Some of the most successful people in the world believe the first hour of every morning should be spent nourishing the mind, body and spirit by practicing rituals that leave them feeling empowered and set a positive tone for the day. It’s hard enough to wake up with a nerve-rattling alarm clock but setting the timer sixty minutes earlier and promising not to hit the snooze button is the first step to creating a stress free, healthier lifestyle. That's right, sixty minutes earlier , not later. Getting up before anyone or anything needs your attention is key in making the most of your ‘hour of power’ and having a productive day. Try replacing your old buzzer with a favourite, feel good song or sounds of nature to ease your way out of dreamland.
So where to begin?
Upon waking, pour yourself a 16 oz glass of water with lemon to keep you hydrated, fire up your metabolism and flush out toxins. Resist the urge to hop on the internet or your cell phone and take 15 minutes to meditate, write in a gratitude journal or visualize how your day will unfold instead. Clearing the mind of yesterday’s clutter before a new day begins is an essential part of renewal and starting with a clean slate. In fact, many promises of eating well and exercise unravel as the day unfolds, while early mornings offer a ‘fresh start’ attitude and most goals are given a second chance with a sense of optimism to begin again.
Get your motor running
If physical activity is on your ‘to do’ list, there’s no better time to work out than the early morning. Evenings however, come with a whole slew of time suckers: late nights at work, sangria with the ladies, kids' after-school programs and other family obligations can all botch a great nutrition plan and keep the promise to exercise, unmet. Time-efficient 20-minute bodyweight circuits which combine strength training and cardio such as squats, push-ups and jumping jacks, are a great way to get the heart rate up, earn FitPointsTM and confidently move into your day feeling stronger. You’ll also work up a healthy appetite!
The most important meal of the day
When was the last time you sat down for a homemade healthy breakfast of lean protein and healthy carbs and fat, with time to spare before rushing out of the house? Rather than scarf down a coffee shop snack on your way to the office, imagine appreciating the first rays of sunlight while eating a meal from the comfort of home.
While not everyone has the super power to rise out of bed before the sun comes up, consider the ‘hour of power’ the best decision you could ever make for your wellbeing. Morning rituals that fuel the mind, body and spirit will not only create discipline but positively affect your life in a way that you’ll wish you had started before.