Mornings can either be absolutely fantastic or they can feel like Mike Tyson just cleaned your clock. I'm a firm believer, that either you attack the day or the day attacks you. Now, we do have a distorted idea that the most dynamic humans on this planet do front flips out of bed each morning. This is not the case plain and simple. However, behind all of the worlds most brilliant and charismatic people you can always spot a unique type of routine. Let's face it and acknowledge, that what works for one person may not work for you. The way I developed my routine was years of research of these inspirational humans, mixed with trial and error. Currently, these are my five strong pillars that support my morning and allow me to enter my day ravenous.
1.) Start your day with 1/2-1 whole lemon mixed with 12-16oz of room temperature water and a pinch of Himalayan Pink Sea Salt.
**The reason behind this:
You've had no water for 7-9 hours. Your body is dehydrated and this allows you to lock in the crucial early A.M. hydration. The salt acts as a binding agent, which helps you retain water. This locks in electrolytes, hydration and P.H. levels. Lemon and salt also turn on the digestive system to get things moving in the right direction if you know what I mean....
2.) Go for a 15-20 minute walk.
**The reason behind this:
Walking is wonderful for you and it's also low impact. You can't be Jet Lee everyday and do high kicks. Walking is extremely beneficial for lowering your cortisol levels and naturally awakening your body. It's also a great time to organize your thoughts, be present in the moment and take in some fresh air.
3.) Stretch+Breath
**The reason behind this:
Sense most of us tend to sit far to much, we tend to be very tight in our hamstrings, hip flexors, calves and lumbar spin. Finding five to six stretches to do each morning will really benefit your body and lead to less injuries. Don't make it to complex, just ask Dr.Google to find a few and take some deep breaths in the process.
4.) Meditiate
**The reason behind this:
We all have things on our plate and want to be the best version of ourselves each day. Meditation if practiced daily, can really help you access that Flow State and bring in the day. It really doesn't have to be anything crazy, just be consistent. Personally, I meditate five minutes each morning. It varies from picturing my day, to addressing some internal work.
5.) Write a list
**The reason behind this:
It feels really phenomenal and empowering to accomplish things. Bust out a pen and paper to write a few things that you feel need to be addressed today. This really allows you to dump some of that clutter out of your head and feel far more clear headed moving into your day. Make them reasonable and achievable. Remember, baby steps here and this translates to larger growth overtime.
I'm not perfect and sometimes I find myself not hitting each bullet with ease. Yet, I stay consistent with my structure and I enjoy this process each morning. You shouldn't dread your mornings. Find what gives you an abundance of energy and makes you feel satisfied. What's your mornings like?
A-Thomp
