Author Annie Dillard has a great quote: “How we spend our days, is of course, how we spend our lives.” It’s a poetic and prophetic nod to the importance of doing everything (literally everything, from raising children to washing the dishes) with joy, presence, and love. That said, healthy morning rituals can set a positive tone for your entire day.
In fact, let’s expand on her inspiring insight with this: How we spend our mornings is how we spend our days. Whether we realize it or not, what you do during the first hour after waking will set the tone for the rest of your day. And whether your primary goal is to raise a healthy family, excel in your career, get fit, or something else altogether, starting your morning off with a positive mindset is key for success. Plus, it just feels good! And you totally deserve that.
5 Healthy Morning Rituals That Will Change Your Life
The following are some great, healthy morning rituals that can make a dramatic positive impact on your mindset, which is critical for having a productive, healthy, and self-loving day.
1) Exercise
Take a brisk walk, go for a run, head to the gym, or do a couple sun salutations in your living room. Getting your blood pumping early releases feel-good endorphins and clears up your schedule later in the day.
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2) Meditate
This could be as short as 5 minutes, or as long as 30+. The majority of high achievers practice some form of daily mindfulness, and research shows that meditation stimulates a wide range of cognitive and physical benefits. Take deep long breaths or repeat a simple mantra out loud or in your head (try “nature” or “thank you”) to help you focus.
3) Write in a Journal
Putting your worries, thoughts, to-do (or to-don’t) lists, goals, and so-called ramblings down on paper clears your mind, stimulates your creativity, and can help you be more effective with decision-making.
4) Practice a 2-Minute Power Pose
Social psychologist Amy Cuddy has found that our posture influences the way we feel about ourselves. Standing with tall with your hands on your hips or your arms over your head for 2 minutes can literally make you feel more confident, more self-loving, and happier. Try it while brushing your teeth!
5) Review Your Vision Board
Make a little vision board (or folder, or Powerpoint document, etc.) that contains images of things you want to be, do, and have. Visualizing these things daily actually stimulates your subconscious brain to problem solve and figure out ways to make these things a reality.
Not a morning person? Don’t worry. Although Ben Franklin is famous for saying, “Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise,” what time you wake up in the morning doesn’t seem to matter as much as what you do with that time.
This list is not all-inclusive, and it’s important to find what works for YOU. A morning ritual should NEVER feel like a chore. You should only do things in the morning that you love and honestly look forward to doing–why bother otherwise?
Go ahead: experiment with the above suggestions, find some other rituals or make up your own. The key is to simply start doing a few things consistently every morning, with presence and enthusiasm. Having the discipline to practice healthy morning rituals each day is as beneficial as the rituals themselves. Why?
It’s a huge confidence booster and can help you set off on your day with joy and self-love in your heart, two things that are key for a meaningful and inspiring life. Got any favorite healthy morning rituals of your own? Let us know about it in the comments below!
