Million Dollar Morning Routine
There are two types of people - those who keep snoozing the alarm until there’s no time left to have breakfast or take a shower and those who wake up an hour or two early and get organized, catch up on the news, and get everything done on time.
Which one are you? Most people are the former trying hard to become the latter.
It’s not easy to get into a routine and follow it religiously. That takes effort and commitment, but also, there is no one-size-fits-all plan. Not everyone can have the same routine and maintain it. That’s true even for morning routines. The success of your morning routine depends on how you plan it in accordance with your unique personality. But the fact remains that waking up early in the morning is life-altering. This has been proven not only by research but also by accounts of successful people.
Why do you Need a Morning Routine?
Having a morning routine is probably the greatest act of self-care you can do. There are several science-backed physical and psychological benefits of having a morning routine; a few of these are-
- Boosts productivity.
- Reduces stress.
- You’re in control of your day rather than your day controlling you.
- Leads to greater confidence and positivity.
- Improves relationships.
- Combats forgetfulness.
Imagine all that just by waking up a couple of hours early. Well, not really. You need to have a good regimen to make the most out of the power hours at the beginning of your day. But it all starts by waking up.
What Constitutes a Million Dollar Morning Routine?
As mentioned before, a morning routine isn’t a one-size-fits-all affair. But here are a few things you can do that have been proven to be beneficial-
1. Wake Up Properly.
Yes, there are right and many wrong ways to do it.
For starters, do not snooze your morning alarm and roll back to sleep. When you do that, you enter a new sleep cycle and wake up more tired than refreshed. So, wake up at the first ring.
Next, open your curtains and let the natural light hit your skin and eyes rather than checking your phone first thing in the morning. When you wake up, your eyes are still getting accustomed to the light around, and phone screens can be harsh on your eyes. Wait for at least 20 minutes after waking up before you look at your phone.
Finally, take a deep breath and stretch your body to energize yourself and get some oxygen flowing in your bloodstream.
2. Drink a Glass of Water.
No, coffee is not the best first drink of the day. Drinking water first thing in the morning can work wonders for your internal system, besides leaving you feeling fresh. Coffee should ideally come after you’ve arrived at work.
According to research, our cortisol levels are high during the first couple of hours of waking up. When you wake up, you’re already alert and active, and consuming coffee at that point will diminish some effects of the caffeine, and your drink won’t have the effect you expect it to have. By the time you get to work, your cortisol levels are normal, and consuming coffee will give you an energy boost.
3. Spend Some Time with Yourself.
What helps you connect with yourself? It could be meditating, taking a walk in nature, exercising, writing a journal entry, or reading something. Doing something that makes you feel at ease and gives you a sense of peace can boost positivity.
4. Do Not Skip a Healthy Breakfast.
Many of us are in the habit of grabbing a sandwich or a donut along with our coffee and calling it breakfast. An essential part of a good morning routine is making time for a healthy breakfast. It is considered the most important meal of the day. It provides you the energy required to kickstart the day and contributes to your overall health.
5. Multi-Task Your Mornings.
You can catch up with a friend on your commute to work or check your to-do list while having breakfast. Listen to something positive while cooking and packing your lunch. It could be some energizing music or a positive podcast.
Productivity plays a significant role in being stress-free and your overall well-being. Getting multiple things done right at the beginning of your day can help you feel confident and in control.
Bottom Line
Start working on creating your morning routine now!
Remember that getting 6-8 hours of sleep is where it starts. Also, you are the one who gets to decide what works for you every morning. Keep your routine easy and maintainable- that’s the way to go!