5 Secrets to Having the Best Morning Ever

Let’s face it, how you start your mornings off will determine the outcome for the entire rest of the day. From the second that dreaded alarm goes off, to the moment you walk out the door. What transpires in those vital hours will set the tone for your mood, energy and happiness levels. So when you think about the fact that our success is solely dependent on those first few hours upon waking, wouldn’t you want to make every moment count? Peaceful mornings lead to productive and balanced days which in turn leads to a happier, healthier and more successful you. Keep reading to learn how you can start having yourself the best morning ever!

Secret #1: Consider Your Sleep Environment

If you find yourself waking up feeling more exhausted and tired than when you went to bed you might at as well plan on feeling groggy and out of touch the entire rest of the day. We as humans are directly affected by our environment. Ever notice that you feel stressed or anxious in a cluttered room with dishes in the sink or clothes thrown everywhere? Keeping your sleep environment free of clutter will help set the mood as you begin to unwind for the night.

Keep in mind too that light pollution can also play a big role in falling asleep and staying that way throughout the night. Think about light from the alarm clock, the tv or other electronic devices in the room. Consider putting your phone in DO NOT DISTRUB mode before bed. This helps to prevent any late night text messages from lighting up your phone and waking you up. And don’t forget about the outside lights too. Traffic lights or street lights can also pose issues. I live in the city so blackout curtains are a must for me and I highly recommend.

Secret # 2: Get the Blood Flowing

Ok, this one might not be much of a secret, but it deserves a place on this list none the less. And I know what you’re thinking. Cardio at 7 in the morning?! Are you serious?? I am super serious friends! Getting the heart rate up and the blood pumping early in the am plays a vital role in getting you awake and ready to start your day. Plus you’ll feel AMAZING afterwards! Trust me, it’s so worth it. You will feel completely rejuvenated once it’s over.

And keep in mind any kind of exercise first thing in the morning will instantly give you an energy boost. But there are other benefits as well. You’ll feel more motivated to eat healthier and stay active throughout the rest of the day. And did I also mention the happiness boost that comes along with it? That’s right! Exercising even just for 10-20 minutes every morning helps increase endorphins that will instantly boost your mood and help ward off stress.

A quick morning sweat will also help increase productivity levels and give you a strong sense of accomplishment afterwards. It’s an incredible feeling checking this off my list before 8am! It. Just. Feels. So. Darn. Good!

Secret #4: Listen to Uplifting Music or a Positive Podcast

Filling your mind with positivity first thing is an incredible way to guarantee you the best morning ever! And luckily there are many different tools and resources you can use. For example I love starting my mornings listening to an uplifting podcast that focuses on positive content. I want to soak up as much positivity as I can get my hands on first thing in the am. The topic can be whatever appeals to you most. Luckily they have a podcast for just about anything you might be interested in; yoga, healthy lifestyle, mindfulness, manifestation. Whatever it is you’re in the mood for. These days I’ve been binging on the Rachel Hollis Podcast. Her talks are always so inspiring. They never disappoint and you learn a lot from them too!

On the days when I’m just not in a podcast kind of mood, I love to have mediation music on in the background while I get ready instead. It’s a super calming and relaxing way to get ready in the morning.

Looking for more ways to add positivity into your life? Click here

Secret # 3: Vitamin D in the Morning

Sunlight is what helps tell our bodies when it’s time to wake up. Getting some much needed vitamin D shortly after waking allows your body to decrease your melatonin levels. This in turn helps give you that energy boost we all crave first thing in the morning.

Studies have also shown that taking the time to go for walks outside (even if just a few minutes) can also help lower stress levels and improve our mood. You’ll feel calmer, more in control and more focused for the entire rest of the day. Score! So get outside and take some deep breaths in the beautiful fresh air.

Secret #5: Gratitude

A positive mindset is extremely powerful. I find the best way to get into the right headspace is by practicing gratitude every morning. And this practice doesn’t need to take much of your time. If you can spare 5 minutes, I promise it will be 5 minutes well spent. While sipping your cup of coffee think about all that you are grateful for today. If you find this difficult, start small. Think about how grateful you are for having food on the table every day. Grateful for clean clothes, electricity, internet. Or even these beautiful, peaceful few minutes you have set aside for yourself today. There is so much we all have to be grateful for. So take a little time to remind yourself.

If you want to take it one step further, I highly recommend getting a gratitude journal and writing in it daily. You don’t have to limit yourself to just thoughts of gratitude either. Think about how you see your day going. What do you want to accomplish? Writing it out will help put the plan in motion.

**FYI this is also a wonderful way to end the day as well. This short practice helps reduce racing thoughts and chatter by putting thoughts on paper. You’ll find you fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more rested.

Remember, the key to a successful day all starts the minute you wake up. If you’re finding yourself feeling tired, unmotivated and unorganized take a look at how you’re starting your day out. Is it on a positive note? Or could it use some work? Try adding a few of these tips into your morning routine and see how differently your day turns out. You might be surprised by how incorporating a few of these simple tips will have the power to change the outcome of your entire day.

Wishing you all peaceful, relaxing and productive mornings.