Issue No. 5: The Morning Method

We all know how extremely challenging it can be to get out of bed in the morning; the urge to hit the snooze button once..twice….maybe five more times. Whether you’re an early riser, eagerly jumping out of bed at the crack of dawn, or you can hardly open your eyes before noon, it is important to have a solid start to your day. How you spend your first hour post slumber has a massive effect as to how the rest of your day may go. Have you ever wondered what the most successful women do when they wake up? What is it that they do in their mornings that enable them to seize the day and strive towards success? Well, if your answer is yes...then you, like us, will appreciate the ten tips we have compiled below.

1. Get your eight hours – You hear it all the time because it’s true! Sleeping for a minimum of eight hours encourages proper activity in your immune system and even strengthens your memory. It also allows your brain and body to rejuvenate itself, so you are more than ready to attack the day.

2. Wake up and smile – Right when you wake up, think of something you’re thankful for, and smile when you think of it. It’s proven that the actual physical reaction of smiling releases endorphins and dopamine, encouraging you to be optimistic about the day ahead of you.

3. Disconnect – Try to not look at your phone in the mornings. Doing this will help you slowly wake up in a more calm, relaxed way without the anxiety and toxicity that our phones can bring us. Looking at social media, texts, or emails could cause stress and a sense of rush in your morning routine that is better left to approach later in the day.

4. Refresh – Splash some cold water on your face if it’s one of those mornings where everything is exhausting. This will refresh you and spike some needed energy.

5. Make your bed – Making your bed is the first real task you are faced with, and by accomplishing it right away you are already setting yourself up for success. It will also motivate you to mentally push yourself to accomplish other goals that you have in store later in the day.

6. Drink warm lemon water – It may sound weird, but research shows it works! It is an easy way to detox your body and make sure you’re getting the Vitamin C you need. Hydrating in general in the morning is essential. Your body has gone without water for at least eight hours and is dehydrated, so make sure you’re quenching that thirst.

7. Eat a healthy breakfast – This is said all the time, but it is important. Putting nutrients, fibers, and protein in your body is vital to have the energy and sustenance you need so you can go out and conquer the day.

8. Make a plan – Think about what you want your day to look like. What do you need to get done? What would you like to get done? Maybe you can do this while you’re eating breakfast, and make sure to write it down. Making a to-do list will assist you in envisioning your day and also have you look forward to checking things off.

9. Meditate/Stretch – Your body has been still for a long time; move a bit! Stretching is a great way to get your blood pumping back through your whole body. Meditating is another peaceful way to clear your mind and prepare yourself for the day to come.

10. Look the part – Another tip you can use to have a successful day is in the way you dress. Make sure you wear something that’s comfortable but still allows you to make a good impression. Even if you are going to be working from home all day, it will make you feel more capable if you change out of your PJ’s. The most important thing is that you feel confident in whatever you wear.

Mornings are never easy, so once you can push past the hard part of mornings, you will definitely start to enjoy them. As most things go, attitude is everything. With that, be thankful you woke up another day; let the coffee you drink every morning be the best cup you’ve ever had; and take on the day knowing you won’t ever get it back.

Image by @sasa_elebea