At the time, pressing the snooze button may sound like a great idea. But choosing to sleep in until the last possible second will only result in panic, frustration, and lost time. Luckily, there are several things you can do to revive your morning routine so that you’re awake and ready for what lies ahead. Keep reading to find out how!
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Make Your Bed
After you’ve physically gotten yourself out of bed in the morning, you should immediately make your bed. It may seem silly, but making your bed in the morning has proven to be a productive technique for many people. Just ask recently retired commander of U.S Special Operations, Naval Admiral William McRaven! It was he who explained the advantages of bed-making in his 2014 commencement speech. He said:
“If you make your bed every morning you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. 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 the little things in life matter.”
Developing this small habit gives you a chance to declutter your space and set the tone for the rest of the day. Plus, it will alleviate any chance of you creeping back into bed before the day is over.
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Prep Your Skin
When you’re out and about all day long, your skin is likely exposed to dirt and pollution. From using public hand dryers to thoughtlessly touching your face throughout your day, it’s not uncommon for your skin to experience negative reactions to these environmental factors. This is especially apparent if you’re already wearing make-up all day long. In turn, this may lead to breakouts, unwanted shine, or dry patches to form on your skin. Because of this, it’s a good idea to block out time in the morning to prep your skin for the rest of the day.
Although skin-care routines vary from person-to-person, it should typically consist of the following: cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. However, keep in mind that your skin-care products should be compatible with your unique skin type. If you have oily skin, you won’t want to use a heavy-duty moisturizer or a hydrating face wash. Instead, you’ll want to treat your skin with retinol skin-care products that work to remove excess oil while simultaneously renewing your skin.
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Drink Lemon Water First, Then Coffee
More than likely, caffeine is the first thing you reach for when you wake up in the morning. And while coffee has proven to be an effective way to wake yourself up, it shouldn’t be consumed until you drink a glass of lemon water. Unlike lemon water, coffee can be extremely dehydrating for your body. Given the fact that you’re just getting up after sleeping for a number of hours, you’re already quite dehydrated. Therefore, drinking coffee first thing is only making matters worse.
With lemon water, on the other hand, your body is able to quickly rehydrate from those hours of slumber, allowing you to feel energized and cleanse before your day even begins. Furthermore, drinking lemon can also help brighten your skin and support your digestive system. To fully reap its benefits, follow a delicious lemon water recipe and create a large batch of it in a drinking dispenser or an infusion pitcher. Keep it refrigerated overnight and pour a 16oz glass of it in the AM. Then, drink up!
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Stretch
For those of you who aren’t able to kick-start your morning with an early workout, stretching is a second-best alternative. This will help you boost your body’s energy levels and improve your circulation! Other positive impacts from stretching include increased flexibility in muscles and joints, stress relief and alleviated muscle tension.
Stretching doesn’t have to be too time-consuming either! Spending a few minutes to do some basic morning stretches will be just enough for you to get your blood pumping and your body moving from the beginning of the day to the very end. If you’re not naturally flexible, make sure you start off slow. While it’s normal to experience mild discomfort, stretching should never cause you pain. As you continue you on, gradually ease your way into stretching exercises that are more challenging.
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Lay Out Your Clothes the Night Before
Trying to figure out what to wear to look presentable in the morning can be difficult, especially if you’re already rushing. That’s why you should plan ahead by laying out your clothes the night before. This way, even if you accidentally sleep in for an extra ten minutes, you won’t have to worry about picking out the perfect outfit for your day. It’s also a good idea to check the forecast the night before so that your outfit aligns well with the weather.
Depending on where you live, the weather could be fairly unpredictable so it’s vital to be mindful of any unexpected changes. To guarantee that you have all the essentials you’ll need, consider leaving certain supplies in your vehicle or packed in your bag. Whether it’s your blue-light-blocking glasses or an umbrella, having these items on hand will allow you to remain appropriately dressed for any occasion. It will also save you time when going from one obligation to the next.
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