The buzzing of your alarm clock goes off, and you wake up to only hit the snooze button. Then you proceed to hit that snooze button the next 5 times it happens until you are rushing out the door because you are running late. Then you should definitely reconsider other options to begin your day to make it amazing.
To start, here are 10 habits to work into your morning routine that will improve the overall quality of your day.
Wake up at the same time every morning
Our bodies thrive on routine. Without a morning routine in place, you will experience decision fatigue, which in turn affects your ability to think and focus for the rest of the day. No matter what time you fall asleep, always set your alarm for the same time. On weekends or days where you don't need to get up for work or your usual commitments, don't allow yourself to sleep for more than one hour longer than usual.
Stretch every extremity for 15 seconds
While laying in bed and lift your arm, then stretch each finger, then your hand, then your wrist, and repeating on your other arm. Proceed to your legs by stretching your toes, feet and ankles. Finish with a neck and back stretch to propel you out of bed. This simple exercise limbers your muscles and joints, enhancing the flow of blood through your body, which provides an extra amount of oxygen to all your tissues that you otherwise wouldn't have.
Make your bed
The best way to start your day is by making your bed, according to Navy Seal Admiral William McRaven. "If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task, and another, and another. And by the end of the day that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed," McRaven told graduate students at the University of Texas
Leave your phone alone
With everyone's phones attached to their hips, it's not a bad idea to stay off yours until you are dressed and walking out the door. Of course, you can check the time, weather, traffic and other important items you need to know. But don't let your phone distract you from tasks you should accomplish first thing in the morning.
Take time to look good
Let's be honest. If you don't look good, you most likely won't feel as well as you could throughout the day. Putting effort into your appearance allows you to start your day with self-confidence. What you decide to wear will set the mood for the rest of the day. For the most part, pajamas equal laziness, whereas a dress or business suit sets the mood to accomplish work-related tasks.
Set three to four daily goals
To achieve a sense of productivity, set three or four goals first thing in the morning. Having no more than four goals allows them to be spaced out during the day and not to be overwhelming. If you complete all your goals before the afternoon, you can always create more.
Review your to-don't list
Opposite of a to-do list, to-don't lists are things that may be a distraction to you throughout the day. To-don't items could include not wasting valuable time on social media sites such as Facebook or Twitter, texting or playing games on your phone when you should be working. It's amazing how much more can be accomplished by getting rid of distractions.
Exercise your brain
In addition to a healthy diet and regular exercise, there are ways to give your brain its own workout routine. Challenging your mind can improve your memory and decrease the chance of having dementia, according to CNN. Simple activities to keep your brain sharp include Sudoku, crosswords and brain teasers. Developing a new skill from time to time is also a good idea, such as learning a new language or increasing your vocabulary through reading.
Read a motivational quote
Stay inspired throughout the rest of the day by reading a motivational quote before walking out the door. This will help you to stay positive and strong amid any negativity that you encounter.
Forget yesterday and focus on today
Why stay stressed over something that happened yesterday? Understand that it can't be changed, let it go and move on. Remind yourself that today is a new day and another opportunity to be your best. If needed, take a few minutes to meditate in order to help you de-stress.
