When your day starts off on the wrong foot, it can be difficult to get it back on track. Kick things off right by using these hacks to make the most of your morning.
1. Start the night before
If you have to make a mad dash every morning to get out the door, you’re bound to forget something (except stress — you’ll have that in abundance!). Take control of your morning by prepping for it the previous night before bed. Set the coffee maker to brew your favorite dark roast, stash your lunch in a stow-and-go container and put out your outfit.
2. Resist the urge to snooze
As tempting as it may be to hit that snooze button once twice three times to eke out 10 extra minutes of sleep, you may actually be sabotaging yourself — studies have shown that hitting snooze actually restarts your sleep cycle, making you feel groggy much longer once you’ve actually rolled out of bed. Aim for being up and at ’em by 6 a.m. That’s the magic hour major execs from Twitter, Disney and more have quoted as their wake-up call.
3. Get your blood flowing
Even if you don’t feel particularly awake yet, you can convince your body and brain you are if you just get your blood flowing. Exercise is an obvious (and excellent) option, but even running through a few simple stretches or doing jumping jacks in place will make that blood pump and create a feeling of alertness.
4. Rock out
Why not cue up your favorite playlist while you’re waking up? Or, better yet, listen to it and dance around the room to get your blood flowing (it’s a great alternative to traditional exercise). Science has proven that music makes you feel happy, and that flood of endorphins will give you the boost you need to have your best day.
5. Avoid your inbox
Yes, it is tempting to check your email as soon as you wake up. You’ll get no judgment here — I’m just as guilty as the next girl. However, this is a known time-sucker. You respond to one email, then another, than field responses and, before you know it, an hour has passed and your hair is still in curlers. Before you get swept into that vacuum, tend to the tasks pertinent to getting you up, ready and out the door. Email can wait until you get to the office.
6. Avoid technology altogether
Sacrilege, I know! But — like checking your email — watching TV, talking on the phone or browsing on your tablet will distract you from your agenda. They can also cause your stress levels to spike, thanks to catastrophic headlines, work-related emails and the like. All in all, they unnecessarily draw out your morning routine.
7. Eat breakfast
We’ve all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it’s totally true. Not only does it provide obvious health and nutritional benefits, but it improves your concentration, strength and stamina all day long. Talk about starting your day off on the right foot!
8. Carve out some QT
If you can find the time, do squeeze in a few minutes with your family before you all go different directions for the day. After all, you’re busy and it may be the only time of day you can all sit down and share together. Spending time laughing with your loved ones will remind you what you’re working so hard for, and that sense of purpose will put a smile on your face that will linger all morning long.
This post was brought to you by Trop50.
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