Morning Rituals: setting the pace for the day

Starting the day right ensures that one is strong and resilient for the entire day, no matter what life might bring. It is the time to adequately prepare the mind, spirit, body and soul to be strong for the entire day ahead. 

Beginning the day with purpose keeps one on track and makes it easier to eliminate distractions and time wasters. One effective way to do this is to begin the day by asking the same question; “If today were to be my last day on earth, would I do what I plan to do today?” Asking that question is a great way to bring focus to one’s life.

There are a number of morning rituals that when they become routine, they lay the foundation for a successful day every day. 

1. Drink Water

Beginning the day by drinking a glass of water is a great way to cleanse the body of the toxins and it helps increase energy levels.  Water is the primary mode of transportation for all the nutrients in the body and drinking it first thing in the morning prepares the way for the body to absorb and utilize nutrients efficiently, besides ensuring proper circulation.

2. Flood the Body with Oxygen

Oxygen is critical not only for the breathing processes but for every metabolic process in the body. The body needs adequate amounts of oxygen in order to perform optimally. Flooding the body with oxygen early in the morning has numerous benefits including expelling stress and helping one to relax. This can be done through light exercises and stretches.

3. A Quiet Mind

Practicing meditation in the morning helps to calm the mind and improve concentration. It is a great way to relax and also rejuvenate both mind and body. Taking some minutes for visualization is effective in getting more of what you want and less of what you do not want. Mental images are powerful. They trigger subconscious processes that take one closer to their goals. It has often been said that the subconscious mind cannot tell the difference between reality and imagination and can be tricked into believing what is imagined to be real. 

4. Physical Exercise

Morning is the best time to work out since it is the only time one truly has control over time. Physical exercise is good for both mind and body. It results in a rush of oxygen into the brain, which improves the mood. Metabolism is enhanced and energy levels are increased. Starting the day with some strenuous physical exercise such as jogging or running on the treadmill makes one both mentally and physically fit for the day.

5. Breakfast: The most important meal of the day

Breakfast gives the message of breaking a fast. The body has been fasting the whole night and the morning is the time to break the fast. It is advisable to never skip breakfast and to also eat healthy. 

A meal that is composed of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain cereals and healthy protein such as fish or chicken breast is a great way to fuel the body for the day. Avoiding greasy and sugary foods keeps one alert as there is no need for blood from the brain to rush to the stomach to struggle to break down such foods. 

Breakfast is not the right time for bacon, sausages or doughnuts. It is good to avoid coffee in the morning and opt for more healthy choices such as green tea. A healthy breakfast gives one energy to last through the day and keeps one creative and alert. Healthy food keeps the brain alert and protects against bad moods. 

6. Surround yourself with positive energy

Cutting out all negativity in the morning sets the pace for the day ahead. This is not the time to catch up with news or read newspapers. They are normally negative anyway. Beginning the day with an attitude of gratitude attracts more blessings and makes the entire day successful. Listing down specific things one is thankful for such as family, good health, somewhere to live, food on the table, a way to earn income and so much more is a great way to do it. 

7. Failing to plan is planning to fail

The start of the day is the best time to review dreams and goals and to evaluate whether one is on course. This can be in the form of asking what the most important thing one wants to achieve that day. Planning to tackle the most important thing before moving on to anything else is a great way to beat procrastination. 

*This article is a guest post by Evelyn Kail of Garage Gym Planner.