Mornings are the most important part of the day – we’ve all heard it. Whether that rings true for you with a delicious, vitamin-packed breakfast, a short meditation or taking your time with your morning routine.
Many of us experience stress on a daily basis. The worst way to start our days is by thinking of the tasks that await us, our anxieties, and the checklist we have to get through by the end of the day. The best way is to be ready and in control of our day. Let’s transform our mornings from dreadful to peaceful!
Become an Early Bird
This goes hand in hand with going to bed earlier, if you can. Waking up earlier will give you more time to gently wake instead of jolting out of bed and starting your day stressed.
The way we wake up and arrange our morning creates a ripple effect. Slowing down can also create a meditative experience out of simple morning tasks like brushing your hair, doing your makeup or tying your tie without rushing. Peacefully melt into your morning routine to create a tranquil headspace and set the tone for the day.
Take Time to Journal
Journalling allows the mind to be freed by emptying out toxic or worrisome thoughts onto paper. This makes it easier for you to objectively look at your thoughts from a bird’s eye view so you can thoughtfully reflect.
The 5 Minute Journal by Intelligent Change is a great example of a journal that helps you start your day off right. It focuses on practices that support gratitude, and brings your awareness to actions that will positively enhance your life. Think of it like fitness for your brain, that trains your mind to focus on the positive aspects of your life.
Move Your Body
Moving your body is incredibly balancing! Whether for you that means a 30 minute yoga session, brisk walk or a nice run. And, make the time to fully stretch every morning: and your limbs, muscles, tendons.
Notice where you hold the most tension. If you work at a desk, you may hold a lot of tension in your shoulders and neck, if you are on your feet all day, your legs and feet may need some more attention. Just as exercise releases endorphins that positively impact your mood, stretching has the same effect.
Put Your Phone Down
Most of us are guilty of this – we wake up, reach for our phones as soon as we open our eyes, and unknowingly spend 30 minutes mindlessly scrolling our feeds. This is an incredibly unhealthy habit and a difficult one to break.
A good tip is to keep your phone on airplane mode in another room, and use a standard, traditional alarm clock to wake you up. This will easily help you break the habit of falling asleep to your screen and waking up to it. Keep the bedroom a serene, technology-free space.
Cut Back on Coffee
Coffee can be a strong hormone disruptor, as it spikes our cortisol levels when they are at their highest – an hour after waking up. This only stresses you out and gets your heart pumping unnecessarily.
Try to wake up with a non-caffeinated herbal tea, water with a freshly squeezed lemon, or a smoothie instead. If you must have coffee (like I do) have it a bit later in the morning rather than first thing. Be mindful of reducing your daily caffeine intake. This will also save you money by reducing your visits to the local coffee shop.
Make a Delicious Breakfast
Breakfast – the most important and most delicious meal of the day! Start by making a vitamin-rich breakfast every morning – yes, make it a habit. This will positively impact how you feel during your day.
Try simple scrambled eggs with avocado toast and tea. Oatmeal, fruit and yogurt is also a great option. There are so many options you can whip up in under 15 minutes that will get your mind and body going on a positive note!
If you feel your stress levels are beginning to disrupt your life, get in touch with me to learn more about how I work. We can work together to get you on a more tranquil, stress-free path through Vancouver life coaching.
