Gorgeous weather, 4 cups of coffee, (working on cutting it back to 2) and lots of laughter. Love, love bright happy mornings.. my outfit says otherwise lol #blackovereverything

I feel like mornings’s mood, thoughts and habits have such a big impact on our day. I’ve made a list of 9 things that help me make my mornings a little sweeter. I saved it on my phone to remind myself and to try to make it a habit. Keyword: try 

1. Wake up with a smile— cheesy (no pun intended) but it’s needed.. no matter where you are or what you’re going through, when you wake up before rushing out of bed.. stop yourself & smile. If you have to force it in the beginning, do it! If you’re a guy reading this & you think this is too cheesy for you, I don’t care, SMILE!

2. Start your day with happy thoughts— also cheesy but it’s super important. I have been very conscious of my thoughts in the morning. From the time I wake up to eating breakfast and getting ready.. I am constantly catching myself asking: “what are you thinking about?” If your answer doesn’t make you smile or happy, get rid of it.

3. Listen to good music— this seriously turns my world upside down. Music is food for our souls. Whatever kind of music you enjoy the most, play it in the morning to get you in the mood. My addiction is Persian music, a lot of times I play it and catch myself dancing out of nowhere, best feeling alive!

4. Get Inspired— the first thing we reach for after turning the alarm off is usually our phones, don’t even try to deny it lol instead of scrolling on social media, read an inspiring article or even a quote to help you start your day. I usually read Bahai writings and reflect.

5. Workout— not everyone can manage to do this but if you have the time and the will power then take advantage of it. I usually try to go to the gym to run (not an outside jogging person,) and I’ve also tried kickboxing in the morning— winner! Push yourself to workout in the morning. Whether it’s running, yoga, kickboxing or whatever is convenient for you, make it happen. It goes hand in hand with listening to music for me… I feel like the days I workout in the morning I am so much more productive and relaxed throughout the day.

6. Get fresh air— fortunately I walk everywhere in MAD & enjoy the fresh air, especially the morning air right but regardless of where you live, even if it’s stopping before you get into your car.. pause for a few minutes and smell the roses lol jk get some fresh air even if it’s for 5 minutes.

7. Don’t rush—what’s the rush on commitment? #drizzyvoice seriously, yes we’re all going to work or school or somewhere where we’re under a time crunch.. relax. Make it a habit to take your time. Be conscious of it, slow down.. whether your drinking coffee or getting ready to walk to the metro or driving from point A to B, whatever you’re doing.. slow down. You’ll get there.

8. Make a list— mornings can be so overwhelming, especially Monday mornings when all you wish for is an extra day between Sunday and Monday. When I find myself overwhelmed, I always always make a list of to dos on my phone. Jot down your thoughts then start organizing and prioritizing. Trust & believe, it makes a HUGE difference. Not only does it clear your mind but visually seeing what you have to do for the day/week helps you become way more more efficient at getting things done.

9. Finish your day right— when we start our day, during the week all we want is to finish the day and get home. Usually to lay on the couch and complain about how bad our day was or watch TV to forget about the day or in my case eat everything in the fridge lol don’t just wait for the weekend to do something exciting. Make plans for the evening, go to a yoga/pilates class, cook something yummy that you enjoy eating… unwind. 

These are the things that I aim for when Mornin’ MADness happens. Did I leave anything out.. What helps you? Tell moi

Photos: Jess Jordan  <3

xo

ph