We’ve all experienced it: that morning slump. Feeling lazy, unmotivated, and like we want to go back to sleep after hearing the screeching buzz of our alarms. We wonder how professional athletes or stay-at-home moms get through even the first 10 minutes of the day. As most of us are learning from home, we even wake up in the comfort of our childhood beds, basking in the familiarity of our own bedrooms. But even in such coma-inducing circumstances, there are ways to incorporate morning routines and methods to set yourself up for a successful day!
- Make your bed!
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You’ve probably heard this too many times (wayyy too many times) – I can’t agree more! BUT, I also strongly believe that it’s repeated for a good reason. Making your bed in the morning signifies the completion of a task, and checking off that first box will motivate you to continue your productive streak throughout the day.
There are also ways to make this process fun! Turn on your favorite podcast (my favorite genre is true crime), listen to some calming morning music, or even just open the blinds and let the sunshine in. If you decorate your bed with more pillows and blankets, the end product will look pleasing and will elevate the aesthetics of your bedroom. I’m telling you: do it for vibes!
- Drink a tall glass of water!
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Drinking water is another staple to incorporate into your daily routine! As students, we often disregard making time for our health, forgetting to do little things that are so important for our bodies. One of the most common mistakes is forgetting to drink water.
Getting that first glass of water in as soon as you wake up is an effective and sustainable way for you to stay hydrated. More importantly, our bodies have been deprived of water after a good night’s sleep; hydrating as soon as you wake up can make the biggest difference for your health.
If you have a hard time getting your daily intake of water, download an app that will track it for you throughout the day and remind you when you’re not getting enough! This will keep you hydrated and on track. I even set my morning alarm to say, “Drink a glass of water, Izi!” to make the experience more personal and recommend that you do so as well.
- Try not to go on your phone for the first 30 minutes you’re awake!
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Don’t worry too much if you do this – I’m also a big sucker for checking my phone in the morning to see if I received any notifications or messages. However, going on your phone as soon as you wake up will prevent you from actually getting up and starting the day. You’ll lose motivation as the first activity of your day is completed while lying down. I encourage you to leave your phone further away from your bed as you turn in for the night: this will lessen the temptation to scroll through TikTok or Instagram as your laziness will overpower your desire to check!
Social media and technology definitely have their pros, but they require healthy maintenance and regular checks and balances. A great way to reduce your social media intake is to prevent yourself from going on your phone for the first 30 minutes you’re awake!
- Make a fulfilling, nutritious breakfast!
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I know wayyy too many people who skip breakfast; whether it’s due to laziness or lack of morning hunger, everyone has their own reasons for neglecting this important meal. Personally, I NEED breakfast to function throughout the rest of the day. It brings me such joy in the morning to make a hearty bowl of oatmeal with granola, fruit, and some nut butter!
If you have trouble making breakfast in the early morning hours, find ways to make it fun. Go grocery shopping with your friends or roommates every weekend for ingredients and spices. If you’re too lazy in the mornings, meal prep and make it the night before. Turn on some good music and enjoy breaking your fast! Some of my most eaten morning meals are banana pancakes, omelets, breakfast burritos, and my all time favorite: oatmeal!
- Do 10-15 minutes of yoga to wake yourself up and remind yourself of your goals, appreciations, and self-love!
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Don’t get me wrong: I NEVER used to do this. More than anything, I questioned why people would waste their time doing breathing exercises or how they had the motivation to roll out a yoga mat and twist their bodies in strange positions.
However, after a stressful day at my internship this past summer, I woke up the next morning groggy and unmotivated; I decided to give it a try to see what the hype was about. And girl, was it worth it!
Meditation and yoga give you the opportunity to reflect, acknowledge, and appreciate where you are and everything around you. As college students, life moves fast and we’re always thinking about our next move, our goals, what we need to do by a certain deadline, etc. Spending even 10-15 minutes just sitting down and being present will give you the perfect chance to take a break and just ~breathe~.
If you find it awkward or strange, just turn on a free guided meditation or yoga YouTube video and follow along! It’s free, easy, and a great routine to incorporate into your mornings!