For most of us, the first thing that we do when we wake up, is check our phone, right? Studies have shown that this may impact our brains and stress levels in a negative way, as the first ten minutes after you are up, are the most crucial and checking your phone first thing, sets the tone for the rest of the day. Unless, checking your phone includes reading positive affirmations and using a meditation app, you should try to stay away from it.
According to Michael McQueen, author of Momentum, "A lot of people operate on autopilot, so they jump straight on the phone. But this means they instantly start spending the day reacting, and they're not in the driver's seat. Straight away the day has been directed by someone else.”
So how do we become the driver’s of our own day? We establish our own morning routine that is going to set a mindful and positive tone for the day. This has to be intentional and of course tailored to your own life.
Someone who’s morning routine we can all draw inspiration from is certainly Oprah Winfrey. She is one of the most successful woman alive. Oprah starts her day without the help of an alarm clock, as she says they make her agitated. She says she does this by visualising the hour that she wants to wake up before she goes to bed. First thing she does when she wakes up is brush her teeth and take her dogs out. Mindfulness is a huge part of Oprah’s morning routine. She says that she also likes to start the day by offering herself to something bigger than herself, and expresses that she does not want to move alone throughout the day. She then has a cappuccino or tea and reads quotes while waiting for the water to boil. After working out her mind, she proceeds to work out her body.
So what we can take from this is that devotion is very important in one’s morning routine. Whether you do it for 1 minute, 5 minutes or 10, it is important to start the day with mindfulness, gratitude and intent.
If you are really pressed for time in the mornings, you can incorporate your devotion into your shower or bath time, or even while you are doing your hair. While massaging your MPL Hairfood into your scalp, you could silently repeat positive affirmations or be mindful of what you are grateful for.
Another habit you should include in your morning routine is having a healthy breakfast. Experts agree that “A well fed body is a well-fuelled mind! So when you are properly nourished and fed, you are much more resilient to the ups, downs and stresses of daily life.”
No one wants to face the challenges of life on an empty stomach!
It is also important to hydrate your body first thing in the morning, and a glass of warm lemon water is ideal.
Working out in the morning is also said to set a good tone for your day as it helps you get going. Morning workouts are great for metabolism and allow you to burn calories as the day goes.
These are just some ideas that you can try. Ultimately, your lifestyle plays a huge part in how your morning routine will go. What is important though is that you are intentional about having a morning routine and try your best to stick to it. The most successful people do it, so why not? You are guaranteed positive results!