There are plenty of social posts about the habits of very successful people, and the general consensus is that the way they begin their day, impacts how well it ends up. From getting on top of the logistics to the positive psychology tricks you can employ, here's how to leap out of bed on the right foot – and stay on it until you get back into bed at night.
Make your bed
Sounds pretty simple and probably something your mom would remind you to do, but there's a reason making your bed in the morning sets you up for success. This simple act of organizing – sheet, cover, pillows – and leaving your bedroom in a presentable condition – is reinforcement to your highly impressionable, half-asleep brain that order and calmness abound. More calmness equals less stress, and less stress equals better mood, more productivity and (hopefully) a better day.
According to Admiral William H. McRaven, we can change ourselves and the world around us simply by making our bed each morning. It is a simple task. If you make your bed every morning you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you some simple pride and help you to accomplish your next task, and another.
By the end of the day you will have accomplished many tasks. Making your bed first thing in the morning will also reinforce that little things matter. If by some chance you come home after a bad day, at least your bed is made. A bed you made, which will give you encouragement that tomorrow will be a better day. If you want to change the world, start by making your bed.
Hydrate
Your cells have been without water for several hours, so reintroducing water before any other substance (yes, that includes coffee) is key to prepping your GI tract for efficient work throughout the day. It's an easy way to rehydrate your body if you do it on autopilot. Plus, if you sip water throughout the morning, you may end up consuming two or more of your eight recommended glasses for the day. Set the tone for great hydration first thing.
Plan your day
A simple list of the three big things you'd like to accomplish in the short term (i.e. before noon or before the end of the day) can go a long way in terms of helping you move calmly through the day. Putting it on paper or in your phone takes away the stress of remembering and can serve as a helpful reminder of your goals. Prioritize the big goals to make the rest of the day run even more smoothly.
Play music you love
Regardless of your morning plans, a soundtrack of uplifting, energizing tunes will help prime your mind for positivity all day long. Pick whatever makes you happy and use it to get through your must-do's for before you leave the house.
Move
Want to feel better mid-afternoon? Make time in the morning to get your body in motion. Whatever it is – gentle stretching, walking the dog or doing a virtual in-home workout – starting your day with movement revs up your metabolism and stokes your energy for the day. Plus, you're more likely to make better food choices if you've done something positive for your body earlier in the day. You'll get that great workout in and you'll reap the benefits for hours afterwards. It's a win all around.
A well-planned morning can truly make for a better day. For a jumpstart – try laying out your clothes and jewelry the night before so that you have even fewer decisions to make first thing in the morning. Try it and see, this may be the game changer you have been missing all along. Have a great day!
References:
5 Morning Habits That Shape Your Whole Day. (2016, September 7). Retrieved April 23, 2020, from http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/mind-body/inspiration/5-morning-habits-that-shape-your-whole-day/
Admiral McRaven addresses the University of Texas at Austin Class of 2014