10 ways to become that Morning Person you always wanted to be….
I don’t know about you, but I am and have always been a morning person. I am not saying that sometimes it is not hard for me to get up in the morning but when I do, I tend to get most of my work done, before the sun comes out!  When I was pre contest and doing morning cardio, that is when my ideas flowed and I can thoughts came clearly. Actually, most personal development and productivity experts have suggested that mornings as the best time for clear and focused results-driven work and I am a product of that research. You must know by now that I am up early and getting things done. Meal one is eaten, coffee is being drank, e-mails returned, updates in my journal and I map out the rest of my day before heading to the gym for my own training and selective clients. That few hours I have in the morning is SO important and really sets my day right. If I lose that time, I really have to learn to readjust and made do. Just like I promote, Flexibility is important. A few years ago, If I was not able to get in my morning ritual, I was not a happy camper but as time has gone on and I realize I have to be flexible because life does go on and things come up. For the most part, I have been fortunate to be able to get in that me time in the morning but for those few times something comes up, I have learned to adjust. Not saying it isn’t a challenge but you have to do what you can. I also believe that different people work best at different times, so some people may be better at night and get the peak of their energy and thoughts flowing in the p.m. so just like with diet, you have to find what works best for you and when YOUR productive hours are. I love waking up with the birds and the sun. The air seems so crisp and fresh and a great way to start a day. For many competitors or those following a regimented fitness plan, many of us are up early doing cardio and or at least have to get in our first meal. If you are not a morning person, you soon become one. It is important to set your day up right so you can get the most accomplished in a productive way. Here are a few of my tips to help you become that morning person you always wanted.
1. Wake up. Don’t hit snooze. Just get out of bed right away and do it with a smile. That first moment is sets the tome of the day. You are beautiful, wake up knowing and telling yourself that. Just do it, hear the alarm and get up!
2. Make yourself your first meal OR if you are on the morning cardio plan, get yourself ready for Cardio. This can be tough and challenging but you really just have to push yourself and go. You will feel so amazing when it is all said and done! I Will be honest, this is the challenge for me, pre contest, because I am such a morning eater that it is hard for me to get going without my first meal. I wake up starving!! Which brings me to my 3rd tip…
3. Eat your first meal. Again, if you are doing a.m. cardio, have your meal ready to go for when you are done but if you are doing cardio later in the day, eat your first meal! We all love our oatmeal and protein powder so that is a perfect meal one. Some form of protein (shake or egg whites) and a complex carb such as oatmeal and maybe even a small serving of fresh whole fruit! What a way to start your day, a healthy breakfast!
4. Go out into the fresh air and take in the crispness of the air and sun coming up. Being out doors and seeing the sun is energy. Subconsciously the live that is outdoors gives us fuel and charges our batteries for the day. The first chance you can, get out and enjoy the fresh air and outdoors, even if it is just for a moment. If you have a dog, it is a perfect time to take him or her for a walk!
5. Spend time in silence or meditating. Just as I suggested getting out of bed and giving yourself a compliment, this is another time for you to be grateful for what you have and your accomplishments. This is also the time for you to mentally or on paper, plan the day out. Sometimes I do this the night before but if you don’t do it then, write out your to-do list of important things that need to get accomplished.
6. If you have kids, a spouse or animal, give them a moment of your time to be in that moment, be grateful and tell them how much you love them. We are lucky to have such special people in our lives and every chance we get we need to let them know!
7. Brush your teeth and tongue. This seems like a no brainer but I had to mention it! Especially brush the tongue and then swish with mouth wash!! Nothing like leaving the house with coffee breath!
8. Get in your cardio. If it isn’t before meal #1, try to get in a session of cardio before heading out for your day. It may seem like you don’t have enough time to do so but find time. Get on the treadmill for just 30 minutes. Not only will this set your metabolism for the day but it clears your mind and gives you that extra energy you need to start your day out right!!
9. Coffee or green tea?? I love my coffee too but I try to switch over to green tea later in the day or if I have a second cup in the morning. Green Tea boosts your energy, provides antioxidants and has been promoted as a great natural healthy option.
10. Journal. Keep a journal or take the time to get online and post virtually. It is important to journalize just whatever comes to your mind. You notice I do this through my blog and I love it. I let my mind flow and just type whatever comes to my mind!
What do you do in the morning as part of your routines?