Queen of Routine: Getting the best out of your early mornings
Admittedly any personal attempt at a morning routine in the past has been about as successful as trying to give up chocolate for lent. Sure, there are some days when life just seems to get in the way, but trying to make a habit of straying away from the usual morning rush can be so beneficial for your day-to-day mood and overall sense of achievement.
For the past month, I have succeeded at sticking to a morning routine (albeit, I have gone to bed slightly earlier than I would normally, just to make sure that I’m not depriving myself of any important rest) and have learned that by setting aside a little extra time in the mornings and implementing some of these small changes, my days have felt so much more productive.
CHARMED BY THE ALARM
Our alarm can be our worst enemy during our working week—but, it doesn’t have to be. It may sound silly, but even just making the smallest adjustment to your morning, such as finding a nice alarm, can make a positive impact on your day.
My sister encouraged me a while ago to change the alarm on my iPhone to the sound of birds tweeting and it has completely changed my morning! The volume increases with time, so there isn’t a high chance you can actually sleep through it, but it is a more peaceful alternative to a blaring alarm.
POWER SHOWER
This one does wonders. Having a quick, hot shower before work and taking 5-10 minutes to apply a nice moisturizer or face mask after, can make you feel refreshed, pampered, and ready for the day to come.
MAKE A BREW (it’s what Nan would do!)
I’m sure you’ve heard it a million times from your elderly relatives- there is no problem a cuppa cannot solve. Period. So, try and leave some time to sit down and have a hot drink.
Alternatively, if you prefer something cooler for the summer, try blitzing a fresh smoothie on the go (you can either purchase already-frozen fruit or if you have fresh fruit at home you can batch freeze it yourself to ensure no waste). A drink will get you feeling energised for the day ahead.
JUST EAT
If you are easily hangry (guilty!!!), then this one is especially for you. There is a reason breakfast is said to be the most important meal of the day, and that is to make sure your brain is fuelled and focused for the events ahead.
If you don’t normally eat something for breakfast, or find it quite boring to eat cereal every day, try preparing an exciting breakfast like pancakes or a fresh fruit salad. It will not only help you to focus a little bit more for the rest of the morning, but it is also a nice feeling knowing you’ve taken some time out of your day to nourish yourself.
ENTERTAIN THAT BRAIN
Let’s face it, this can be done at any point during your morning, from first thing when you wake up, whilst you’re making breakfast, or when you’re travelling to work. I usually like to listen to personal-development podcasts to help me feel motivated for the day and remind myself of my own goals.
If podcasts aren’t your thing, listening to a bit of your favourite upbeat music before the working day can also give you a little mood booster, which gets those endorphins flowing!
So there you have it. A few small ways to kick-start your morning and give yourself the energy you need to get through the working day. The early bird catches the worm, right?
Written by Em Hope
Follow her on Twitter @eminemmz