Whether you’re a morning person or not, your habits can set the stage for your day ahead.
From young professionals to stay-at-home mamas, or even the working mamas – check out my tips below if you’re looking for new ways to energize your morning routine.
Instead of this: Give me the Coffee!
Try this: Hot water with lemon and cayenne pepper
What’s the first thing most of us do when we roll out of bed in the morning? If your answer begins with “coffff”….I hear you; and I would never advise removing a hot cup of heaven from your morning routine “cold turkey style”. (After having experienced the “cold turkey” side effects of quitting coffee during my last pregnancy, I can tell you the side effects actually took a significant toll on my workday for 7 painful days; queue: a never-ending headache!)
Everyone from Jennifer Anniston to Dr. Oz is going to tell you to try and drink more water! But who wants to wake up at 6:00am to a litre of H20? The fact is however, that water = energy, coffee = dehydration. Further, if you’re really missing your spa dates during this time of self-isolation, drinking more water will help your skin to look and feel healthier.
If you’re still not sold – try my trick (as I really don’t like cold flat water). Warm up your kettle, pour yourself a mug of hot water, squeeze in some fresh lemon juice, and add a dash of cayenne pepper. This combination will not only help you to feel energized, but it will help to stimulate your digestive system and support weight loss.
Instead of this: Where’s my phone?
Try this: Fresh air!
As I’m currently working remotely with two little ones running around all day, my first inclination in the morning is to check my phone/email and begin dwelling over how I’m going to get through the day’s balancing act. The minute I touch my phone, my heart begins to race and I’m filled with anxiety and negativity about my day. As a result of the impact this poor habit has had on my well-being, I’ve chosen to put this habit aside and start a new one and I can tell you it has made a difference in my daily outlook.
Even though the temperatures remain a bit chilly, the first thing I do in the morning is put on my coat and stand outside on my deck for 3-5 minutes (approximately the length of time I would normally spend scrolling through emails). On the colder days, I really dread this, but I’ve tried to remain consistent and here’s why: fresh air can help improve heart rate and blood pressure, strengthens your immune system, and gives you more energy. If you’re not one for a morning jog, just simply stand outside and take a few breaths – I assure you it will help to transform your daily outlook.
Instead of this: Pass the fruit loops!
Try this: Eggs/Oatmeal/Smoothie
At 7:00am each morning, my littles are looking for one thing – cereal! As I pour them each a bowl of Fruit Loops or Frosted Flakes, it’s hard not to pour a bowl for myself. What I constantly remind myself however, is that their everlasting energy doesn’t come from the cereal; and in fact that one bowl of cereal could greatly hinder my energy levels…by approximately 10:00am. As I’m generally not a “creature of habit”, I can’t settle on one particular food each and every morning so I switch it up a bit.
Eggs are never a poor choice as they help to promote brain development, keep you feeling full longer, and can assist in weight loss. Adding some chopped veggies such as celery, onions, or peppers can help to round out this daily meal. If eggs aren’t your thing, I suggest oatmeal as the next best alternative. Oatmeal is high in carbs and fibre, and rich in antioxidants and adding blueberries or chopped strawberries can help to improve taste. Lastly, if you’re running late to get out the door, I suggest a smoothie. Smoothies are filling and can pack a ton of nutrients into one cup! If you don’t already have a favourite blend, try these easy, delicious smoothie recipes to kickstart your day! For even more breakfast suggestions, check out Brooklyn’s Breakfast Ideas for the Workin’ Girl.
Instead of this: 10 more minutes of zzzzzz…
Try this: 5 minutes of morning meditation
If the sound of your co-worker’s ringtone sends shivers down your spine reminding you of that dreaded morning alarm clock you’re all too familiar with, you might want to re-think your mornings. Like many MANY people, I have a love/hate relationship with my daily alarm clock, and worse…the snooze button! After the 2nd, 3rd, 4th jolting reminder that my morning is quickly slipping by, I finally succumb to my fate…I must get out of bed. What if, instead of hitting “snooze” for the 5th time, you took only 5 minutes to introduce a powerful new habit that can help to transform your day.
While known for its mental health benefits, meditation had become a mainstream favourite for a variety of different reasons. Feeling overwhelmed with the demands of the daily grind? Meditation can actually transform the way your brain responds to stress, reducing the anxiety that can come from missing an important deadline at work. The best part? You don’t need to find 30 minutes each morning to enjoy the benefits of meditation – in as little as five minutes of controlled breathing exercises, many people have begun to notice a complete overhaul in their daily outlook within the first 2 weeks of incorporating this beneficial habit.
Instead of this: Wait – what just happened??
Try this: Pump up the Jam!
If you’re a news junkie like me, it’s hard not to turn on the TV to enjoy your favourite news channel first thing in the morning as you prepare for a busy workday. While staying informed and up-to-date on global affairs has its benefits, it may not be the best way to shape a positive mindset as you begin your day. Instead of tuning into the inevitable doom and gloom first thing in the morning, why not pop in your headphones and turn on your favourite music or relaxing podcast? Listening to music as I make breakfast, do my hair and make-up helps me to set the stage for my day. Music helps to improve cognitive function, mental health and boosts creativity. Who wouldn’t want to start their day on that note?
I can’t promise that any of my recommendations for morning habits will lead to a good day but they can help to improve your day, and if integrated slowly at a pace you’re comfortable with – you can make these suggestions into habits. Let me know if you’ve already incorporated any and/or all of these suggestions into your day in the comments section below – I’d love to know your thoughts!
