Make each day your masterpiece. --John Wooden
Starting your morning right can set you up for success for the rest of the day. It's a lot easier to face whatever happens after you wake up when you leave your bed feeling refreshed, focused, and alert.
In fact, there are many things you can do for a great start, and most of them don't even require that you get out of bed first. It takes a little preparation, the right high-quality bedding, and about 10 extra minutes in the morning.
You can incorporate these rituals into your routine and create a feeling of peace that can last the entire day:
3 Ways to Start Your Morning Right
Start With a Little Meditation
Most adults start their day by rolling over and picking up their smartphones. You might check your email or respond to messages that came in overnight. When you start your day this way, though, you allow other people to dictate both your mood and that day's to-do list.
Instead, try doing a little meditation. Meditation provides a way to peacefully transition from sleep into the waking world. It also gives you a chance to clear out the noise of the surrounding world and take time to listen to yourself.
Laura Maciuika, a clinical psychologist writing for Psychology Today, suggests starting with five minutes of meditation first thing in the morning. Don't worry if you've never meditated before. Simply start by focusing on your breathing, going slowing in and out.
Now, beginners may find it difficult to empty the mind of thoughts, and that's okay. If they come, acknowledge them and promise that you'll come back to them later. Then refocus on the breath, in and out.
Write Down an Intention for the Day
Setting an intention for the day focuses your mind and helps you work towards your goals. Writing it down can help you create a plan for reaching your goals instead of only reacting to what's happening around you (or in your email).
These intentions can be any goal you want to achieve, from finishing a presentation for work or taking more time for self-care.
You might have more than one intention, too, but be wary of turning your intentions into a to-do checklist. Maria Tabaka writes on Inc.,
"Setting and living your intentions allows you to focus on who you are in the moment, to recognize and live your values, and to raise your emotional energy, which in turn raises your physical energy."
So, set your intention for the day by writing it down in a paper journal. Keep the journal and a pen by your bed so you can easily reach for them in the morning. This is a great way to track how your goals change over time, too.
Hydrate Your Body and Mind
Drinking water when you first wake up can help end the foggy feeling you might get first thing in the morning. Our bodies are 60% water, and we lose a lot of that overnight through the body's natural processes. So it's no wonder many of us experience the foggy-headed feeling in the morning.
Starting your day with a big glass of water can help jump-start your body's internal systems and clear your mind. You don't have to get out of bed, either. Keep a pitcher and cup by your bedside so you can sip on some water while writing down your intentions.
Warm water with lemon juice is an ideal combination. Healthline reports that this mixture is a good source of vitamin C and can help aid in digestion and weight loss.
Don't Neglect the Basics
No matter what rituals you incorporate into your morning routine, make sure the environment you are doing them in is a comfortable one. Waking up in a beautiful space with high-quality bedding can make a big difference in your mood.
Invest in yourself with a good mattress and pillows and the right ultra-soft breathable bedding. Shop in Lifestyle Marketplace's online store to find the sheet sets, duvet covers, and other bedding you need. We'll help you create a comfortable oasis where you can start every morning right.