Most people wake up 30 minutes before they have to be at work. They wake up, shower, eat (maybe) and head right to work. You have not mentally and emotionally prepared yourself for the day. How can you give your employer, employees, professors and peers or children the most of you and you have not poured into yourself? It is not about waking up at 5:30AM, it is about giving yourself the time you need to prepare for the day. Can you commit to gifting yourself 10+ additional minutes in the morning? Here are 3 reasons to wake up a little earlier in the morning.
Mental/Spiritual Preparation: The beginning of the day should not consist of you rushing to get to work/school. Allowing time for you to ease into your day will reveal greater benefits throughout your day. Give yourself 10-15 minutes of reading something inspirational(I read the Bible and pray).
Practical tips: First, drink a glass of water and get out of your bed. Find an app (there are tons of free ones) or a book that aligns with your motivation style. Have a journal or note pad and write words of affirmation for yourself. Meditate on the personal goals that you have for the day/week. Listen to calming music and allow yourself to be present in your thoughts.
Fitness: There have been many reports that say morning is the best time to workout. Whats is great about this is that gyms are not required. Waking up and allotting yourself at least 15-20 minutes of exercising will increase energy, reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and many other health benefits. This is your opportunity to treat your body well.
Practical tips: Stretch your body, loosen up those muscles. You can do simple home based exercises. Jump-rope ($6 at Marshalls or TJMaxx), push-ups, lunges, squats, jumping jacks, ans several core workouts. We all can not afford gym memberships, but you can spend a few bucks for some workout materials.
Organization: Creating an organized morning routine is so beneficial to a productive personal and/or professional day. You can put yourself ahead of the game by completing tasks early. Every morning does not have to be the same. Some mornings can be where you wake up earlier than others. Plan out your day(s). Have tasks that should be accomplished before you leave the house. Especially if you are working full time and staring your entrepreneurial journey. Learning to schedule things to be done will promote productivity and intentionality.
Practical tips: Use the mornings to check and respond to emails. Schedule appointments. Schedule your social media posts. Keep a writing pad or journal and calendar near your bed to take note of your thoughts/ideas and write them down.
Hopefully these 3 steps can be built into your new earlier morning routine. Create a schedule for yourself and do not feel tied to a schedule if it does not work for you. Put a timer on your phone and toss it to the other side of your bed. Happy Earlier Mornings!
From me,
Chrissy