Kim Connor Streich
At this time of year especially it’s easy to wake up and want to go straight back to bed. It’s dark out, the wind is violent, and the cold is biting. But, as ideal as it would be, we (sadly) have to get up and get on with it – not matter how ideal another day in bed would be (that’s what weekends are for, right?).
But, there are ways to wake up the right way, and get your day off to the best possible start:
Meditate
Don’t worry, we’re not going all hippie on you – but trust us, this can make all the difference to your day.
Instead of opening your eyes and reaching straight for your phone, take ten minutes to just lay in bed and get your head in order. It can be all to easy to try and ignore the tirade of urgent ‘to dos’ that flood your mind first thing by scrolling mindlessly through Instagram, but you’re going to have to face them eventually. Taking the time to set things in order, clear your mind, and create a loose structure for your day will make getting out of bed a whole load easier – no matter how much you’ve got on…
Exercise
No matter how sluggish you start off the day, even the tiniest amount of exercise can wake you up and make you feel good. You know, endorphins and all that…
Stretching is always good – and it doesn’t have to be too intense, we’re not talking Olympic training here! Learn a few yoga moves, work on your core, do 20 star jumps… anything to get your blood flowing and your body moving.
The first few mornings it can seem a drag, but you’ll soon get into it (and maybe even enjoy it!).
Eat the right way
It’s become something of a cliche, but breakfast is SO important – but you have to do it the right way
Coco Pops and toast might seem like the perfect trip down memory lane, but it’s not going to give you all the nutrients that you need for the day. Neither is a cup of coffee, no matter how large.
That’s not to say no coffee at all (ever we’re not that good), but balance it out with something nutritious. A small glass of fresh fruit juice – grapefruit or orange are always good – and a bowl of oats or granola with greek yoghurt will be far more beneficial than a sugar-filled bowl of cereal. If you’ve more time, avocado and rye bread is always a winner, and season with chilli flakes for an extra kick to wake you right up.
Shower last
Save showering until you’ve finished everything else. This may seem trivial, but is all about what you do after…
If you shower before eating, then you’re going to settle down and, before you know it, you’re rushing out the door in a fluster. But, if you save showering until the end of your routine, you’ll be far more awake and on your feet, ready for the day.
Dress to impress
For no one else but yourself, it’s crucial that you dress in something that looks good and feels good. Let’s face it, no one feels good looking like a sack of potatoes, right?
If you know that you look good, you’re going to be more confident and ready to make things happen. But, comfort is everything, and shouldn’t be compromised at any cost. Killer heels are never a good idea… never! And nothing too tight, it’s just a bad idea.
The key is to not look like you’re trying too hard – make it look natural! As long as you feel good, it’ll work, and you’ll ace the day.
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