All my life I've been a morning person but I can sympathize with the majority of you who are not. Once I got to college being a morning person became more and more difficult as events started later in the evening and homework began piling up. I soon found myself swamped and at a loss to schedule everything that had to get done and still maintain a healthy lifestyle. I began the 10 before 10 program about halfway through my first semester and it quite literally saved my life. So check out the 10 things I do before 10am every day and maybe give it a try for yourself!
1. Make your bed!
This one habit may be one of the easiest and yet most life changing. I choose to make my bed as soon as my feet hit the floor and you should consider it too. Making your bed gets your head and body moving and focused on productivity, it's the first chore of the day already done which sets a precedent of accomplishment for the rest of your day. As an added bonus you're a lot less likely to crawl back into the warm sanctuary of your bed if it's already made up for the day.
3. Drink an entire glass of water
You may be thinking to yourself, "Yes Morgan, I get it I need to stay hydrated but is it that big of a deal?" I'm here to tell you that yes, it is a huge deal! Getting a full glass of water in your system will not only start your insides working and doing their thing but it will also fully wake you up to be ready for your day.
4. Stretch
Another part of my daily routine that is often scoffed at as being "not that important" but just like several other pieces to this morning puzzle stretching will get your blood pumping, mind focused, and further wake you up. Not to mention the wonderful health benefits that also come with stretching your muscles.
5. Get dressed
This may seem obvious but so many people put off putting on their daily outfit, myself included. I like to practice the "look good equals feel good" philosophy but even if your daily attire is sweats or scrubs be sure to get dressed early so your mind is set on your day and not still stuck back in bed.
6. Be inspired
This particular step can take on several different forms. For me this is my devotional and prayer time. I'm also a big fan of listening to worship music in the morning to get my mind right and remind me of my true purpose. However, if those things aren't for you I'd encourage you to read part of a non fiction book, poetry, or listen to motivational speaker. Whatever is going to light the fire within you is what you should be starting your day with.
7. Smile
Seems simple right? But when was the last time you woke up and smiled because you were granted another day? This part of my routine is put into place to help lift my mood and make me more thankful. A smile can change someone's entire day around so why not let it be yours?
8. Work toward one personal goal
This is one area that I struggle with because often times when I'm busy it is the first to go. I want to challenge you that no matter how busy you are do not fall into this trap! Do you want to lose weight? Learn a language? Refine your baking skills? Be more well read? If something is important to you make time to work towards that goal in small steps each day.
9. Evaluate your day and check the weather
No one wants to get caught off guard by rain or an afternoon meeting. Before you get too far into the day check the weather to be sure you're dressed appropriately and have an umbrella if you need it and look over you schedule. This is also a great time to mentally set your goals for the day and get your mind ready for a productive day.
10. Check email, but only once!
Now is the time you finally get to check your email! I saved this one for last because so many of us fall into the email hole and our entire mornings are lost. People can wait and you will survive. Be sure to check your email before 10am and answer the immediate needs but only do this once to avoid losing all progress.
