Mornings are my favorite time of day. I love waking up just before the sunrise, making a delicious breakfast, and starting my day off with a calmness that only happens in those early hours while everything is still crisp and new. This wasn't always the case though. Mornings used to be something that I dreaded. They were the worst part of my day and I couldn't seem to change that for many years.
Staying up until 3 a.m. when I knew that I had to be back up at 6 a.m. was a normal thing for me. I'd wake up feeling exhausted, dreading the day ahead. I'd spend my mornings rushing around to get ready; often skipping breakfast and being late all because I struggled to get out of bed.
That went on for years, butI really never had a desire to fix it though. I didn't really see it as a problem. I just thought that I wasn't meant to enjoy mornings.
One day last year I was asked by a friend to be her workout partner. I was always looking for friends to workout with, so of course I agreed. She had to be at work by 7 a.m. and mornings were the only time that worked for her. "Will 5 a.m. work for you?" she asked me. I immediately agreed just for the sole fact that I'd have someone to workout with. I also didn't think that it would last long because I've never had any luck with workout partner.
"I can do this temporarily," I thought to myself each morning the alarm went off at 4:20 a.m.
Well guess what, it wasn't temporary. We still get together to this day. Not always early in the morning, but that doesn't matter anymore.
With that set routine and motivation I was able to create morning's full of good intentions and motivation for each day I was about to face.
Here are some things that helped me become a morning person:
1. Try for 7-8 hours of sleep a night
This may seem like a lot, but I honestly believe that this is one of the most important thing you can do for yourself. Getting enough sleep helps regulate your metabolism, strengthen your immune system, increases your motivation and concentration on everyday tasks.
2. Create a sleep schedule and stick with it
Once you understand the importance of 7-8 hours of sleep, then you need to try to establish a sleeping schedule. If you usually go to bed around 11 p.m. to get in those needed hours of rest, then do that on weekends as well. You might not have to be up at 6 a.m. on Saturday, but what would it hurt if you were? Having a schedule helps your body maintain that routine that you work so hard for each week night.
3. Create a delicious (and nutritious) breakfast
This is my favorite one. Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. It helps fuel your body for it's daily tasks and wakes up your metabolism. Plus it's tasty and enjoyable! Allow time for your breakfast. Make some oatmeal, omelets, smoothies, parfaits, etc. Then sit down at the table and focus on what you're doing in that moment; nourishing your body!
4. Drink lemon water each morning
Before you make that yummy breakfast grab a glass of warm water and squeeze half of a lemon into it. This helps aid digestion, boosts immunity and moods, clears your skin. There are so many benefits from doing this simple task.
5. Meditate
Starting your day off with meditation can do wonders for you. All you have to do is sit somewhere comfortable (I do this on my bed), close your eyes, clear your mind, and breathe. I do this each morning for only 5 minutes and it's amazing how much my body awareness has increased and my negativity has decreased.
6. Stretch
Right after I meditate, I stretch. I go through a short yoga sequence or just bend and twist however my body feels like in that moment. You'll get your blood flowing, waking up all parts of your body; including your brain. Plus you'll be preparing your body for whatever the day ahead brings.
7. Experiment
Yes, experiment with what works for you! I can only share things that have helped me. They might help you too, but you might be able to come up with something else that is works wonders for you. It's your body and you know it best, so have fun with it!