How do you wake up?

If you are someone who is like I once was, you wake up late, hit the snooze button ten times before finally rolling out of bed the last minutes from the point of no return, to then be rushed, in a frantic, you skip breakfast, get ready as fast as possible, snag a coffee on your way to work and have no time to set your intention for the day. On the way to work you are edgy, in a hurry, often accompanied by road rage. You are stressed, overwhelmed, anxious, and always trying to catch up. Your body is tired, unresponsive, and greatly lacks motivation. You go to work, drink more caffeine, watch the clock, count down the hours, daydream about a nap, to finish the day doing just enough to get through. On your way home your eyes are heavy, your stomach growls for salty or sweet foods, and there are minimal chances you have any energy to go to the gym or workout.

​If this is you, or, you are someone who is seeking to improve the quality of your days, be more productive, live mindfully, relaxed, focused, and committed, keep reading.

Importance of a Morning Routine
Believe it or not, the morning is the most important time of the day. Through the night your mind and body have had time to reset and recover in order to grant you another day of health when you wake. There are 86,400 seconds in a day, so think of every morning you wake up, you are gifted 86,400 opportunities to live your purpose. To do this successfully, a morning routine is a must. The habits you build upon wakening will ultimately shape your life.

Why?

Well, if you are anything like the person I once was who lives like the example I shared, more times than not, your life is going to follow suit. Waking up 30 minutes earlier to accomplish a few tasks, set your intention for the day, get clear with yourself, and serve your mind and body will make all the difference in your days.

​Below are 5 things I do every morning to start the day off on a positive note.

1. Drink a shot of Apple Cider Vinegar

I’m not going to make lofty claims on the miracle benefits of apple cider vinegar that some may preach. Instead, I will comment on the positive side effects that are backed by science. Studies have shown that ACV lowers blood sugar and improves insulin sensitivity. High glucose (blood sugar) levels are a main cause of diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and a long list of health ailments. Maintaining lowered glucose levels and insulin sensitivity, the body’s reaction to spiking or dropping insulin, will prevent the development of chronic disease. ACV has also been shown to lower cholesterol as well as promotes satiety, the feeling of being full.

ACV is no miracle drink, but give it a shot. Literally. 

2. Journal 

Morning journals following a glass of water and apple cider vinegar is a key component in setting the intention for the day. Allow yourself 5 minutes to write freely about whatever comes to mind. You can note how you’re feeling, what you’re looking forward to that day, write down the dreams you had in your sleep, rather anything that you want to write about.

The second part of your morning journal after you have written freely, write down your goals for the day. These goals are ones you will accomplish. Nothing far fetched. Keep your goals attainable and achievable. Set 3-5 goals and at the end of the day go back and check off the ones you have completed.

Lastly, write down 3 things you are grateful for. You can be grateful for literally anything, there are no constraints when it comes to being thankful. Express your gratitude in a sentence by starting it with, “I’m grateful for….” I am statements set the intention to the self. YOU are grateful. Once you have wrote down what you are grateful for, say them allowed.

3. Meditate

Sitting in silence is a rarity. When was the last time you woke up and the first thing you didn’t do was open social media and start scrolling?

All day long our minds are in a constant buzz of thought and stimulation. From music, traffic, TV, communication with others, and the constant gravitation to our phones, our minds never receive a break. This is why morning meditation is vital. Now, I’m not going to tell you that you need to start chanting “Oms” or get naked and open your chakras by using ancient spiritual practice. I will tell you though, 10-15 minutes of sitting with yourself as the awareness behind your thoughts is a must.
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Recently I have found guided mediations to be the key. Meditation is a practice, thus, over time you will get better. At first, you may feel slightly frustrated as you will have difficulty slowing down your thoughts while in practice. This is okay, and completely normal. Accept where you are and understand your practice will vastly improve with time.

​The “Waking Up” App by Sam Harris is a great resources for beginners. Mr. Harris walks you through 50 daily guided mediations.

4. Stretch

​After meditation is a great time to do some light stretching. Nothing crazy. Simply get into your body. Stretch your arms, legs, or any areas that require attention. Getting into your body means being aware of the feelings your body is sending you. If you feel tension in areas, focus on them, acknowledge their existence, breathe, and release as you stretch.

5. Read or Listen to Personal Development

In the mornings I tend to gravitate more toward audio versions of personal development as the content seems to resonate more with my morning form. Either way, reading or listening to audio books, spend 10 minutes filling your mind with information that sparks growth. Throw away the newspapers, stop watching news media outlets, and fill your mind with positivity. On your way to work instead of listening to music, throw on a podcast or audio book for 10 minutes during your 30 minute commute. The mind is a sponge, choose wisely what you decide to soak up.

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Is all this too much?

If you have read this far and are sitting there telling yourself, “Man, that seems like a lot.” You’re right.

You know what else is “a lot?”

The story we started this blog with. If you are ready for change, the pain will be great enough. Nothing great ever comes easy. To break old patterns you must be willing to mold new habits. Unfortunately, no one else can do it for you. You can’t wish your ideal life into existence. You MUST MAKE THE CHANGES.

The best part?

There are thousands of those who are right there with you. I was once scared of the commitment and responsibility success requires because of the story I played in my mind about why it’s too hard.

It’s not. You’ll see…