I must admit - I'm not the biggest fan of the summer months. I don't do well in the heat, my anxiousness is often heightened and I get so red and hot I just end up looking like a sweaty lobster.
However one thing I do like about this time of year are the bright mornings. They really give me renewed motivation and there's a brilliant and inescapable sense of peace and tranquillity that come with them.
It's at this time of year that I want to do more in the mornings. I want to enjoy life at a more languid pace and soak in the sunshine and birdsong without feeling rushed.
Getting yourself into a good morning routine means that you are more organised, more productive and more motivated. Stress starts to slip away and you can take the time to enjoy those little moments of calm in between the madness of a busy week.
So with all that being said, here are my tips for setting yourself up for an amazing day -
When You Wake Up, Get Up
This is something I always live by and it really is a game changer when it comes to setting your day off on the right foot. It's not going to come easy to everyone but once you get into the habit you don't even have to think about it.
When you first wake up in the morning, instead of hitting snooze on your alarm or aimlessly scrolling through your social media, just get up. Swing your legs out of bed, make a beeline for the shower / kettle / fridge and start your day.
Oh yes, the temptation will be there to continue to lounge in bed, but trust me, if you start getting into good habits then you'll soon see your productivity (and energy levels) really rise.
Since I started doing this I've been in a better mood, had more time to myself and not felt so flustered trying to squeeze everything I need to do into a shorter period of time. As a mum it also means I get to enjoy a hot coffee in peace without being accosted for attention or acting as a human climbing frame.
Start Every Day With A Smile
Life can be manic sometimes. And it is so easy to get caught up in the stresses, trials and tribulations that get thrown at us. But even though there may be a million and one things that are getting you down, it is really important to take a step back and try and wake up with a grateful heart.
Perhaps it is thinking of a loved one, of something special that happened at the weekend or turning to a precious memory that makes you happy, when your eyes first flutter open in the morning try your best to think of something that makes you smile.
For those of you who may need more help, keep a framed photo under your pillow or on your nightstand. Or spray your sheets with a scent that evokes a happy memory. Store a keepsake in a pouch and tuck it under your bed or somewhere close by so that you can look over it first thing.
Make Time For Breakfast
Not everyone likes it or thinks they have time, but having breakfast matters. Even if it is just setting time aside to have a morning coffee or cup of tea as you read your paper emails.
Having just ten minutes to get some sustenance into your system and kick your brain into motion will stop you feeling like you are functioning on auto pilot. It will help keep you alert and hopefully curb those mid-morning cravings so that you can keep going until lunchtime.
Water, Water, Water
This is just as, if not more important than having breakfast and something that I am guilty of not doing well enough -
drinking enough water.
Staying hydrated is so important, but something that is so difficult to remember. With the call of the coffee machine being far too strong I nearly always forget to pour myself a pint of tap water to help replenish my system once I wake up.
If you are as bad as I am at remembering to do this, then there are a few different things we can try together. The first is to set water reminders on our phones. A little nudge to tell us to stop what we are doing and get a drink.
If this one isn't appropriate and you don't want an alarm going off every few hours, there are water bottles out there that give you guidelines about what to drink and when. I don't have one of these myself but I know if I did it would definitely give me the prompt I needed.
Inject A Little Colour
I know I'm one to talk because I am Little Mrs Monochrome, but I do think that carrying a little pop of colour with you throughout your day really does help to brighten your mood.
It doesn't have to be much - a touch of lipstick in a punchy pink or pillbox red, some bright nail varnish or even a pretty pair of pumps or earrings. Just getting a glimpse of something colourful is sometimes enough to make you smile and feel that little bit happier.
Do you have any tips for starting off your day off right? Let me know what you do in the comments below!
Imagery: Rachel Clarke Photography
Some great tips Jackie love the picture too!
ReplyDeleteI like to try and stay as calm as possible and take things slow. I find if i am rushing around then this results in me feeling anxious all day. xxx
Thank you Antonia :)
DeleteTaking things at a slower pace is definitely the right way to go. I don't like feeling rushed either and find it so stressful if I'm pressed for time. Getting up earlier has definitely helped me a lot with this - it's nice having some time to think about what I need too.
Jackie O xo