Establishing a morning ritual can help your body and mind get in the right frame of mind for success throughout your day. It also gives you energy to tackle all tasks with focus.
One of the best ways to start your day is by doing some form of exercise. Whether it’s yoga or taking a walk, it can help get the blood flowing and relax your mind at once.
1. Take a warm shower
Showering in the morning is an effective way to get your blood flowing, improve your circulation, and wake up your brain. Furthermore, it helps you feel relaxed and sleepy – essential for promoting healthy sleep patterns.
Showering in cold water can force your body into vasoconstriction, forcing blood from arms and legs back into your core and increasing oxygenation throughout. It may also trigger an adrenaline surge which can provide energy and kick start your day.
If you’re having trouble getting out of bed in the mornings, a quick shower can be a great way to boost your energy and prepare for the day ahead. Try alternating between cold and hot water for 30 seconds, or better yet, spend several minutes under the shower head on one side and switch back to hot for another 30 seconds.
However, it’s best to avoid overheating the water as this can result in burning yourself or aggravating an existing skin condition. Generally speaking, a temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for showering.
In the long run, it’s beneficial to establish a daily ritual of taking a warm shower. Doing so can maximize the benefits of this life-altering habit.
Additionally, using a gentle pH-balanced soap can improve your skin and hair health as well as leave you feeling more hydrated and healthy overall. Just be sure to select an gentle soap that has a low pH balance, and limit how long you spend in the water for best results.
It is especially essential for individuals with eczema or other inflammation-related skin conditions.
A warm shower not only eliminates germs and fungus, but it can also relax your muscles. This is especially effective at relieving muscle pain – which may be contributing to poor sleep quality.
If you’re having difficulty getting in the shower, take baby steps by starting with just washing your face with cold water for two days before adding more into your morning routine. With time, adding more cold water will become easier over time.
2. Sip on a cup of coffee
Starting each day off right with a positive mindset not only helps you start off on the right foot, but it can also improve mental health and reduce stress. Not only that, but having an morning ritual increases productivity levels and gives you clarity for what your life’s purpose is.
First and foremost, determine your morning objectives. This will guide which activities you want to incorporate into your routine and which ones can be skipped.
If you have a specific task that must be accomplished during the day, it’s essential to focus on it. Writing it down and prioritizing it as one of your top priorities will help maintain focus throughout the day.
Another option is to write down the top three tasks you must accomplish today that align with your long-term objectives. These could include things related to career development, personal growth and general direction in life.
If you are writing a book, it may be beneficial to focus on finishing up the initial pages or coming up with new content ideas for your online community.
Sipping on a cup of coffee is an enjoyable morning ritual that many people enjoy. It may be particularly helpful for those who struggle with getting out of bed in the morning. Additionally, this ritual can be combined with other activities like listening to music or taking a walk.
A cup of coffee can help you wake up faster and feel more energized. If you don’t drink coffee, herbal teas offer similar effects without the caffeine crash.
Incantations are an invaluable form of self-care and should be part of your morning rituals. They’re more effective at encouraging positive thinking than affirmations, as they help shift your physiology into a more uplifted state that lasts throughout the rest of your day.
Incantations are most powerful when performed with your body and voice in mind; thus, only use them when you feel they are beneficial to you. That is why working with a professional life coach who can assist in creating an individual morning ritual is such an ideal option.
3. Listen to music
Your alarm clock snoozed again and you stumbled out of bed to take a shower, feeling exhausted. Since those eight hours of rest weren’t quite enough due to an event in your life, it’s time for some simple morning rituals that will improve mood, energy levels and concentration throughout the day. It’s time to create these habits so you don’t miss anything important throughout the day.
Listening to Music
Waking up early to music might seem like an indulgence, but it can actually be a very calming and relaxing practice that benefits your whole body and mind. It helps lower blood pressure, reduce stress and anxiety levels, boost moods, and even provide you with better night’s sleep.
When selecting an alarm song for the morning, it’s essential to select one that will help you wake up and feel alert. Avoid loud alarm songs that start blasting out loud and make you drowsy; opt for a slow-paced, peaceful melody that builds energy gradually throughout the day.
Songs with inspirational lyrics can lift you out of a low mood and into one of joy. Popular lyrics such as “It’s a beautiful day” or “Every little thing is gonna be alright” serve to remind us of the good in life.
For a more tranquil morning tune, Cat Stevens’ “Morning Has Broken” is an ideal option. Its serene atmosphere and spiritual lyrics will help you feel relaxed before your day gets underway.
Another excellent option is U2’s “Beautiful Day.” This song contains inspiring messages about finding beauty in everything, providing you with a positive outlook to tackle your day with.
When selecting a song, the sound elements can make all the difference. Look for songs with strong “beats on counts 2 and 4 of each measure — usually featuring bass and drums — with an approximate BPM range between 100-130,” along with upbeat lyrics.
Take advantage of all the opportunities throughout the day to incorporate music into your routine and see how much you enjoy it. Over time, these small moments will add up to create a relaxing atmosphere where you can listen to music every day.
4. Take a walk
Walking is an excellent way to get your heart rate up and lift your mood. Plus, studies have indicated that it may help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms as well.
Many people struggle to fit exercise into their daily schedules, but it doesn’t have to be. Plus, there are plenty of ways to make it enjoyable and engaging for all ages.
Start with short, quick walks on a regular basis and gradually increase the amount of time spent exercising. MacPherson recommends getting 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each day; however, even shorter walks are beneficial for overall health.
If you find yourself walking the same area often, try switching up your routes. You might want to take a different path or explore an unfamiliar park with trails.
Consider inviting a friend or family member to join you as well. This will provide companionship and spur you on to continue walking regularly.
MacPherson recommends taking breaks along the way, whether you’re taking a quick stroll or an hour-long trek, to help you feel your best and maximize the benefit of your exercise session. Doing this will allow you to maximize each moment and maximize the effectiveness of each session.
Research has also demonstrated that walking can enhance creativity and trigger “ah-ha!” moments. Scientists conducted tests with subjects sitting or walking and discovered that those who walked recalled more details and thought more creatively than their counterparts who sat.
For even greater benefits, make your walk a social occasion by conversing with others or joining a walking group. Doing so will enable you to build an enduring social network and elevate your mood.
MacPherson notes that walking not only burns more calories and raises your heart rate, but it can also aid weight loss. So make it a habit of walking before work or when you have extra free time in the mornings.
As long as you’re in good health and haven’t had any serious medical issues, physical activity can be beneficial for both body and mind. However, if you’re overweight or haven’t exercised in some time, it’s especially important to speak with your doctor before beginning a new fitness program.