What you do in the morning can set the tone for what happens until you go back to bed. Start your day with rituals that make you feel powerful and alive, including shaving.
Empowering Morning Rituals for Your Body
Mornings are a busy time for many families just getting everyone out of the door on time.
On the other hand, you and your kids may be spending your days at home. That can be just as stressful as commuting, especially if you’re concerned about your health and finances.
The specific habits you choose will depend on your values and goals. Start small and have fun experimenting. Consider these ideas for morning rituals designed to help you thrive.
Skip The Snooze Button
Do you feel groggy even after 8 hours of sleep? The trouble could be your snooze button. It interrupts your body’s natural waking process. That can cause sleep inertia that lasts for hours.
It also makes you feel as if you have less time to get ready in the mornings. If you re tempted to hit snooze, try setting your alarm for 5 minutes earlier than usual. You ll be more likely to wake fully and enjoy that first rush of morning energy.
Weigh Yourself
If you’re trying to lose excess weight, stepping on the scale each day may help. Keep in mind that daily fluctuations are natural, so look for upward or downward trends. If you find yourself getting stressed out over the daily fluctuations, try weighing weekly instead.
Drink Water
You may want to postpone your first cup of coffee. Plain water will rehydrate your organs and make you feel more alert. You can add a little flavor with berries, herbs, or cucumber slices. Or try a sprig of mint.
Shave
After rising from bed, but before eating breakfast, shave. Make it a ritual.
Eat Breakfast
You also need to refuel. Enjoy a balanced meal of traditional breakfast foods or heat up some leftovers. Assemble your favorite sandwich. Enjoy a bowl of cereal with milk. Cereal is a quick and easy meal option. Make sure to choose an option that has 100 percent of the daily value (DV) for fiber, whole grains and protein. Smart choices include Greek yogurt with fruit or a fish taco.
Work Out
Complete your main exercise session or move around a little, especially if you’ll be sitting at a computer for hours. Choose an activity that you love, like yoga or swimming. Or, find a workout buddy to get you motivated.
Go Outdoors
Morning light wakes up your body and starts a hormone cycle that prepares you for restful sleep at night. In the morning, your body gets a signal to stop producing melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that tells your body it’s time to sleep. When you get enough light in the morning, this signal doesn’t happen.
Sit on your patio or bike to work.
Maybe combine these last two ideas by working out outdoors?
Empowering Morning Rituals for Your Mind
If you’re looking to add a little more meaning to your morning rituals, around shaving, here are a few ideas.
Avoid Technology
Resist the urge to lose yourself in social media. You’re going to have time for that later. Turn off your phone or check for urgent messages only. This will help you to focus on the positive, which can improve your mood and make you feel happier.
Be Prepared
Prepare for the day ahead. Starting on tasks the night before can make your mornings more pleasant. Lay out your clothes and pack your briefcase. Make your lunch and store it in the fridge, and set out your car keys. Do small things that you can do the night before to start the day off on a good note.
Meditate Or Pray
Nourish your spirituality. If you’re a beginner, start with a few minutes of meditation and build up your time gradually. If you are not a meditative person, prayer may be more your style. Prayers can be as simple as saying thank you to God for the day ahead.
Repeat Affirmations
Give yourself motivational messages. Speak in the present tense and keep your statements brief. Looking in the mirror can help you focus. Whatever your style, affirmations can help you to focus on your goals (and not the roadblocks) and remind yourself that you are what you think.
Connect With Loved Ones
Enjoy family time. Play a word game with your kids while you’re helping them get dressed. Tell your partner that you love them. The more you connect with loved ones, the less time you’ll have to worry about your own problems.
Cultivate Gratitude
Count your blessings. Think of someone who you need to thank today. Think of someone who you need to forgive and let go. Think of the good things in your life.
Make a list of everything that you have to be thankful for.
Continue Learning
You could use your mornings to complete your degree online or study more informally. Listen to history and economics podcasts. Read high quality fiction or nonfiction. Read a book on personal development. Set aside time each day to read and learn something new. Consider taking an online course: the accountability of an online course may keep you motivated and engaged with the material.
Have A Project
Do you struggle to find time for yourself? The early hours may be an opportunity to engage your personal passions or expand your side gig.
Listen To Music
Research shows that listening to music reduces anxiety and enhances mental alertness and memory. Put together a personal playlist or turn on your favorite radio station.
Plan Your Day
Set goals and block out your time. Otherwise, external events can keep you from focusing on your true priorities. Remember to leave yourself adequate downtime for refreshing breaks.
Summing Up
Kick off your day with a morning routine that will make you feel more productive and fulfilled. Adopt positive habits and jump out of bed with a smile.
About The Author: Otto Wright is a budding author and traditional wet shaver.
