I have to give credit where credit is due I got much of this article from Mark’s Daily Apple, but it is a great article and if you don’t feel like reading the entire thing, here are some highlights with my insight infused in there! You can check out the actual article here!
Drink water
Your body uses water throughout the night to replenish your cells etc. Everyone can use a large glass of water when they wake up to begin the day. Many people begin with coffee and drink multiple cups, when in fact they are probably needing water more. It’ll start the day off right and help replenish you and make you feel better from the beginning. If you feel like you may be suffering from adrenal fatigue, some room temperature water with a teaspoon of salt in it will actually help your adrenal glands if they are diminished.
Wake up to natural light
If you can open your curtains and get some light in there. This will do much for your brain activity. If it’s still dark outside get a progressive light alarm. I personally have not tried this but I’ve heard good things.
Spend 15 minutes or more outdoors
Getting fresh air can help set your brain in motion and wake you up and invigorate you more.
Move
This has been beat to death. Getting your workout done early can help set the tone for the rest of your day, and help set you up for success. You are also less likely to skip it. Even if you don’t do a hard workout a 15 minute walk can do wonders to clear your head and help you get a fresh start to the day.
Meditate
Use this time to read a religious piece if you are religious and pray. If that doesn’t suit you, then just relax and plan out your day, do yoga, or just focus on your breathing. All of these things will set you up for success throughout the day.
Play
Even though the morning minutes are precious, wrestle with your kids a bit. Play with your dog. 5 minutes can go a long way to making your attitude, and overall day awesome.
Eat a good healthy breakfast
Setting yourself up for an insulin crash with cereal and bagels is not a good idea, but putting together a nice healthy breakfast with some protein, healthy fats, and veggies will set your engine burning clean all day! Pop-tarts are a no go!
Journal or listen to your inner conversation
Write down your inner thoughts, or at least capture them in your mind. Skip the news, there’s almost nothing good and wholesome there anyway. 4 murders in orange mound isn’t helpful in your day being awesome. You will have plenty of time during the day to catch up to anything that’s important. Studies have shown that exposing yourself to negative things first thing in the morning will set your mood for the entire rest of the day.
Play music
This is one of my favorites. Blast some good happy music in the morning. It makes you feel better because it actually does chemical things in your brain. Neat huh?!?
Sex
Nuff’ Said!
Spend meaningful time with loved ones
Don’t take advantage of your family, or take them for granted. Cherish time in the morning with them.
Set yourself up for success
Do what you can the night before to set yourself up for being able to do healthy things in the morning. Saving 10 minutes in the morning by packing your lunch the night before will allow for some of those awesome things to happen!
3-12-13 WOD
Teams Beach Surfing WOD:
With a team of 2
Pop Up to surfing position x 100
5 gallon bucket of water carry it 400m
2 rounds
Team with the most water remaining in the bucket wins!
