Morning Rituals

I was never a morning person, until I was. If you think you may be turning into a morning person, too, here are some ways to make the best of it. 

As I've gotten older, my internal clock has been reset. I find myself waking long before the alarm clock, even when I wish I could get in a few extra winks. Now that I know what I know, I actually prefer it. The house is quiet and I'm able to get a lot done before everyone else in the house is awake. In fact, the start to a great day is to wake earlier than you need to. The peace and quiet you experience just before the sun has risen gives you the opportunity to just be. 

There is no caffeine involved in my morning routine. I drink water, and if I'm lucky, a glass of lemon water to help detox my system and rehydrate my body. I really feel the key to healthy living is drinking lots of water. Give it a week and see how much better you feel. 

Then it's time for a stretch. Stretching your body wakes up your muscles. You don't have to do anything overstimulating, just a few easy yoga poses or simply raise your arms over your head, arch your back, and gracefully swoop down to the floor for a few minutes each day. If you're so inclined, you can start a morning exercise routine as well. Not only will this wake you up, you can check it off your list. I start to wind down sometime around 4:00, so it's imperative that I get exercise in before noon on most days and before the excuses begin. 

Listen to music or read. This is your time to do whatever makes your soul sing. Choose carefully. Some days you might want something light and relaxing, while other days you'll want to find something more upbeat and inspiring to jumpstart the day.

I need to eat breakfast. You need to eat breakfast. It really is the most important meal of the day. I suggest something with protein and lots of vitamins. Low-fat yogurt and a banana always works for me, but I also need a few carbs. Remember, you're fueling your body after a long fast.

Before you begin the rest of your day, take a few moments and close your eyes. Sit, relax, even meditate if you so choose. 

Now I plan. Out comes the list. Decide what you want to accomplish that day and do it. If your to-do list is anything like mine, you'll want to break it down into manageable chunks. Choose three things that can get done, and do them. Cross off three more things the next day and so on. We can all manage three.

Whether you're headed for work, or it's a Saturday and you have nothing better to do, this new morning routine will make you feel better. Introducing healthy habits, even in the smallest of ways, leads to a happier (healthier) you. 

P. S. You may also like Hormones!, Emotional Release, and Stress and Anxiety Triggers.