Guest Post: Start your day happier

You know the saying ‘did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed today’, in other words you woke up like a cranky little teenage kid that doesn’t want to go to school for the day. I really believe that the way you start your morning plays a huge role in the rest of your day both physically and mentally. Isn’t it everyone’s new years resolution to start the day healthier and more productive and hitting the snooze button less often! Well its almost that time of year again, so its time to actually make that happen!

I think the most important thing is to work on is creating a routine, one which works for you, just because someone else does something one way doesn’t mean that it’ll be the right way for you. Luckily there are a few tips I can teach you to help you create one;

1. Media intake: Firstly I recommend if (ever) watching or listening to the news it shouldn’t be done first thing, as the media tends to hype things up a little too much and most of their stories create fear and anxiety in people, not the best way to start the day. I recommend you find an amazing song that puts you in a fantastic mood and gives you a boost of positivity! Waking up to music stimulates the brain and has countless other benefits on your health. I always have a ‘theme song’ – I’m known to listen to the latest one on repeat for weeks on end. Think about how good your favourite song makes you feel. Forget the unpleasant annoying sound of your bleeping smart phone waking you up, lets get head bopping to your favourite beats! This brings me to the next tip, please do not check your phone as soon as you open your eyes, this can have the same effect on your day as the news. Don’t let someone else’s ‘high light reel’ bring you down before you even get out of bed.

2. Take time to take it easy: Once up, I suggest doing some form of movement, breathing, stretching and drink a large glass of fresh water. This will make you feel centred, stimulate digestion and wake up your physical body. Add lemon to your water too, which will help cleanse and remove toxins from the body.

3. Be Grateful: Mentally prepare yourself for the day ahead, plan your day and give thanks for what’s to come. Spend those few moments you have in bed after you open your eyes being grateful for 3 things and just smile. Expressing gratitude creates magic internally and in your external world. Even things as simple as ‘I’m so thankful for the amazing sleep I had last night’ ‘I’m thankful to be alive and to be able to take in another breath’

4. Feed your mind… not just your belly: A healthy breakfast will provide you with long lasting energy, clarity and focus for the rest of the day. Find a meal that really makes you feel good – I like healthy fats and a good ethical source of protein most mornings, but sometimes I like to have more of a liquid breakfast, a big energising green smoothie! A wholesome, nourishing breakfast of nutrient dense foods is the best way to kick-start your metabolism at the start of the day and stabilise your blood sugar levels. But learn to listen to what your body wants in that moment. If I have done a big workout prior to breakfast I might consume a smoothie bowl with oats, seasonal fruits and superfoods. Over the next few days why not try a few different breakfast meals and for the few hours afterwards feel how your body reacts, how do you feel, do you have brain fog, do you feel energised, bloated. Take note of these symptoms, this will allow you find what really makes you individually thrive.

Including a few if not all of the above tips should help you shake the attitude of not being a morning person!

Rebecca Neale is an Australian fitness and health professional, foodie and writer who has been in the fitness industry for over 8 years as a personal trainer and online performance coach.  Her elite coaching skills has seen her reach not only Australian but international clients as well.

She is a whole foods advocate whom strongly believes that good health and wellbeing begins with what happens within you, good nutrition and a beautiful mindset.
Rebecca thrives on teaching and inspiring others to find their own true balance and is very passionate about making a positive impact on the world around her. Rebecca is currently completing a Bachelor Degree in Nutritional Medicine and Dietetics to continue her journey of helping others to reach their full potential.  You can check out her website here and keep up with her on her Instagram @foodfitnesswelness too!