5 Ways to be a Morning Person


The older I get the easier it is to be a morning person, but I have recently noticed that there are specific little things that I do to help me go from “Leave Me Alone!”, to “Hey, Good Morning”.  I definitely notice the change on those days I do not want to even open my eyes, let alone walk the dog, pick up her poo, rush back home, wash up, drive to work, and then, ugh the worst, actually talk to people.

Once I noticed these daily “rituals” that I practice to be a happy, puppies and rainbows, kind of morning person I started doing a little research.  Which in 2022 means I hit the Google machine. As usual I am going to share some great ideas with you to put a little pep in your step and get you ready to face a new day!

1)   Don’t Think:

If you are anything like me, the minute your eyes open your brain starts spinning with all of the things you have to get done that day, personal issues, money, that jerk that cut you off in traffic yesterday… STOP! Think it, or say it out loud “STOP!”

This isn’t the easiest step so why not start with it? I remind myself it is a necessity to start the day with a clear mind. I give myself permission to not worry that exact moment, all of that stuff can wait. Be present, take a few deep breaths...

Mind still won’t turn off? Focus on the positive, think of the things that you’re thankful for in your life. If you’re having an anxious morning, check out my post on the 5-4-3-2-1 technique.

2)   Stretch:

Each morning, once in a standing position, I let out a loud obnoxious yawn, stand straight, stretch my arms out to the sides, and slowly move them over my head and reach for the sky. Maybe, if I’m feeling spunky, I touch my toes, or attempt to, depends on the gut size and time of year.

Check out The Benefits of Stretching that explains how stretching first thing in the morning can relieve any tension or pain from sleeping the night before. It also helps increase your blood flow and prepares your body for the day ahead. Good stuff!

 

3)   Chill Out Man:

Next stop, the bathroom, the john, the lieu, what have you. Once relieved, I head over to the sink to wash setting the water as cold as it can get. I scrub up the hands and face, then rinse with that icy cold water (not so much in August, or 9 months of the year in Arizona) splashing it directly on my face numerous times. Enjoy this time of peace, feel the freshness of the cold water, enjoy all of the senses.  

Not only is this a little energizing shock to the system, it is actually good for your muscles, and overall mental health.  Have you heard the new trend of ice baths? If you want to learn more about the perks of immersing yourself in icy cold water, check out this article:  How a Cold Plunge Can Benefit Your Mind and Body

 

4) Find the Beauty:

Prepare for the day with a positive outlook. Look around, admire the deep greens of your house plants, pet your pet, enjoy the smell and arrangement of your breakfast on your plate(or in my case the sparkle of sugar on myf rosted flakes). 

Take a brisk walk, breath deep, look at the flowers, watch the wildlife, admire the growth of a giant tree.



Photo Credit: Me


5) Be Thankful:

This one I can honestly say I practice every morning. I am thankful for my home, my car, my job, my dog, my friends, my family, and my freedom. 

Realize that there are people out there who don't have many of these basic things, and appreciate what you have. 

Taking inventory of all the good in your life, and being thankful truly sets an optimistic outlook necessary to face the day.





Disclaimer:

While creating this post I searched morning person for some fun pictures. Surprise, surprise, I found a ton of existing blog posts on being a morning person.

Apparently this is a popular topic. I know I'm late to the blog game. Maybe I should buy an iPod, and say things like "that's how I roll" while I'm at it.

In the spirit of integrity I would like to share detailed, inspiring, and well put together posts and articles on the same topic.

Check out these links!

Headspace

The Every Mom

Healthline

Rescue Time

Mental Floss


Thanks for reading! I hope you found something that resonated with you, or inspired you, or made you smile.


As always be kind to others, be kinder to yourself.

- Jay










































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