Wake Up! 8 Game-Changing Habits That Will Supercharge Your Morning Routine
Waking up is a lot like being forced out of our mother’s womb to face the big, scary and fast-paced world. The womb has everything you need. Why would you ever want to leave?
You want to leave because outside of the womb, there is so much more. There’s beauty, true love and all of life’s passions. However, you have to leave the womb (or your bed) to get it.
So if you stumbled awake like a zombie for coffee and lost your temper on just about everything that came into your path (sweet old ladies and inanimate objects included), then you're part of a large demographic of humans who aren't very good at waking up.
There is no need to cry like a baby about this, though, because if you want it to, it can all change for you starting tomorrow. Tomorrow can be the day you get up on the right side of the bed. Tomorrow can be the day you stop listing "not a morning person" in your compilation of personality traits.
Tomorrow can be the day you say, "Good morning," without it veiling the words, "Every part of me is unanimous in the overwhelming feeling of profound hatred of everything."
This can all be possible if you are willing to trade in what was for a routine that will properly prepare you for the day ahead.
1. Change your alarm
Let's start with the very moment you reintroduce yourself to reality.
Instead of being shocked awake in traumatizing fashion, why not wake up to one of your favorite songs? Make sure you shuffle up your song every time, so you don't begin to experience utter resentment every time you hear it.
2. Deep, full breaths
You should at least now be ready to sit up in your bed for a lion's yawn. Try following up with slow and full breaths, in and out. Do about five of these to give yourself plenty of much needed oxygen.
Depending on the weather and the weird smells that emanate from your neighborhood, consider opening up your window to get a purer source of O2.
3. Rub your head
Something I like to do to get the blood flowing and rid myself of some of the grogginess, is to furiously massage my scalp. It feels great and gives you a shot of adrenaline, which will help you spring right off the coils of your mattress.
4. Do a mini-workout
This is a great time to capitalize on the buzz of adrenaline you just got. Do some neck, back and shoulder stretches, followed by a small set of push-ups, sit-ups and dips.
You don't need to do a long workout here; the idea is to get yourself warmed up. Over the course of a month, these mini gym sessions will make a big difference.
5. Drink 1.5 liters of water
By drinking 1.5 liters of water, you are able to help flush out some of the toxins your body was dealing with while you slept. Among many other amazing benefits, it also increases your metabolism, promotes healthier skin and raises your immunity.
After you finish 1.5 liters, wait about an hour to flush out your body before beginning breakfast.
6. Oil pull
While you're waiting for your body to be flushed out is a great time to try some oil pulling. First select the type of oil you would like to use; I prefer coconut oil. Then, swish it around in your mouth for about 20 minutes (it's okay to work your way up to 20).
This technique is a great way to detoxify and includes a number of other great benefits. Those who swear by this routine have enjoyed brighter teeth, healthier gums, fresher breath and much more!
7. Don't skip breakfast
There's a reason humanity has a quote for this. By giving your body a nice, full breakfast, you're giving your body the nutrients it needs to conquer the day ahead.
I highly recommend you add chia and milled flax seeds to your fruit smoothies and cereals, as well, to get a significant protein and Omega-3-packed boost.
8. Change your toothpaste
Try switching your toothpaste to an all-natural one that is actually safe to swallow. Why would you want to put something in your mouth that isn't safe to ingest? Using a toothpaste created from friendly ingredients will ensure that when it seeps into your body, it won't wreak havoc.
Also, fluoride, which is commonly found in traditional toothpastes has a lot of negative studies against it, so you should try to avoid it whenever possible.
Photo Courtesy: We Heart It
