3 Morning Hacks to Turn an Okay Day into an Awesome One
You awaken for the day in a bed lined with sheets, inside of an apartment with a locked door in a relatively safe neighborhood. You choose what to wear from an assortment of clothing that belongs to you. You open your fridge and have food inside. You've started another average day, and admit that things are pretty good, nothing to complain about. You have everything you need, and feel a sense of stale contentment. What can you do to take this existence to the next level, to turn your "okay" day into a particularly awesome one?
Here are 3 morning hacks that will set you up for the awesomeness you seek.
1. Don't set an alarm
Everyone sets an alarm, and just as many people come to despise that 1980s hit, or crashing waves sound that separates them from their comfy slumber.
What's next level? Setting your internal alarm.
How to do this? Consistently wake up at the same time, training yourself with an app like Sleep Cycle or Zen Awake that wakes you up with subtle light, or a slight vibration. Over time your body will acclimate, and regulate it's wake/rest cycle.
2. Eat a thoughtful breakfast
Of course there are times when you rush out the door, with nothing but grumblies in your tumbly, or the time you grabbed a powerbar mid-sprint to the bus and felt in charge of the day.
What's next level? Buying or baking whatever bread feels decadent to you (because does spongy WonderBread really satisfy anyone over 5?) and maybe some fresh-squeezed juice, and something warm, sitting down for 10+ minutes to savor what will fuel the start of another potential-rich day.
How to do this? Just some planning and self-reflection, including "what kind of bread results in my happiest self," or "do I prefer OJ or grapefruit juice?"
3. Vary your commute
Let's say you could drive to work, take public transportation, bike, walk, run or teleport (hopefully the last one is in the works). If you can try another method, even if it would take more time, consider it. Here are some pros of each method of commuting:
- Driving: Listen to a podcast, a new album, webinar, or chat with a loved one on speaker-phone
- Public transportation: Read, people-watch, chat-up a stranger, write
- Bike/Walk/Run: If you're in a larger city, this could cut down on time, and get your exercise in. You can meditate or take this time to think through any problems to reach a sound solution.
