College is a metropolis of night owls; as weeks progress into the semester, we stay up later and sleep in longer. Students schedule mid-day classes so late nights in the library don’t equate to sacrificed sleep, and mornings often don’t really start until 10 or 11 am. This year I decided to challenge myself to make more of the early hours of the day. What I have found is that there is some inexplicable power in embracing the stillness of the morning and setting intentions for the hours ahead. Inspired by mental health awareness week, I compiled a list of five morning habits that help me feel balanced and in control of each day.
A few months ago my dad sent me a commencement speech given at the University of Texas by retired Navy SEAL and Admiral William McRaven. McRaven starts his speech with the simple mantra: “If you wanna change the world, start off by making your bed.” This sentiment has stuck with me every day since— McRaven argues that the act of making your bed every morning gives you that first sense of accomplishment that sparks “another task, and another, and another.” McRaven says, “by the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter. If you can’t do the little things right, you will never do the big things right. And, if by chance you have a miserable day, you will come home to a bed that is made — that you made — and a made bed gives you encouragement that tomorrow will be better. If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.” Personally, making my bed has become a ritual— no matter how tired or cranky I am, I do it; the mental impact is noticeable. (Watch his speech here)
Yes, coffee is a lifesaver. No, I could not live without it. But offsetting it with water is SO important. I find that on the days I make it a goal to wake up and chug a full bottle of water, I feel so much more awake and attentive in class. Drinking extra water also will do amazing things for your kidneys, liver, skin and mood (note: hangover cure).
Spotify is my favorite weapon for tired, groggy mornings. It can be difficult in college to keep up with new music releases and rising bands, which is why I love to use the mornings to play my “Discover Weekly” playlist as I get ready. Music videos are even better. Need some inspiration? Follow my wakeup playlist!
Studies show that you are less likely to make excuses to skip a workout early in the morning. Morning exercise (even just a 15 minute jog/stretch) delivers a significant sense of accomplishment and energy, leaving you feeling prepared to tackle any challenge. I have pushed myself to form a workout routine through University of Michigan CHAARG (fitness club) and Michigan Yoga Club. Another quick way to fit in a workout is through Aaptive, an app that talks you through guided workout classes, ranging in difficulty and length.
It is easy to get bogged down by self-focused problems— bad grades, relationship frustrations, new zits, tight jeans, the list goes on. The best way to combat feeling like you have more issues than Vogue? Perspective. I try to spend time every morning reading at least one news story about something going on in the world outside my insular sorority house and college life. I am a huge fan of the “Daily Skimm,” an email subscription that delivers a witty, condensed version of the world news to my inbox every morning. I also love to listen to podcasts while getting dressed. One that every Her Campus reader should listen to is Sophia Amarusso’s GirlBoss. On each episode, Nasty Gal founder Sophia Amoruso interviews renowned “girlbosses” who have made it to the top in all different fields, whether creative, cultural, or business related. She delivers advice and lessons in a funny, candid way that will remind you that success is a journey, and this too shall pass.
Images courtesy of: Anthropologie, Droesepr