6 simple changes that could make your mornings less hellish

The shrill of the alarm. The endless lists of tasks ahead. The desire to Just. Get. Ten. More. Minutes. We very much understand. Not everyone wakes up bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, and ready to take on the day with vigour. Mornings are hell. But the first few minutes of your day are important as they can set the tone of your productive streak. Luckily, however, there are ways to make mornings more bearable and ensure they start on the right note, beginning with these six simple tasks.

1. Stay away from technology

Nothing starts your day in a more stressful state of mind than going directly from your pillow to your smartphone. Give yourself a chance to wake and breathe (at least 15 minutes) before you get into work mode and start obsessing over those emails that came in the night.

2. Start your day with a little lemon

Start your day by drinking a tall glass of water with juice from half of a lemon in the morning. Lemon helps re-hydrate the system and promotes digestion, which will help the flow of waste out of your body. The vitamin C in lemon juice, a powerful antioxidant, also protects against free radicals, strengthening the immune system.

3. Sit up correctly

If your body allows it, roll over onto your right side, then push yourself up into a sitting position before standing with a straight back (no hunching). It’s the gentlest way to get up, takes the pressure off your heart and back and is an easy ritual to do first thing in the AM.

4. Stretch

Your body has just been booted down for hours, so it takes time for it to readjust; don’t expect it to be ready from the get-go. Start with a few gentle stretches to ease yourself into the day. Stimulating your nervous system and muscles will make you more aware more quickly.

5. Have a distraction-free breakfast

Declare distraction-free time as you eat. Refrain from checking your phone, listening to the TV, radio or reading the newspaper and simply enjoy and savour your food as you focus on the day ahead. You’ll leave the house with a clear head.

6. Let the music play

Make a morning playlist to keep you moving — and on time. By the time one song ends and another begins, you should be moving on to eating breakfast or heading out the door.

Main photograph: Unsplash