Making The Morning Your B*$#h
I think that many of us are not alone when we say that the occasional eye roll has followed someone telling you that they are an early bird. Who truly enjoys leaving the comforts and safety of one’s bed to brave the outside world in the chilly morning hours? But it would also be false to say that those who shrug off the first few alarms are complete strangers to the benefits of waking up with the sun. So please excuse our language as we make the morning our B*$#h.
Besides the obvious benefits of more efficient time management and checking more items off a to do list earlier in the day, waking up earlier has multitude of health benefits. The first steps towards real changes are small steps, so why not start with an alarm clock?
By waking up earlier, more individuals have time for breakfast and are more likely to form better eating habits throughout the rest of the day. In addition to more time for breakfast, an early riser can become an early fitness extraordinaire too! By adding a morning workout into your new early bird routine, the exercise endorphins start flowing to ignite the day! After you’ve already taken on a killer morning workout, stretch, flow… and a complete breakfast your brain is more acclimated to the processes of the day. This acclimation to the day has been linked to better concentration during peak hours.
We aren’t going to lie, the allure of the snooze button and protection of a duvet often overpower the amazing benefits of waking up early, so these early hours are definitely quieter. So ultimately use the serenity and quietness of the morning to take time for yourself. If you have the option, enjoy a long cup of coffee or tea by a window as you watch your city, town, or own household slowly wake up. Give yourself an extra hour each morning, just for yourself. Trust us, you deserve it!
We understand that change isn’t immediate, so take these tips to start your journey towards becoming the early bird we previously detested.
Put the Phone Down!
Turn off your phone an hour before you normally go to bed to fall asleep faster. In the morning engage in some morning stretches or mindfulness before you scroll through your phone to make more meaningful morning practices.
Morning Yoga
You don’t even have to leave your bed to practice this yoga. Morning yoga can be as long or as short as you prefer or have time for. Incorporate the movements that feel good to you and your body. It’s the perfect practice to wake up your body and start the day with something besides instagram posts or negative news stories.
Ten Minute Method
Make the shift towards an early morning in increments. Every day set your alarm five minutes earlier than the day forward to make small, but powerful steps forward to change your morning routine for the better!
Visit @UrbanBodyFix for more information about meaningful and positive changes for a better balanced life. (CHALLENGE: give us a like before 8 am!)