For many people, mornings can be tough, you may be working into the night, struggling to get sleep, or you’re just not a “morning person.” There are many ways to improve your motivation to get out of bed and take on the day.
By the Numbers
A Gallup poll released in 2007, 16 years ago, reported that most people at the time said they were at their best in the mornings. 55% of responders said they were at their best between 5 a.m. and 11:59 a.m, with 17% specifically naming 10 a.m. as their best time.
This study hasn’t been repeated in the same way since, but it’s likely that times have changed for many reasons. Even in the original study, young adults aged 18-34 at the time reported a significantly lower percentage, just 43% of responses preferring the mornings.
That alone doesn’t account for the number of lifestyle changes that society has undergone in the last 16 years. Social media exploded, and now more than ever, people have a hard time putting their phones down to sleep at night, upwards of 98% of phone users according to the National Institutes of Health.
Other things are on the rise as well, such as rates of depression and the habit of “bedtime procrastination,” the latter often spurred on by an overwhelming schedule taking away one’s hope for personal time.
Altogether, these various factors can be making it harder for you to get up and get after it in the mornings.
Why Mornings are Important
If you want the rest of your day to go better for you, the best thing you can do is get a good start to your morning. Here are a few reasons why taking command of your mornings is critical to being more motivated throughout the day:
1. Stress Relief
Repetition is one of the key components of decreasing daily stress in your life. Obviously, not everything should be repetitive, but when you have a structured start to your day, it creates a sense of normalcy that helps to calm your mind so you can more easily get focused on other daily challenges ahead of you. A break in a morning routine can lead to heightened anxiety levels, giving you that feeling of “waking up on the wrong side of the bed.”
2. Give You More Energy
When you get an effective routine going in the morning, being up and active in that early part of your day will help you have more energy for the rest of the day. This includes energy-boosting habits such as making a healthy breakfast, getting exercise, and practicing mindfulness.
3. Improve Productivity
Perhaps the most important result of a morning routine is that you’ll just be able to get more done! Because of the decreased stress and anxiety and the energy you have, you’ll have a far greater drive and focus to accomplish your goals and succeed in your endeavors at work and in your other affairs.
Tips to Improve Your Morning Routine
- Exercise for at least 15-30 minutes
- Stretch
- Eat a balanced breakfast
- Practice 3-5 minutes of mindful activity, such as meditation, reading a book, or a breathing routine
- Get up to 16-20 ounces of water intake
- Write in a journal or log your daily goals
- Avoid your phone
- Cold-water immersion
Wrapping It Up
All in all, the establishment of a morning routine is one of the most rewarding practices you can incorporate into your daily schedule. An effective morning routine will lower your stress levels, boost your energy, and make you more capable of attacking the day with vigor. There are many things you can do to start structuring your morning routine to build a healthier lifestyle, but the most important thing you can do is to get started!
If you’re looking to get an effective exercise routine going, consider using resistance bands in your workouts. Covered resistance bands by Stroops are safe, durable, and effective for an energizing morning workout that doesn’t become too tiring.
Follow our blog for more ways to get motivated and a little extra motivation each Monday for your week.
0 Comments