Starting the day mindfully isn’t always an easy feat. In between hitting the snooze button for the fifth time and downing a strong coffee, there doesn’t seem like much time for a leisurely breakfast or meditation session.
But taking a little extra time to create a meaningful morning routine really work wonders on our creativity, productivity and energy levels – you just need to know where to start.
Get up early
The only way to kick those bad morning habits is to get up earlier – after all, there’s nothing mindful about racing out the door, breakfast in hand.
This doesn’t mean waking up at the crack of dawn. Just setting your alarm for 30 minutes before your usual wakeup time can give you a few peaceful moments before anybody else wakes up. Whether you dedicate that time to meditation or a personal passion project, you won’t regret it.
Have a mindful check-in
If you can’t quite drag yourself out of bed as soon as the alarm clock rings, do not fear. Use this duvet moment as an opportunity to have a mindful check-in.
Take the time to ask yourself a few questions: Is there anything worrying you? What do you want to get out of the day? Is your mind calm or racing? Just a few minutes of mindfulness opens your awareness to the present moment, helping improve your focus and regulate your emotions. We especially love The Happiness Planner, as it provides a helping hand when it comes to making positive thinking and mindfulness a part of your daily routine.
Get Hydrated
Hit the h2o as soon as you’re up. When you wake from a long sleep your body is naturally dehydrated, so water should be the first thing on your mind.
Drinking a large glass of warm lemon water is the best – simply squeeze the juice of half a lemon into filtered lukewarm water. Just taking a few minutes to sip your drink slowly can have a profound effect on your feeling of wellbeing.
Squeeze in a yoga session
Yoga is the go-to exercise of choice for mindful mornings. Not only does a daily practice wake up the body, but it invigorates the mind too – leaving you feeling energised from head to toe. The key to a good morning yoga session is trying out poses that expand the heart and lungs, get the spine moving and invigorate the internal organs.
If you’ve never tried yoga before, take it easy – a simple 10 minute practice is enough to set you up for the day.
Eat a healthy breakfast
Typical breakfasts are loaded with fat, grains and sugar – a combo that will spike your blood sugar, leaving you starving and sleepy within a few short hours.
Instead set time aside in the morning to eat a nutritious breakfast. Whether you choose a cosy bowl of quinoa porridge or a veggie-packed omelette, starting your day with a meal full of protein, healthy fats and a liberal helping of fruit and veg is always a good idea. Still stuck? Our Mexican veggie breakfast recipe is full of good fats, iron, protein and gluten-free – the perfect start to your day.
Find time to be grateful
Counting your blessings really can make you feel better. Whether it’s during your meditation session or while you’re waiting for the bus, taking a moment to express gratitude can make a world of difference to your day. Not only does this simple act help you to reflect on what you’ve achieved, but it gives you the motivation to continue on the right path.