Have you ever seen those ‘don’t talk to me before I’ve had my coffee’ memes? Well, that’s me. Mornings aren’t my thing, and I know I’m not alone. Yet I manage to get up at 05:35 and squeeze in 90 minutes of gym before starting work at 09:00.
Let me tell you, it’s not easy, but waking up the right way helps you get through the toughest days. Here are five hacks that helped me transform my boring morning routine into a more productive start to my day:
Wake up early
Sleeping till the very last minute may seem tempting, but you’d be surprised at how much better your day will play out if you wake up earlier. Those extra ten, twenty, or even thirty minutes will boost your energy levels and set you off for a more peaceful and productive day.
Establish a self-care routine
Set aside some ‘you time’ every morning. This could be for exercise, mediation, reading the news, or enjoying a cup of your favourite coffee. Starting your day off by doing something relaxing sets the tone for the rest of your day.
Meditate
Relax your mind and take a few minutes to meditate. You can do this for five minutes, twenty, or sixty – whatever is enough to fill you up with zen and a positive mindset to seize the day and all the obstacles that may cross your path.
Stretch
Stretching prepares your body for movement, which is why it’s ideal to do in the mornings. Besides offering benefits like more mobility and flexibility, it will clear out any knots that may have formed during the night.
Have a healthy breakfast
While you may be inclined to grab a quick coffee and rush out the door, a healthy breakfast can make all the difference. Besides regulating your sugar levels, a good breakfast will give your brain the energy to make it to lunchtime, meaning you’ll be more productive.