(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) A list of the most effective morning hacks.
Everyday we have a chance to be reborn again to get closer to our dreams ambitions and to reach our fullest potential as human beings. All this and more seems so sweet and conceivable right up until that horrendous noise we call an ‘alarm’ shakes us out of the splendid slumber that had comfortably cocooned us in the land of possibilities. Some people are naturally morning birds so they flap out of bed and leap into their day with the most positive attitude. Lucky them. The rest of us might have to try harder because we’d gladly stay in bed right until we feel fully snoozified (a new word just created combining snooze and satisfied.)
While observing the range of attitudes people demonstrate in the mornings which usually cascade into the rest of their day I started wondering about what kinds of habits rituals and activities our morning larks might engage in that differ from the people who are somewhat more groggy moody and generally less enthusiastic about life. Of course there’s no better way to find out than to devise a mini questionnaire to dig deeper about morning routines. Some of the responses seem obvious while others are quite unique. What seems to be the common denominator is that these people actually PRACTICE these principles that you and I might very well be aware of but don’t implement or incorporate in our daily lives.
Here are the most effective morning hacks:
Wake up to your favorite music instead of an annoying alarm shriek.
The weather has cooled down a lot now so open the window to allow fresh air to circulate throughout your house.
Talk to someone dear on the phone or cuddle with the kids or pets.
Don’t nag or complain.
Meditate or do some kind of yoga practices.
Drink a glass of warm water with a few slices of lemon and ginger to wake up your metabolism and lubricate your internal systems.
Inhale the scent of fresh rosemary to boost your memory.
Set 3 attainable goals.
While taking a shower plug your ears and enjoy the roaring symphony of water cleansing your being.
Take a moment to look out the window.
Do some stretching exercises even if it’s for a few minutes.
Do not focus on your flaws focus on the most fabulous aspects of who you are.
Have a bedtime schedule that you stick to – this isn’t just for kids.
Make time for breakfast or healthy juices.
Avoid reading or hearing bad news.
Don’t drown yourself in emails and social media. Begin browsing about 90 minutes after you’ve woken up. Connect first with the real world rather than the virtual world.
Clear the clutter in your mind about your tasks for that day.
Think about all that you have to be grateful for.
Sleep slightly earlier so you can wake up earlier to have enough time for your morning routine.
Smile at others.
When asked how you are answer with enthusiasm. Remember ‘fine’ stand for ‘feelings inside not expressed.’
Don’t get emotionally worked up or angry first thing in the morning.
Try not to sleep in complete darkness.
Treat the day like a guest into your home and life. Welcome and greet it.
Use your favorite products and creams.
Put effort in your appearance. If you look good you’ll feel good.
Try and keep fresh flowers in the house so that you open your eyes to a splash of color.
Stop complaining about the traffic – you are in it so you are part of it!
Enjoy your commute by listening to an interesting audio book.
After reflecting on the above points I’m sure you’re able to identify some unhealthy habits that should be replaced with better practices. Starting your day right can have tremendous health benefits as well as improve relationships and performance at work so revamp your mornings and look forward to a more delightful dawn as you rise and shine!
Dr. Samineh I. Shaheem is the Learning & Development Director at Kawader (www.kawaderuae.com) and the owner of Life Clubs UAE. She has studied and worked in different parts of the world including the USA Canada UK Netherlands and now the UAE. She co-hosts a radio program on 103.8 FM Dubai Eye (Psyched Sundays Voices of Diversity 10-12pm) every Sunday morning discussing the most relevant psychological issues in our community. Twitter: saminehshaheem/Facebook: Life Clubs UAE. Please forward your thoughts and suggestions for future articles to OutOfMindContactgmail.com