your pet, or read a book.
6. Nourish Your Body
Down a glass of warm water with a dash of fresh lemon juice the second you wake up. As we sleep, our bodies dehydrate, leading to that dry and groggy feeling most people experience when waking up. The lemon water will serve not only as a source of hydration but also a dose of vitamin C and a digestion aid. It’s also important to make a healthy breakfast a priority.
7. Set A Soundtrack
Create a playlist the exact length of time you have to get ready. If you’ve got 30 minutes each day, build a few half hour playlists that you can swap in and out to suit your mood. Music helps stimulate brain waves, alerting your body it’s time to wake up without shocking your system. The end of the playlist is a gentle reminder that it’s time to get on with your day.
You don't have to do ALL of these. Pick a couple that sound good to you and give them a try. You might be surprised how it impacts your entire day, in a postive way. My favorites are 1, 3, 4 and 6!