Tips for the perfect morning routine in the winter

If you're not a naturally early riser, the sound of a morning routine might seem unbearable. It can be even harder when you have to get out of bed on a really cold day - there's nothing like a warm bed to tempt you to stay cozy a little longer.

To help you seize your day, here are some simple tips to create the perfect morning routine in the coldest of winters.

Wake up early

When you wake up early, you give yourself an advantage. Consider what the best time is for you to be proactive about your day. You have more time to prepare for the day, get your mind in the right place, and play offense. If you continue to hit the snooze button over and over, you'll end up setting yourself up for failure. You'll have to sit through traffic, give your boss excuses as to why you're late, and feel like you're constantly in a reactive mode since you didn't plan ahead. When you wake up at the best time, you take control into your own hands. Plus, most people don't call early in the morning. This means that you'll be able to fully focus on what you want to do without a ton of distractions.

Avoid the phone

When you wake up in the morning, the last thing you'll want to do is pick up your phone. However, so many people make the mistake of picking up the phone first. Sure, some people use the phone as an alarm clock. In this case, it's actually much better to purchase an alarm clock. When you sleep with your phone in bed, it's easy to access when you wake up. When all you need to do is reach over to grab your phone, you're starting your day off wrong. You're looking at emails and social media before you've even set the tone for the day. Instead, place the phone in a drawer or another room altogether.

Take time for meditation

Some people like to take time for mindfulness. Others use this time as one of reflection and devotion. You can use this time to read an inspirational book, write in a journal, or do some stretches and deep-breathing exercises. If you're religious, you can use this time for prayer, as well.

Look at your goals and your schedule

Take a look at your schedule for the day to help you gain clarity regarding everything on your plate. It's also wise to look at your goals. One of the reasons why so many people don't achieve their goals is because they forget about them. Instead, write down your goals and read them every morning. Your schedule should reflect the goals you have. If one of your goals is to save $20,000 to put a down payment on a house, you'll have to make sure you do a great job at work every day. Looking at your goals might remind you of the things you still need to do as well. If you're seeing that your full-time salary isn't going to allow you to set aside an extra $20,000 anytime soon, it's time to look for additional work to supplement.

Exercise

Exercise is so important because it allows you to prioritize your health and fitness. Not only does exercise help you maintain a healthy heart and body, but it helps you maintain a healthy mind. So many people love the euphoric feeling that comes after a great sweat session in the gym. Whether it's a quick jog on the treadmill or Pilates at home, make sure you exercise.

Prioritize nutrition

There are many who no longer believe that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. This is primarily true for those who partake in intermittent fasting. However, it's still important to make sure you have something in your system. Whether it's a hot cup of water, a cup of herbal tea, or a light breakfast, be intentional about your nutritional habits. Take an energy supplement to help you get going in the morning. There are natural vitamins that will help to boost your mood as well. An option like magnesium is known to help with mental health and winter blues. Before taking any vitamins, consult with your primary care physician first.

Find the light

When the sun is out, most people tend to feel a bit better. Since there's less sunlight in the Winter, it can take a toll on a person's spirit. Instead, focus on capitalizing on the natural sunlight when it's available by taking a walk outside. It's also wise to purchase a light therapy box to help you get a sense of artificial light that can shift your mood in the morning. While you're meditating, reading, or getting dressed, get near the light for maximum benefits.

Read or listen to a motivational message

Motivational messages are incredible because most people need that extra push in the morning. Find a motivational speaker that resonates with you and your goals. Find a bunch of their speeches and words of wisdom on podcasts or sites like YouTube. If you read or listen to a motivational message each morning, it'll be a lot easier to seize the day!

Put effort into your appearance

When you look good, you might feel a little better. Prepare your outfit the night before. Bundle up so that you don't have to worry about feeling cold. Throw on a great shade of lipstick or an awesome hat that takes your look to the next level. When you look in the mirror, it's nice to feel inspired by what you see.

As you implement these tips, you'll be able to take control of your morning. These are some of the best things you can do to get started. When you're ready to move forward and be successful in spite of your feelings, you're well on your way to a life of success. This is because successful people tend to be disciplined. That's how they're able to achieve and maintain successful lives. Plus, successful people have a strong habit of taking control of their morning. When you win the morning, you can win the day.

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