The early bird gets the worm is a common analogy that gets thrown around a lot. Statistics prove that most self-made millionaires are early risers. This would largely explain why I’m nowhere close to earning my first million. Waking up early allows you the freedom to go about your morning with a boost of productivity. So, don’t hit that snooze button. It would give you enough time to do the things you complain about not getting to do when you wake up late. I hope that by writing this blog I’m able to convince myself to make this application to my own lifestyle. No time like the present.
I might be a lost cause because for as long as I can remember I’ve been a late to bed and a late to rise kind of human. I’m just more energetic at night, I guess you could say I might have some nocturnal traits. I was always able to study better and focus more when all the sounds of the day drowned out. Of course, over time I’ve had to adapt for work and other things. Sometimes, I would go to bed late and wake up early for work and still breeze through my day. Now, I’m older and slower, just kidding. But, I definitely need 8 hours of sleep to function to my full capacity.
Here’s a look at 7 things you can do before 7 am to push you towards your success story:
1) Drink water first thing in the morning
This seems like a fairly simple step to start with. I love water and drink a ton of it through the day and if I haven’t had enough water on a given day, my leg will cramp up. Immediately indicating to me that I need to nourish my body with more water. I’ve read the best thing to do to begin your morning is to drink a warm glass of water. Squeeze some lemon in it or stir in a tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar. This wakes up the digestive system and helps with metabolism. It flushes out the toxins in your mouth as well. I can assure you that this works because when I regularly followed this my system functioned flawlessly.
2) Meditate or workout
I don’t know why I always felt better by ending my day with meditation and a workout session. I guess I like being extremely tired and exhausted before my bed-time. Days when I couldn’t feel my feet were the days I felt most productive and slept the best. I do meditate with the phases of the moon, but it would bode me well to have a specific time set aside to accomplish these tasks. The best way to do this by finding the corner of your house that you feel most rooted too. Sit down, legs folded and just focus on your breathing for 5-10 minutes.
Don’t chase away the stray thoughts. Meditation is about allowing those distracting thought to come but keeping the focus on your breathing. Once done, sit in silence, eyes open, gaze at something that makes you feel warm and fuzzy. For me, it’s the sky or my plants. Then get to your workout, if yoga gets you going then do that else do your scheduled workout.
3) Shower before you eat
A nice warm shower after working out is exactly what your muscles need. It will reduce soreness and fatigue. It stimulates better blood flow to one’s joints and muscles. A cold shower also has the same benefits if not more benefits. Ultimately the choice is yours.
4) Breakfast is a must every morning
I like eating a nice wholesome and filling breakfast. A nice cup of coffee with a peanut butter jelly toast. Or get in your protein with some eggs the way you like them with a hash brown and baked beans. I love a glass of freshly squeezed juice as well. The reason why breakfast is considered to be the most important meal of the day is that it ends your overnight fast. A fulfilling meal in the morning will provide you with all the essential nutrients required for good health. It instantly boosts energy levels and one’s level of alertness.
5) Journal for your soul
When I was in college we had a class wherein our teacher told us to put pen to paper and write whatever came to our minds. I was always grateful to that class because it allowed me to not only explore my language skills and imagination. But it also allowed me to pull my thought together to form a cohesive structure. I always journaled and still continue too. When I’m terribly affected by something in my life and wish to not discuss it with anyone, I turn to my pen and paper. The power of watching your words on paper can always heal you. Re-reading them allowed me to understand and cope with what I was experiencing.
Now, I mostly journal to make check-lists, there’s something so satisfying about striking things off a to-do list. And, if you haven’t experienced the power of a to-do-list, just you try and I promise you will have no regret. I also add a few lines and sentences of gratitude in my journal. I’m terribly privileged and lucky and not a day goes by where I forget to acknowledge my wonderful life.
6) Always read in the morning
I’m not big on reading newspapers anymore. I don’t think I ever was TBH, even though my mum and dad are avid readers, I just never took to it. I do, however, enjoy reading books on fashion and articles about travel. Light-hearted content that transports my mind really makes my day. If you’re an avid reader and like walking around with books and a kindle then this is the best way for you to spend your morning.
7) Solve a quick puzzle or crossword
Nothing wakes the mind up like a quick puzzle. It will stimulate the mind and can prevent Alzheimer’s in the future. Puzzles make you quick on your feet and help with your focus and concentration. These types of games can also help develop the way you think of and assess information.
Lastly, don’t forget to share the love with a pet or loved one. It is really important to nurture supportive relationships in one’s life. Also, don’t forget to invest some part of your morning towards your final goal. If you want to be a writer then practise writing, if you want to be a video creator then practise video editing.
What are your thoughts on having to wake up before 7 am to get ahead of everyone else? Let me know in the comments below.
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