Ways to Make Every Morning Positive
By Sandy Schroeder
If you are more of a night owl than a morning person, waking up may be an ongoing challenge. You may get enough sleep, but still feel groggy and not very motivated when the alarm goes off. I always feel a bit tentative in the morning and use a variety of props to make everything easier.
If that sounds familiar, you may appreciate these MindBodyGreen.com suggestions.
Make a point of hydration - Most of us reach for coffee first, but some health experts suggest starting with two eight-ounce glasses of water. After a night's fast with no water, one regular filtered glass and another with fresh lemon help the body rebalance. Then you can move on to fresh juice, tea or coffee.
Add some meditation - Spend 10 minutes out on your patio or in your garden. Sit quietly and let your thoughts flow unchecked. If you use breathing exercises, do a few of those too. Let your mind roam and begin the day with a calm start. Later your mind will be clearer and your day may flow a lot better.
Energize your breakfast - Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and grains will keep you running all morning. Oatmeal with blueberries, oat milk and flax seed, toast with avocado, an omelet with sweet red peppers and salsa or a banana smoothie with nut butter and dark chocolate cacao powder could be just what's needed to power you ahead.
Boost your mood with exercise - Get outside with a short walk or early morning run. Starting the day with exercise can set the mood for the whole day. Exercise helps us sleep better, cope with stress and anxiety, and improve oxygen flow to the brain. It also increases blood circulation and encourages nerve development. Choose your favorites and follow up later with another session.
Figure out your day - After breakfast, before you plunge into the day, take a few minutes to orient yourself. Review schedules, projects and plans for the week, and note upcoming deadlines or unexpected events.
Take a few minutes for your family - Before you all head off in various directions, just spend a few minutes talking and assembling everything that's needed for the day.
Positive mornings have a way of playing out with more productive afternoons and relaxing evenings. Enjoy.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in League City, Tex.