We hear it all the time “I am not a morning person!” What I find funny is we never hear the opposite which is “I am not a night person”
I love early mornings because it’s quiet me time. The phone isn’t vibrating or beeping. People aren’t really out and about in the neighborhood just yet. It is so peaceful.
We all work too much and don’t get enough sleep. More than likely, we are up later at night then we should be whether it’s responding to emails, prepping lunches or meals for the next day, getting homework done with the kids, cleaning up the kitchen or just catching up in general. The fact is most of us are night people, even if we don’t want to be. It’s the only time we can get stuff done after a long day of work. I am here to tell you, you can change it up. And I promise it will be better.
It all starts with mind set. Change your mind set, change your life.
- Get up at the same time every day.
This seems silly but it is so true. I find when I wake up at different times on different days of the week, it is harder to wake up! - Get in bed by 10:00 and commit to not touching the phone once laying down.
My husband and I have a rule, not only do wenot have the phones out at the dinner table, we also don’t touch them once we lay down in bed. It is nice because it signals relaxing time and it is time to wind down after a long day. - Don’t check social media or email as soon as you roll over and open your eyes.
Enough said. - Don’t have sugar or caffeine after 3 p.m. every day.
It took me a while to figure this one out. Caffeine and sugar are stimulants that are in our systems for hours after we consume them. My sleep is more solid when I don’t have them later in the afternoon. For me, this means all fruits too. Hot summer days when everyone is eating watermelon around dinner time, I turn it down. I know it will stimulate my system later and will call for a restless night of sleep. And let’s face it, sugar is in EVERYTHING. When I used to work in corporate America, everyone took a break at 3pm to grab coffee, soda or sugary snacks to make it through remainder of the day. May sound like a great idea at the time, but will definitely have effects later in the day. - Start moving as soon as possible.
Instead of checking your phone as soon as your eyes roll open, get up and stretch. Maybe a nice forward fold or spinal twist to start the day. Your body will thank you! Maybe if you have dogs, get up and get them out before doing anything else. Getting some fresh air will definitely wake up the system! And even if you don’t have dogs, a nice walk early in the morning can do wonders for the soul. - Don’t be a snoozer!
Easier said then done, right? But it is true. Commit to once that alarm goes off, turn it off and stay awake. Remember, mindset. Tell yourself it is a gorgeous day to be alive and get up! You can do it! - Workout in the morning.
Some people gasp as this but it will definitely give you energy for the whole day! If you’ve never done it, try it. Maybe pick one day to start and see how it feels. I always say in my yoga classes that the hardest part is getting there! Whether you go for a walk, head to the gym or yoga, just commit. Once you get used to it, you will start looking forward to it and it will be easier to get up and go! Plus, how nice will it be at the end of the day to be done after work and not have to worry about your workout??? - Start your morning off with a glass of water and lemon.
This wakes up the system for sure. My husband and I do this every day. Sometimes two glasses before we even have coffee. Just think by 6am, already have 32 ounces down. Our bodies need water. Half our body weight in ounces is the rule of thumb. So starting off early helps us set the tone for the day and get closer to achieving that goal. - Meditate.
I can only share what I know but having a consistent meditation practice has changed my life. If I go a couple of days without it, my sleep is effected and mornings can be a little more groggy. You don’t need a ton of time to meditate. 5-10 minutes a day. That is it! And totally doable! It makes me feel calm. It quiets the chatter in my mind and it leaves me feeling refreshed. Mediating in the morning, maybe before everyone gets up, is ideal because it is a fantastic way to start the day! Try it. Like anything else, it gets easier with practice. But you can do it! And we NEED it in this crazy, busy world we live in today!
Remember, it all starts with mind set. You can do it. Change your mind set. Change your life. Please feel free to share your experiences as you start incorporating these tips into your daily routine! Just think how much more productive your day will be!
Namaste.
