The morning time gets a bad rep by default. Most people want to stay in the bed all day and not get up and face to challenges of the day. However, the morning can be a wonderful time depending on how you spend it. It just so happens that the majority of successful people use the morning times to set the tone of their day by physically and mentally energizing themselves. Forbes gives us a list of 10 morning habits of successful people.
1. Wake Up An Hour Early
This is actually a habit that I began to form at the beginning of the semester. I set my alarm for an hour to an hour and a half earlier than the time that I absolutely have to wake up. Like most people, I'm not ready to start my day as soon as I open my eyes. Waking up early gives me time to relax, think, and plan my day. According to Forbes, studies show that early risers are more optimistic and conscientious, which ultimately makes them more efficient.
2. Visualize
The mornings are a great time to reflect on the past, present, and future. Take this time to map out your day and prioritize. According to Forbes, research shows that even two minutes of visualization and positive thinking can improve your mood and clarity for the entire day.
3. Eat Breakfast
We have all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Well, as cliche as it sounds, that's the cold hard truth! Take the time to eat a wholesome breakfast that will fuel your body for yet another eventful day.
4. Get Rid Of That One Big Task
If you are better at writing your to-do list than actually completing the tasks, like me, then you are in luck! Usually we start our lists with the easiest tasks at the top. Try rearranging your list to have the most difficult task at the top. Once you tackle that monster you will feel relieved and motivated to accomplish more tasks.
5. Motivational Mantra
Think of this as "words to live by," personalized to fit your current situation and your future expectations. It can be as short as a few words, as long as a sentence, or even an entire poem. As long as you look yourself in the mirror everyday and recite those words you will feel more motivated than ever!
6. Get moving!
I am a huge fan of the morning workout! True story: when I was in high school, I used to wake up at 5:00 a.m. (what was I thinking?) to work out three days a week. I would do a 45 minute workout, shower, change, and be ready to catch the school bus by 7:00 a.m. I found that I was more energized, alert, and productive as my day went on. All of this was before I went home and passed out on my bed.
7. Pack Snacks
Are you familiar with the term, "brain-food?" Eating snacks throughout the day keeps your metabolism at 100 percent and helps you increase productivity. Now, I'm not saying eat a bag of chips here and a roll of mint Mentos there (guilty as charged). The key to "brain-food" is consuming the right snacks. I am a huge fan of fruit--apples, bananas, oranges, grapes, etc. However, there are tons of healthy snacks to choose from. Maybe all that you need is a pack of trail mix or a scoop of peanut butter.
8. Toss it
Learning to let go is one of the hardest things to do. We can visualize all day long, but sometimes you have to physically purge. Get rid of junk mail, old receipts, unused apps, etc. Just like that annoying song from Frozen, "Let it go!"
9. Go to bed early
If you are a "night owl" like me, then this is asking a bit much. I can never just watch one episode on Netflix! With so much to accomplish the next day, rest is a necessity. The proper amount of sleep can affect your physical and mental systems, including weight control.
10. Silence
Watching the sun rise is absolutely gorgeous. The morning time allows you opportunities like that to feel one with the earth as you reflect. Because you woke up an hour early you can enjoy the morning calm.