Starting your morning well and setting some good intentions for the day can be key to maintaining a positive outlook and good mood throughout the day. Even if your morning routine leaves you short of time, there are still some simple habits you can practice to get your day off to the best start, even on the greyest Monday morning.
Enjoy A Drink
Whether you reach straight for the coffee first thing in the morning, or prefer a gentler herbal brew to set up your day, taking five minutes to enjoy drinking a hot (or cold) drink can reduce stress and morning anxiety. This positive start to your day can stay with you throughout the morning and into the afternoon, meaning you will have a more relaxed, enjoyable day overall.
Seek The Light
There is plenty of evidence to suggest that spending even five minutes in a bright, sunny spot in the morning can help our complex circadian rhythms settle into a healthy pattern. Morning light will help to wake you in a natural way, reducing tiredness and fatigue during the day. This will also mean that you will start to feel tired as the daylight fades, which should help you set a decent sleep routine.
Read Something
Whether you reach for that morning’s newspaper, your favorite novel or a non-fiction text, spending five to ten minutes reading each morning can have an effect which is simultaneously calming and revitalizing. Reading a good book can help you focus on what interests and motivates you, while it can also help to distract from the sometimes hectic morning routines. Why not take a book with you on your morning bus or train route, so you have something to read while you commute?