Lucas Graham
There’s a big difference between waking up lethargic and starting your day on the right foot.
The difference boils down to habits. Waking up sluggish is a result of clinging to poor morning routines, while feeling empowered and energized is all about embracing the right morning habits.
As Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit and a mindfulness enthusiast, I’m here to suggest nine morning habits that can revolutionize your day. These aren’t just any habits, they are game-changers, designed to infuse your mornings with energy and empowerment.
So, if you’re ready to kickstart your day in an invigorating way, say hello to these nine morning habits.
1) Embrace the power of an early rise
There’s an undeniable magic in the early morning hours.
And people who’ve tasted it, know its power.
Waking up early is a habit that successful individuals swear by. It’s not about torturing yourself with an unreasonable wake-up call, but about giving yourself a head start on the day.
Pre-dawn hours offer tranquility, a time when the world is still at rest, and you’re free from distractions. It’s an ideal time to focus on self-improvement activities or dive into creative projects.
But there’s more to it than just productivity. Rising early and witnessing the sunrise can fill you with a sense of peace and optimism that energizes you for the day ahead.
2) Set your intentions with mindfulness
Mindfulness isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a habit that has personally transformed my mornings.
Every day, I take a few moments right after waking up to set my intentions for the day. It’s a simple practice of sitting still, taking deep breaths, and visualizing my goals for the day.
This isn’t about creating a to-do list. It’s about setting the emotional and mental tone for the day. Whether it’s staying patient during a challenging meeting or dedicating quality time to a personal project, this practice helps me align my actions with my values.
This habit of setting daily intentions has brought a sense of purpose and clarity to my mornings, powering me through the day with focused energy.
3) Kickstart your metabolism with a healthy breakfast
We’ve all heard it: “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” But how many of us truly honor this mantra?
Starting your day with a nourishing breakfast is not just about quelling early morning hunger pangs. It’s about kickstarting your metabolism and providing your body with the necessary energy to power through the day.
In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve deeper into the concept of mindful eating. Drawing lessons from Buddhism, the book explores how our eating habits influence not just our physical health, but also our mental well-being.
Incorporating a healthy breakfast into your morning routine is a simple yet powerful habit that can set the tone for the rest of your day. It’s about respecting your body and feeding it with the right fuel.
As noted psychologist Abraham Maslow famously said, “What is necessary to change a person is to change his awareness of himself.”
A wholesome breakfast is one step towards this self-awareness. So, tomorrow morning, instead of rushing out the door with a coffee in hand, take some time to nourish your body and mind with a balanced meal.
4) Engage in physical activity
Psychology and science both vouch for the significant role of physical activity in boosting our mood and energy levels.
Starting your day with some form of exercise isn’t just good for your body—it’s beneficial for your brain too. Physical activity releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters, leading to an increased sense of well-being.
Whether it’s a brisk walk, a quick run, yoga, or even a dance session, choose an activity that you enjoy. The key is consistency, not intensity. So pick something that you can stick to daily without feeling overwhelmed.
Physical activity also improves cognitive function and enhances focus—two crucial elements for a productive day.
Incorporating exercise into your daily routine may feel difficult at first, but over time it becomes a familiar and cherished habit—one that empowers and energizes you for the rest of your day.
5) Indulge in some ‘me time’
Now here’s a counter-intuitive one: start your day by doing something just for you.
It might seem selfish to carve out ‘me time’ first thing in the morning, especially when there are pressing tasks to attend to. But personal experience and psychology tell us otherwise.
Taking some time for yourself in the morning can actually set a positive tone for the rest of your day. Whether it’s reading a few pages of a book, drawing, or even enjoying your coffee while looking out the window, these moments of solitude can recharge your emotional batteries.
Giving yourself this gift of time allows you to connect with your inner self and fosters a sense of peace and contentment that lasts throughout the day.
These moments of solitude in the morning serve as a gentle invitation to look within and awaken your potential for the day ahead.
6) Practice gratitude
Cultivating a habit of gratitude can be transformative. It’s a simple yet powerful practice that can shift your mindset and infuse your day with positivity.
Each morning, take a few moments to reflect on what you’re grateful for. It could be something as simple as a good night’s sleep or the sound of birds chirping outside your window.
Practicing gratitude helps you start your day with a sense of contentment and appreciation, rather than focusing on what’s lacking or what challenges lie ahead. It’s like setting your internal compass to ‘positive’ right at the start of the day.
As renowned psychologist Martin Seligman, often called the father of positive psychology, once said, “Gratitude can make your life happier and more satisfying. When we feel gratitude, we benefit from the pleasant memory of a positive event in our life.”
Start your mornings with this uplifting habit, and watch how it changes your perspective throughout the day.
7) Create a vision board
A vision board isn’t just a collection of inspiring images and quotes—it’s a powerful tool for manifesting your dreams and goals.
Every morning, spend some time looking at your vision board. Visualize yourself achieving those dreams, feel the emotions associated with those achievements, and let that energy inspire you for the day ahead.
Creating a vision board has been instrumental in staying aligned with my personal and professional goals. It serves as a daily reminder of what truly matters and keeps me focused amidst life’s distractions.
A vision board is a visual representation of this potential, compelling you to strive towards becoming the best version of yourself.
8) Hydrate your body
This might sound basic, but it’s surprising how many of us overlook the significance of hydration, especially first thing in the morning.
After a long night’s sleep, your body is naturally dehydrated. Starting your day with a glass of water not only helps rehydrate your body but also aids in kickstarting your metabolism and flushing out toxins.
You can add a twist of lemon for added flavor and health benefits, or try warm water with honey.
Staying hydrated is not just beneficial for physical well-being, it also plays a crucial role in cognitive function.
Final thoughts: The power lies within
Our behavior and the energy we possess are deeply connected to our daily habits.
These nine morning habits, shared with you today, are not just random practices. They are catalysts that can spark a profound transformation in your life, filled with empowerment and energy.
However, adopting them requires a conscious decision, an intrinsic motivation to embrace change and growth. It’s not about copying successful people or following a trend. It’s about finding what resonates with you and aligning your actions to your values.
In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve deeper into the concept of mindful living. It’s a guide that encourages you to discover and nurture habits that can fuel your journey toward a more fulfilled and impactful life.
Remember, your mornings set the tone for your day. So ask yourself, how do you want your day to unfold? What energy do you want to carry through the day? The answers lie within you.
Embrace these morning habits, and embark on this beautiful journey of self-discovery and growth. Because in the end, the power to feel empowered and energized lies within you.
