Frankly speaking, mornings are difficult. The majority of us get up, press the snooze, scroll through our phones, and already feel like we are lagging behind. However, did I say that all that stood between you and being unstoppable could be achieved by modifying your morning routine by a few minor tweaks?
I do not mean hiking to the mountain top before breakfast or sitting two hours in deep concentration. I mean simple things, habits, things that anybody can do, that cumulate and grow in power with time. The habits do not demand attention but they operate quietly, influencing your way of thinking, your energy and your attention.
Following are the 10 morning practices that will enable you to be quietly powerful--day by day.
Consistency is key. Getting up early in the morning daily- on weekends too- your body gets used to the time to wake up. It keeps your sleeping pattern consistent and this translates to more energy in the day.
Hint: You can begin by simply spending 15 minutes in advance. When that is comfortable, make a new adjustment. Over time, this adds up.
02.Drink Water First Thing
When you have taken 6-8 hours of sleep, your body is already dehydrated. That sluggish, foggy feeling? Sometimes it's just thirst.
I have a bottle of water beside my bed. I take it the first thing I get up and drink it, before even looking at my phone or engaging in any other activity. It is a little thing, but it causes my system to wake up and makes me feel that I have control.
03.Make Your Bed
Starting your day by making your bed wins you fast. It states, I already have one task done to-day. That little victory predetermines how the rest of your day will be.
What is more, it feels so good to go back to a prepared bed at night.
04.Exercise Your Body (Even 5 Minutes)
You don't need a gym. You don't need fancy shoes. Just move.
Stretch. Do a few squats. Take a walk around the block. Exercising in the morning will wake up your brain and feelings and make you feel confident.
Some days I do yoga. Other days it is simply dancing and singing in my room to one of my favorite songs. The thing is to act--not to be good.
This one's hard--but powerful.
By looking at your phone immediately, you allow the world to determine how you feel. Emails, messages, social media, they all catch your eye and you have not even had a moment to think on your part.
Test it: turn your phone off and place it in airplane mode before going to bed. Take 30 minutes to yourself in the morning. You will be surprised by the way you will be relaxed.
06.Write Down One Goal per Day.
Not a to-do list. Just one clear goal.
What do you consider the most significant thing you should do today? Write it down. Keep it simple.
This is a habit that will keep you concentrated. One can get distracted with busywork. But having a single purpose, you move with force.
07.Practice Gratitude
Each morning, list 2 or 3 things that you are thankful about. They do not necessarily need to be profound or dramatic. There are days when I am thankful that I can have hot coffee or a good pillow.
The feeling of gratitude replaces the state of stress with appreciation. And just because you begin your day with thanks, you will feel a bit lighter.
because it is positive and current.
Fill your mind with good fuel.
Read in one or two pages a book that you find inspirational. Listen to an inspiring podcast as your teeth are being brushed. Five minutes can make you feel happier and change your mindset to a more positive one.
I am usually listening to something positive as I dress up, this reminds me how my day will be.
09.Visualize Your Day
Shut your eyes and imagine your day passes off well.
Imagine being able to manage a meeting. Finishing that big task. Smiling on your way home.
It is not about magic, but about clearness. As soon as you imagine success, your brain begins to think that it can be. And that perception is everything.
We all talk to ourselves. The thing is, we are usually mean.
Experiment: Every day in the morning, speak some nice things to yourself. "I've got this." "Today is a fresh start." "I'm doing better than I think."
Sounds cheesy? Maybe. But inner strength is the result of self-kindness. And it is inner strength that makes you really unstoppable.
Final Thoughts
All these habits are not complex. Indeed, the majority of them last less than 5 minutes. But put them together one after another, day by day, they make momentum.
The best part? You don't need to be perfect. Start with one or two habits. Give them an opportunity to join your life. Then add more. Bit by bit, you will create a morning regimen that will gradually turn you around.
And one day, you will be looking back and you will see:
You did not simply make your days--you perfected them.
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