How to have the best day ever!

We’ve all done it. We set our alarms for an insanely early time, hear it buzz, hit snooze and then wake up groggy. Our eyelids are barely even open and we’re already holding our phone above our face (how many times have you dropped it?) scrolling down, clicking the “like” button, responding to emails and reading the news. We speed through our morning routine with just enough time to grab a granola bar or banana for breakfast on the way out. Our day speeds by at the speed of a freight train and before we know it we’re in bed with our phone above our head preparing for the next day.

Sound familiar?

There is absolutely nothing wrong with this routine. Some may actually enjoy the hustle and bustle that the early hours bring us. But what if you could wake up and set your day up for success before you even step foot outside?

Here are my 5 tips on how to set your day up for success.

1.Don’t hit the snooze button!

Yes, yes, I know you’ve heard it before but there’s a reason why! When you hit snooze and go back to sleep you are throwing off your body’s rhythmic clock and it becomes confused. It was already awake once after having (hopefully) a decent amount of sleep and is ready to start the beautiful day ahead! By hitting snooze, you are sending your body back into a light sleep that isn’t going to make you feel rested and rejuvenated but rather interrupted. Your body will attempt to go back into that deep sleep only to be reawakened in 5-10 minutes. Even if you are feeling tired when your first alarm goes off it is better to stay awake and get your body moving rather than attempting another 5 minute snooze. Try tactics once your eyes are open to help awaken your body and mind…which brings me to my next point!

2. Try having a glass of warm lemon water

Coffee lover? I am too. But let me tell you…3 years ago, I started incorporating a glass of warm lemon water into my morning routine and I am completely hooked! I actually have my husband to thank for this one as he was the one who recommended it. Our bodies become dehydrated as we sleep and in order to help wake our bodies up and feel that rejuvenation, we need to hydrate! Why the lemon? Lemon is high in vitamin C (bonus!) and gives a natural burst of energy. It cleanses and detoxifies our bodies while the warm water helps ease it into our systems in the mornings. At first, it was a bit difficult to get used to in the mornings and now I actually crave it as soon as I’m awake! Try it…give it a week or 2 and see if you notice a difference. You’ll be glad you did : )

3. Practice some type of mindfulness

I’m not a lover of meditation. Never have been. It just isn’t the method of mindfulness that works for me although that’s not to say it won’t work for you! I believe mindfulness can be tailored to our personal preferences and mine just happens to be journaling. I’ve been journaling since before I could write (my mom would journal for me.) I have found that writing down whatever is coming up for me in that moment has helped immensely with my overall wellbeing. I used to journal at night and write about my day and a few years ago I started journaling in the morning. I find that morning journaling puts my mind in a positive place. You don’t have to write a story! Sometimes I write a few sentences, other days I write an entire page. Whatever works for you. If journaling doesn’t tickle your fancy, try breathing exercises or a short meditation. Yoga and stretching can also be a great way to get in tune with your body and see what’s going on that day. I always make sure that I’ve done my journaling before I allow myself to pick up my electronics. Practicing some sort of mindfulness in the morning is a fantastic way for you to show yourself a bit of self love and just check in to see what’s going on that day.

4. Have something to look forward to!

For myself, this is coffee! Ah…coffee. One of life’s little pleasures. I enjoy the entire process of making my coffee. I pick out whichever mug makes me smile that morning, pick out my capsule, froth up my milk, attempt my horrendous latte art, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top and I am one happy gal. This is the little part of my routine that I look forward to every morning and makes me excited to get out of bed! Maybe it’s walking your dog, doing a workout, reading, playing with your kids, taking a bath. The possibilities are endless here but I think that it is so important to have something to look forward to in the morning. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant just as long as it makes pulling off those covers a bit easier.

5. Have a substantial breakfast!

I’m talking to you, Cocoa Puffs lovers! (No hate against the Cocoa Puffs 🙂 just not the vibe that we’re going for here.) Ok, 11am rolls around and you’ve been at work or in class for a few hours already and you’re absolutely ravenous! You run out to the vending machine to grab the quickest, tastiest thing you can find in hopes that it will tie you over until lunch. I am here to tell you there is a way to kick this 11am hunger monster to the curb! Try waking up 5-10 minutes earlier to prepare yourself a healthy, hearty breakfast that will give you energy and keep you satisfied until lunchtime. There are tons of options to choose from here but a few of my favs include: A hearty bowl of quick oats (2 minutes to cook!) topped with fresh berries, chia seeds, cacao nibs, almond butter and a bit of honey. Scrambled eggs and whole wheat toast, my glistening green smoothie or a bowl of greek yogurt with tons of fresh fruit on top. These are just a few of my favorites but make what you like, make what you have. Just make anything but a bowl of sugar filled cereal. Your body will thank you at 11am.

I hope these tips inspire you to create a morning routine that works for you. You can tailor it to fit your lifestyle and begin a routine that makes you excited to get out of bed in the morning! There are some seriously amazing things to be done today, now go have your best day ever!

Let me know in the comments below what are some things that you like to do during your day to make it extra amazing!

Love, Carrie