10 morning rituals to start now
Starting the day on autopilot can mean each day brings a replica of the past. In order to create something new in our life, we need to make a conscious choice to become more aware of how we are thinking, feeling and behaving.
Getting into some regular morning habits will reap rewards for your overall wellbeing and productivity. You are making an empowering choice to change your life. A daily ritual sets you up for success. Each person will have different rituals that work for them to ensure they are aligned with what they want.
Here are our favourite 10 morning rituals, you may feel are hard to adopt, but once you start you’ll never look back and you will become the master of your life!
1. Mind over mattress
This common term used for early risers was originally used to depict famous people, like Obama and Branson, who often preached about the benefit of rising early. In reality, rising early provides you with a sense of control over how your day is going to go. Of course, you may be tempted by your warm bed on a dark winter’s morning and it is really easy to hit that snooze button, however, by giving yourself that golden hour, you are allowing yourself to create the vision for the day.
GOOD TO KNOW
Getting up just 1 hour earlier every day will give you 15 days back in a year. Just think how much you could get done in 15 days! So, set your alarm for 6am and crank up that productivity!
2. Always be prepared
If your morning routine leaves you feeling like you fell out the wrong side of the bed then, there is a good chance you haven’t left yourself enough time to get everything done successfully to keep your mind focused and happy.
It’s a fact – being happy in the morning is all about being prepared the night before. Simple actions the previous night can set you up for success the next day. So, if you have a busy family to look after make sure you are bossing the pack lunches, uniforms and clean shoes the night before.
3. Drink a large glass of water
Before you place your tiny toe out of bed, drink a large glass of water. You might not feel it, but after a long night’s sleep your body wakes up naturally dehydrated. By drinking more water in the morning, your body will get a head start on keeping your bodily fluids properly balanced throughout the day.
Drinking water on an empty stomach also has a number of benefits such as flushing out toxins, speeding up your metabolism, and improving your overall gut health.
GOOD TO KNOW
Your brain is around 75% water. That should give you a good idea of just how important it is that you drink water to fuel your brain. So if you want to start your day focused and hydrated, pop a glass of water next to your bed the night before.
4. Make your bed
Good habits are kind of like a chain reaction, adopt one, and the rest will follow. By making it a point to make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished your first task of the day. A kind of small victory and sense of achievement. This sets the tone for more small victories and productivity throughout your day.
You will then find yourself naturally wanting to put the time and effort to make other small changes throughout your day in the interest of feeling organised, efficient, and like you are on top of things.
GOOD TO KNOW
If you have read “The Power of Habit,” by Charles Duhigg you will already know that daily bed making becomes a keystone habit, something that kick-starts a chain of other good decisions throughout the day and gives you a sense of taking charge.
5. Make time for a healthy breakfast
Attention breakfast skippers… skipping breakfast isn’t the best way to cut calories. In fact, experts believe it’s actually counterproductive.
We know the power of a good breakfast here at The Six Pack Revolution. However, make sure you avoid those sugary cereals and processed toast and dig into our favourite power food, the humble egg. Throw in some ‘Popeye’ spinach and your healthy fats and you will be full of energy to start your day.
6. The power of daily goals
Literally, the power of writing down your personal daily goals is phenomenal. It can turn your worries into positive thoughts, improve your home and work relationships and, most importantly, keep you grounded. Let’s be clear here. This isn’t a to-do list. Goals require more than ticking tasks off an ever-growing list. For better results, you need a way to make your daily goals purposeful. Journaling helps you connect your daily feelings with your actions and end goal.
So buy a notebook and start carving out some time every morning to achieve your very own personal success! Our article The ‘no pressure’ way to setting life goals may help you get started.
7. Get your daily workout done
We talk about exercise a lot. The reason for this is that it is absolutely crucial for both your mental health and the health of your body. By completing just 20 minutes of physical exercise earlier in the day, you are igniting those endorphins and cranking up your energy levels. In fact, exercise can improve your brain function and even reduce that familiar afternoon slump. Making a conscious decision to start the day by doing something good for you, will set you on a healthy path for the rest of the day.
If you are out of practice, check out our article Home workouts the opportunity within where we share our ideas and suggestions on how you can build a great health and fitness routine at home.
8. Enjoy the silence
Before you hit the shower, it really is worth engaging in a short mindfulness routine. Start with 8 minutes of basic yoga poses; remember to include your breathing exercises. Follow with 2 minutes of meditation: Sit up as comfortably as possible, rest your hands on your knees, close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing. Finish with a slow inhalation and exhale.
9. Hugs and stuff
Okay, if you live alone then you might be hugging the cat and that’s okay. Stroking an animal produces all sorts of happy hormones. In fact, when you stroke a cat, your brain releases oxytocin, which is known as the ‘cuddle hormone’. The release of oxytocin helps you to feel more relaxed and contented.
Remember, touch is a powerful language that we can use to convey feelings of safety and love so make sure you start your day hugging your family…. or your cat!
10. Seek out good news
If the first thing you do when you wake is to reach for your phone, then your phone better be packed full of happy thoughts. Now, more than ever, our happiness seems inextricably linked to what the media is telling us.
Try following some of our favourite positive; happy; intellectual and powerful feeds…
https://www.instagram.com/harlowandsage/
https://www.instagram.com/nasa/
https://www.instagram.com/ditchthelabel/
https://www.rd.com/real-life-stories/inspirational-stories/
Final thought
Creating a positive mind set, in a confused and worrying time, can take real strength of character. By adopting just a few of these rituals each day, will help you deal with any negative or anxious feelings you may have. To be the best person you can be, whether it is in your friendships, your work life, or at home, you need to take the time to look after yourself too.
Take those 15 days back – jump out of bed and start enjoying your new found energy; creativity; positivity and productivity!
The Six Pack Revolution is a 75 day transformation programme, where we coach you on fitness, mind-set and nutrition.
Founded by Scott Harrison, the programme includes everything you need to get you into the best shape of your life. You’ll learn how to cook delicious recipes, and complete daily and weekly fitness challenges within a group of like-minded people, all looking to achieve the same outcome as YOU!
All our Six Pack Revolution coaches have been through the programme. They started where you are today and are proof that the programme works, and proof that anyone can do it too!
One of the best things about The Six Pack Revolution is the support network. You’ll get to know your new fitness family through a private Facebook Group. This is ‘The Hub’ where others in the group share their experiences, results and tips on overcoming obstacles.
We believe in you, and can’t wait to welcome you to the revolution!