September is often a month of transitions as we move from summer to autumn. It’s time to harvest the vegetables we’ve been growing all summer to prepare for winterizing in October, and layers are required to stay comfortable as temperatures drop towards the end of the month. The days get shorter and for many of us, school starts back up again.
This time of year can make for some pretty hectic mornings, but it doesn’t always have to. With a bit of thought and a few simple changes, our morning can go from manic to motivating.
Here are five ways to make the most of your mornings:
Harness the power of the sun:
Open your curtains first thing when you wake up or make time for a short morning walk in the sunlight. Just a few minutes of exposure to the sun each day enables our bodies to create vitamin D, essential for strong bones and healthy skin. Sunlight also triggers the production of serotonin, improving both mood and decision-making capabilities.
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Eliminate decision making:
Making decisions takes energy having too many decisions to make creates decision fatigue. The fewer decisions we have to make in the morning, the more energy we have available to us throughout the day. There are several ways to streamline our mornings to reduce decision fatigue including:
- Lay out clothing the night before
- Pack lunch ahead of time
- Have a small selection of easy to prepare breakfasts on hand
- Prepare to-do lists before going to bed
- Have a set morning routine
Hydrate:
It’s no secret that proper hydration is a crucial component of a healthy lifestyle. Even mild dehydration can have a negative effect on short-term memory, alertness, and concentration. Kickstart your hydration regimen by drinking a glass of water or two first thing in the morning.
Schedule time each morning for self-care:
Stress is a productivity killer. It leaves us anxious, tired, and unfocused—not the best way to start the day. Taking time each day for self-care helps curb stress, improve focus, and enhances motivation. Daily self-care routines vary a great deal from individual to individual.
- Scheduling time for play in the morning can stimulate the imagination, improve problem-solving skills, and increase empathy. Whether it includes playing with your pet, chasing the kids around the house, or sitting down to draw or color, indulging your inner child comes with a host of benefits.
- For some individuals, exercise is the key to waking up and feeling ready to take on the day. Whether it’s gentle yoga stretches or endorphin-producing morning runs, exercise gets our blood flowing and boosts motivation.
- Exercising and maintaining our mental muscles are also essential for our well-being. Reading, journaling, meditation, and puzzle-solving are all forms of self-care that can provide both relaxation and mental stimulation in the morning.
Know your “Why”:
Your “Why” is your purpose in life, the reason you get out of bed in the morning. Understanding your internal motivation will spur you to want to get up and get going in the morning. Although this sounds like a simple step, it’s one that often requires a great deal of effort.
Our “Why” in life gives us a direction in our journeys, but it’s important to note that our purpose isn’t carved in stone. As we grow and as our circumstances change, our purpose is likely to change, too. It is also important to examine your purpose regularly. This helps to ensure that you are steering your life in the direction you want it to go.
Unsure about your “Why”? Need a little extra morning motivation? Join us for another round of Cotivation, starting soon!
How we manage our mornings can set the tone for the rest of our day. Using these tools will help your mornings become more manageable and give you the boost you need to make every day magical.
Photo by Alysha Rosly on Unsplash 