Marcus Aurelius is famous for the quote, “When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” The way we treat our morning can set the tone for the rest of the day. Learn how to cultivate healthy morning habits to make your day run smoother.
1. Shift Your Sleep Patterns
If you are a night owl and are used to staying up late and then dragging yourself out of bed in the morning, it may require a gradual shift in your sleep patterns in order to become a morning person. Make the change over a period of a few weeks, by gradually going to bed earlier each night, and waking up earlier the following morning.
By shifting your sleep schedule to wake up earlier each day, you can set yourself up for increased success and happiness. Psychology Today reported on a study showing that morning people are both more successful in their careers, and more satisfied with life in general. In the article, it states, “A recent study published in the American Psychological Association journal, Emotion, reports early risers are generally happier than night owls. More than 700 respondents, ranging from ages 17-79 were surveyed and asked about their emotional state, health and preferred time of day. Self-professed morning people reported feeling happier and healthier than night owls.”
2. Stretch In the Morning
Morning is the perfect time to stretch. You can encourage increased blood flow throughout your body, which can lead to improved flexibility and focus. Even just a couple of minutes a day can help improve your sense of well being and lead to an increased sense of gratitude throughout the day.
You can also choose to combine your stretching with meditation for added benefits. You can keep it simple, and just find a basic mantra to meditate on while you are stretching, or incorporate your stretching and meditation into a more comprehensive fitness routine such as yoga. No matter how you choose to incorporate meditation and stretching into your routine, you will be cultivating a healthy habit that will set you up for success.
3. Write Down Your Top 3 Goals for the Day
Making a list of what you want to accomplish each day can help you prioritize your tasks. Rather than making a comprehensive list, focus on just the top 3 goals you want to accomplish each day. By limiting your list to just 3 things you can ensure that you don’t become distracted by less important tasks. It can also help prevent the sense of overwhelm that can occur when you try to tackle too many high priority items at once.
Make the Most of Your Mornings
The morning can set the tone for the rest of your day. You can choose to face each morning with dread, or make a point to embrace the early hours. By choosing to start each day on a positive note, you can set yourself up for greater success and happiness. Cultivate healthy morning habits, and enjoy the benefits that come with them.
