Do you need some morning motivation?   Do you feel overwhelmed with tasks all day?  Are you having trouble getting yourself out of bed in the morning?  

We all struggle to get up in the morning.  I’m a morning person and I still struggle.  My bed is so comfy and I love my pillow.  My kids definitely get me out of bed because they are starving the minute they wake up.  At 6 years old I really thought we’d be past that.  Sometimes having a good day is all about preparation the day before.

1.  Make a list.  Writing down a prioritized “to do” list is a great way to keep you brain focused on the tasks that are critical and to put aside the ones that can wait.  Don’t allow yourself to be overwhelmed or stressed out about the long list of things to be done.  Pick the top two or three critical items that have to be done that day and leave the others for another day.  I often think of things while I’m taking a shower.  I use this notepad to jot them down!  

2.  Get to bed by 10 pm.  The best way to start off right is with a decent night of sleep.  Did you know that the most beneficial sleep you get is between 10 pm and 2 am?  If you aren’t getting sleep during those hours you are depriving your body of regenerative sleep!  Set yourself a goal of getting to bed by 10 pm every night for two weeks.  See how much better you feel in the morning!  Can’t fall back to sleep?  Try sleepy dust.

3.  Start your day early.  You’ve heard the phrase, “The early bird catches the worm.”  Well, get yourself out of bed early and you’ll be able to focus and reflect in a quiet environment.  Hopefully everyone else will still be asleep!  Even 10 minutes of quiet can help you prepare for the crazy day ahead.  Try a soothing alarm clock to ease you into the day like this one.

4.  Drink a green smoothie.  Instead of guzzling down that cup of coffee, start your day off with a green smoothie.  Packed with nutrients, green smoothies can really give you the kick start your body needs to get going.  Try adding one to your morning every day for two weeks.  Confession: I do this but I still start with a cup of coffee.  🙂

5.  Eat breakfast.  Set your alarm so you have enough time to really prepare yourself for the day before your first commitment.  Make yourself a healthy breakfast consisting of farm fresh eggs, avocado, and a  side of meat (local, high quality sausage or bacon).  You’ve probably heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  Guess what?  It’s true!  Put quality food in your body and see amazing results.  Try this breakfast round up for ideas!

6.  Exercise.  Getting your blood pumping is energizing.  Start off slow.  You don’t have to get up and go for a run.  Go for a walk or start with planking or a kettle bell work out.  No one expects you to be an Olympian or run a marathon day one!

Anyone want to join me on a 14 day challenge?