Some people are not morning people, which means they prefer to stay in bed late. The comfort and peace, along with the sleepiness of the body, is what keeps us down and sometimes late for work or school, but we can change that. There are ways in which you can ready yourself for the day, as well as maintaining your overall health; lack of sleep or preparation for waking up can lead to health issues. Your body needs to be taken care of, and this can be done right away in the morning.

What to Drink

When you wake up, make sure you have a glass of water, clean and cold. This hydration will evoke your senses as well as combating the dehydration from the coffee or tea you will be drinking; it has been recommended by many people to drink some caffeine in the morning, getting the energy needed to start the day. However, it is your personal preference to decide when you want to drink coffee or tea, as your body might built up a tolerance from daily consumption. If feeling so, consult with a doctor about the amount of caffeine you intake every day. If need be, take breaks, maybe every other day, to drink coffee or different amounts of coffee a day. Be strategic, as you need to keep hydrated while eating a breakfast. 

Breakfast

This goes without saying, but breakfast is important, especially if your day involves heavy activities. Enjoy a bowl of cereal or yogurt, to get your energy up. However, depending on your diet and body health, you can have a small bagel or a granola bar as a full breakfast, to maintain a healthy weight. Skipping breakfast does have its pros, but consume at least one item of food with your coffee or tea, just to get your metabolism going. 

Stretches

Stretching your body in the morning has become a well-known practice these days. Some schools even start their classes with a morning stretch, yoga to get their students awake and ready to move. Stretching your limbs allows for the feeling of weariness to be ‘stretched out’ and get blood flowing in your body. Blood flowing is what pumps your heart rate, increasing your physical activity. The same can be said for a short sprint around your block, stretching your legs. Speak with a yoga expert to find out which morning exercise is best for you. Also, make sure these yoga exercises and walks are short, preferably 5 to 10 minutes, as not to take up too much of your morning. 

Mindset

When you wake up in the morning, you should ask yourself why: Why are you waking up today? For many people, it is for work and school, the weekdays are usually consumed with priorities, such as the need to make money and support yourself. However, that shouldn’t be what you think about first thing in the morning, but rather, the joy that you have a job. This is a positive affirmation for your mind, when the first thing you think about is the home, the food, and other luxuries you have in your life. This positive mindset is beneficial to your mental health and helps you get the day started. 

Now that you know the best routines to start your day, apply them as best as you can, keeping up with your schedule. Even if the day is a Saturday or just a day off from your busy life, apply these ideas; wake up and do your stretches, then you can go back to bed and relax. Having the discipline for these routines teaches you to be more professional in life, showing a sense of maturity and responsibility. Having these qualities is great for your career and allows you to move forward. Do not feel compelled to follow the exact same routine every morning, make the days stand apart by planning different activities, like going walking on Mondays and skipping rope on Tuesdays. This concept to make your daily routines different is sure to downgrade any tedious feelings you may have. So next time you wake up, think about all this! 

Babak Eslami | Writer