5 Simple Steps to a Perfect Morning

A funny thing happens every spring…

Right around the end of February, I start a weight loss routine to get ready for summer, and the FIRST thing that happens is I wake up earlier…

(My friends like to tell me I “hibernate” in the winter)

Now, I love sleeping in, but it’s hard to do when you wake up hungry.

And I’ve got to say, the little things I’ve added to my morning routine have a dramatic effect on my days, weeks, and months.

Here's my favorite morning routine:

Step 1: Coffee

As we covered in last week’s email, coffee not only wakes you up, it’s actually been shown to make you feel good.

So now you’re sipping coffee and getting ready for step 2, which is going to change everything...

Step 2: Exercise

There’s perhaps no better way to start your day. We know we should get some exercise each day, so crossing it off your list first thing in the morning is a great way to build positive momentum. In fact, researchers found that those who exercised first thing in the morning ate healthier the rest of the day.

I like to set out my workout clothes and shoes the night before to get up and go. If it feels like the last thing you want to do, trust me, once you get your body moving, you’ll feel more motivated.

Step 3: Breakfast (and music!)

There’s an old saying, “you’ll never regret that you exercised.” After you exercise, you’ll likely feel an almost euphoric calmness from your body releasing the feel-good chemicals called ‘endorphins.’

Now it’s time for breakfast (I’m a sucker for the classic eggs and toast combo).

But we can turn it up a notch on the morning scale with some music. You’re cooking your favorite breakfast while listening to your favorite tunes and maybe enjoying a cup of coffee, too.

It’s going pretty great so far, but remember...

Step 4: Go Slow

Relax. Enjoy the morning. If you’re rushing through your morning routine because you have a million things to do, it’s best to wake up earlier. I know, easier said than done, but waking up a little earlier is better than stressing yourself out all morning.

Step 5: Be Positive

My college roommate taped a list of motivational quotes to the top bunk so he saw them first thing in the morning. Another strategy I’ve used is to list all the reasons I have to be grateful. I’ll list some of my favorite morning quotes for you to try:

“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.”

- Marcus Aurelius

“Every morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.”

- Buddha

“Give every day the chance to become the most beautiful day of your life.”

- Mark Twain