Mornings are hard for everyone.
Whatever to-do lists we finished yesterday are instantly forgotten, and new
ones begin to pile up -- fast.
To help you win your mornings and
start your day off right, we’ve partnered with belVita to bring you the best
early-day habits of well-balanced people.
They Have A Set Bedtime
Morning habits begin when you
close your eyes the night before. You can’t start a well-balanced day if you
don’t get a well-balanced night’s sleep, can you? Set a bedtime that allows for
the recommended seven to eight hours of shut-eye. Adequate sleep not only helps
you feel better, boosts your mood and offers numerous health benefits, it also
improves memory and sharpens attention, which are both crucial to maintaining a
balanced life.
They Wake Up Early
You don’t need to be on a rowing
machine at 4 a.m. to make the most of your morning, but you do need to leave
yourself enough time before heading out the door to finish all the things that
make your first few hours successful. Research shows early risers use extra
time in the mornings to organize, set goals and plan their schedule, which all
contribute to a smooth day ahead.
They Don’t Hit The Snooze Button
While those extra Zs are
enticing, especially so early in the morning, don’t give in to the temptation!
Hitting “snooze” will only exacerbate any sluggish or tired feelings you have
when you first open your eyes, leaving you more tired -- and rushed, since
you’ll have less time to prep for the day.
They Exercise
Exercising first thing in the
morning is a great way to start your day off on the right foot and create a
positive routine. Not only are there numerous health benefits -- like improved
mental clarity and metabolism -- you’ll also free up your schedule for any
post-work activities, or a night of much-needed rest and relaxation. If you
can’t fit in a yoga session or quick run, try walking around the block.
They Take Time To Be Thankful
Instead of immediately thinking
about the never-ending list of tasks you have to accomplish, wake up grateful
for another day. Give yourself a moment to celebrate a recent accomplishment,
or something positive going on in your life.
They Are Appreciative
Sending an uplifting message, or
simply a “Good morning!” text, to a family member or friend is a great way to
put yourself in the mindset to have a strong and uplifting day -- and remind
yourself of all the great people you have in your life. You can make this part
of your routine during your morning coffee, commute or even while waiting in the
bodega line.
They Meditate
Whether you meditate during your
commute, on your lunch break or before you even leave your bed, this “mental
hygiene” practice helps to reduce stress, improve concentration and encourages
a healthy lifestyle. Meditation can also boost happiness, self-awareness and
self-acceptance, which are all essential steps to live your steadiest life.
They Are Realistic
While overachievers may be quick
to prove how many tasks they can pack into one day, it’s important to be
realistic about what you can and cannot accomplish so you can set expectations
-- those of the people who are relying on you as well as your own -- accordingly.
This leaves less room for stress and unnecessary rushing throughout the day,
leading to a calmer, more balanced day (and life).
They Listen To Uplifting Music Or
An Audiobook
Set yourself up for success by
starting your morning with music you find enjoyable, or a book or podcast you
find inspirational, motivational or uplifting. Not only will this give you
something to look forward to in the mornings, but music has been shown to
reduce stress and anxiety, improve immune functioning and aid memory.
They Eat A Filling Breakfast
Beginning your morning with a
well-balanced breakfast sets the precedent for an equally steady and productive
day. Not only does eating breakfast help you feel fuller longer, but studies
show that regular breakfast eaters feel more energized, have better memory
retention and even have steadier cholesterol levels than those who skip the
meal.
Courtesy of: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/12/morning-habits-well-balanced-life_n_6818110.html
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