10 Things To Do in The Morning (Before You Pick Up Your Phone!)

1. STRETCH

Ever noticed what the first thing our pets do after a nap is stretch? There are many benefits to stretching in the morning, among which - improved posture, increased blood flow to the joints and muscles and alleviated levels of energy. You'll feel instantly energized, awake and ready to seize the day. And you don't even have to leave the warm, comfy bed yet! So instead of hitting the snooze button, try this sequence of stretches instead:

5 Stretches to do in the Morning

2. HAVE A GLASS OF LEMON WATER

Follow the example of Jennifer Aniston and have a cup of hot water with lemon in the morning. Drinking warm water helps flush the digestive system and lemons are full of natural Vitamin C, which will give you healthy complexion and boost your immune system. Not to mention - it freshens your breath naturally!

3. MEDITATE

Meditation is not just for tech moguls and Tibetian monks. Research has shown that meditating for just 5 minutes a day can dramatically improve your life. You'll experience a difference in mood, sense of clarity and a calmer, more focused mind.

You should sit in meditation for 20 minutes a day, unless you’re too busy; then you should sit for an hour. — Old Zen Adage

If you're keen on trying meditation, but don't know where to start - download an app and begin with instructor-led meditations. You'd be surprised how simple and straightforward (yet challenging!) meditating can be. My favorite apps for meditating (click to download):

→10% Happier

→ Headspace

→ Calm

4. JOURNAL

If the word "journaling" conjures up images of your 8-year self writing entries in a hot pink My Little Pony diary... then read on, because keeping a daily journal is not about telling your diary what you ate that day and who you fancy. It's about doing a daily self-analysis and evaluating your experiences in an attempt to increase self-awareness and ultimately - to improve and show up in EVERY area of your life!

If you still feel a bit unsure how to go about it - just put a notebook on your nightstand and try some of these writing prompts when you wake up tomorrow:

⋆ The thing that scares me the most...

⋆ The thing I look forward the most...

⋆ Am I a worrier or a warrior?

⋆ My favorite Sunday ritual is...

⋆ My secret desire is...

5. READ 5 PAGES OF A BOOK

On average, people read at a speed of half a page per minute. This means you could read 5 pages while you enjoy your morning cup of coffee/ tea. We always say we don't have time for reading, but the reality is - you could finish a book in two months (or less) by simply committing to this little daily habit.

6. PRACTICE YOGA

Getting in a bit of gentle exercise in the form of yoga is the best thing you could do for your body. It revs up your metabolism and sets you in a good mood for the rest of the day. Morning yoga flows is good for your mental health too. Because of the nature of yoga, you focus on your breath and on holding your pose, so all other thoughts that clutter your mind get pushed off to the side. As a result your mind is calmer and steadier after the practice. If you would like to give it a try - Do You Yoga offers a completely FREE 30 Day Yoga Challenge. Namaste!

7. SET YOUR INTENTIONS FOR THE DAY

What gets written gets done. There is a certain power in putting pen to paper and seeing your intentions, goals and dreams written out. It's like drawing a mental map to where you want to go in life. The beauty of this daily practice is that you don't need to make this intention part of your life forever.

8. HAVE YOUR COFFEE OUTSIDE

Getting some sun early in the morning tells your internal body clock it's time to wake up. Sunlight is particularly good for people with mood disorders or jet lag. Ever noticed how a bit of sunshine can do wonders to lift up your mood?

9. EAT A NUTRITIOUS BREAKFAST

I used to be a "coffee only, no breakfast" kind of person, until I realized it made me rather cranky and by noon - absolutely ravenous (aka hangry)! I don't really have time for a full breakfast, so I opt for quick, bite-sized meals - like these Raw Vegan Energy Balls or meals I can have on the go - like this Very Berry Smoothie
Having something small but nutritious in the morning is important, as it will get your metabolism going and at the same time - reduce hunger cravings throughout the day, which in turn helps you make better food choices at other meals.

10. MAKE YOUR BED

Accomplishing this one simple task first thing in the morning can set the right mood for the rest of your day and- surprisingly! - do wonders for your productivity levels! In his commencement speech to University of Austin Admiral William McRaven advises graduates: “If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed. If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task, and another, and another. And by the end of the day that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed.”

If that isn't enough - think of the sensation of coming home to a tidy bedroom and nicely made bed. Mmm pure bliss!

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