Mornings. You may love them, hate them, or just feel meh about them. “The early bird gets the worm” is how the saying goes, and if you believe that, then you probably also care about your morning routine.
But here’s the truth: No matter if you’re a morning person or a night owl, how you start your day matters.
If you start the day off on the wrong foot, then you might feel a cloud of negativity hanging over you the whole day. But if you start the day off on a good note, then you’ll approach everything in a more positive way.
You can set your day up for success with good habits. These three practices will help!
Make Your Bed
Some people love jumping up when their alarm goes off and immediately making the bed. Other people can’t because their partner is still asleep or because they have kids who need them first thing in the morning.
No matter what your situation is, if you have time, try to make your bed in the morning. It helps your brain know that you’re starting a new day–and at the end of the day, it helps you relax more easily.
There’s even a book about it called Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life… And Maybe the World. If you’re interested in more small changes that can add up in your life, then definitely check out the book!
Meditate or Journal
This one is the hardest practice on the list for me to actually put into action. Personally, I like jumping headfirst into my day and getting moving. It can be really difficult to wake up early, sit down, and then meditate or journal. But there’s a lot to be said for slowing down, taking your time, and setting an intention for the day.
Meditating or journaling are both great options. Writing about what you’re grateful for is a wonderful way to start your day. Keeping a dream journal is another way to set the night aside and greet the new day.
There are many ways to meditate. You can use a guided meditation app like Calm or you can look up meditation videos on YouTube. Meditation books are another great option. Some people simply focus on their breathing during their meditation practice. Research has shown that meditating for just a few minutes can have a positive impact on your life. Set a five-minute timer on your phone in the morning and get meditating.
Stretch
Do you ever dream about being one of those people who wakes up and does sunrise yoga every morning? I know I do. I would love to be that in touch with my fitness and my body, but it’s just not a feasible option for my current schedule.
If you’re like me and you don’t have time for a yoga flow, consider setting aside a few minutes to stretch your arms and legs. Don’t do too many intense stretches right when you wake up. Instead, wait a few minutes–until after you’ve made your bed and meditated or journaled–and then start stretching. Your body and your brain will be happy you did!
What Are You Waiting For?
You don’t have to be a morning person to start these three practices. All they require is a little concentration and some time. If you forget a couple of mornings in a row, don’t worry. You can always try again the next day!
