Structuring an effective morning routine can be life altering. It is the initial spark to an athlete’s day and can translate to achieving success in other tasks. Here are five key life hacks that you can implement today.
1. Start your day with music
Use your smart phone to introduce a new day with happy vibes. Find an upbeat tune with positive lyrics and use it as your alarm clock. You may even wish to listen to a few different tracks. This is a fantastic way to set the tone for the rest of your day.
RELATED: Listening to Music Helps Reduce Pre-Game Jitters
2. Make your bed
Many of you may have heard Admiral McRaven’s speech, which he presented at the 2014 graduation ceremony at the University of Texas. If not, click the link and listen to point No. 1. McRaven talks about the importance of completing the first task of the day and how it relates to consistent completion of any following tasks.
3. Keep a journal
I appreciate that writing is probably the last thing you want to do in the morning. However, by simply writing five bullet points, you can manage your emotional state, your tasks or your motivation levels from the day’s very beginning. You may wish to write a few short lines on what you are grateful for, what you want to achieve long term or maybe even the day’s “to do” list.
RELATED: 7 Reasons to Use a Workout Log to Maximize Your Training
4. Meditate
Meditation does not need to be complicated. Simply sit on the edge of your bed in a tall posture. Breathe in through your nose for 6 seconds and breathe out through your mouth for 11 seconds. Try to focus on your breathing and nothing else. Meditation improves focus, reduces stress and improves respiratory function. If you are new to it, just practice for 5 minutes. When your concentration improves, extend your meditation time to 10 minutes.
RELATED: Rise to the Moment With Mindfulness Meditation
5. Shower first thing
A shower helps you feel fresh, alleviates sore muscles, improves circulation and lowers stress levels.
Anyone can benefit from this morning routine, but I strongly believe it creates a mindset of success for athletes. It cultivates an important way to think that you can use when you’re in the middle of a tough workout or practice, or dealing with a stressful situation during a game.
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Structuring an effective morning routine can be life altering. It is the initial spark to an athlete’s day and can translate to achieving success in other tasks. Here are five key life hacks that you can implement today.
1. Start your day with music
Use your smart phone to introduce a new day with happy vibes. Find an upbeat tune with positive lyrics and use it as your alarm clock. You may even wish to listen to a few different tracks. This is a fantastic way to set the tone for the rest of your day.
RELATED: Listening to Music Helps Reduce Pre-Game Jitters
2. Make your bed
Many of you may have heard Admiral McRaven’s speech, which he presented at the 2014 graduation ceremony at the University of Texas. If not, click the link and listen to point No. 1. McRaven talks about the importance of completing the first task of the day and how it relates to consistent completion of any following tasks.
3. Keep a journal
I appreciate that writing is probably the last thing you want to do in the morning. However, by simply writing five bullet points, you can manage your emotional state, your tasks or your motivation levels from the day’s very beginning. You may wish to write a few short lines on what you are grateful for, what you want to achieve long term or maybe even the day’s “to do” list.
RELATED: 7 Reasons to Use a Workout Log to Maximize Your Training
4. Meditate
Meditation does not need to be complicated. Simply sit on the edge of your bed in a tall posture. Breathe in through your nose for 6 seconds and breathe out through your mouth for 11 seconds. Try to focus on your breathing and nothing else. Meditation improves focus, reduces stress and improves respiratory function. If you are new to it, just practice for 5 minutes. When your concentration improves, extend your meditation time to 10 minutes.
RELATED: Rise to the Moment With Mindfulness Meditation
5. Shower first thing
A shower helps you feel fresh, alleviates sore muscles, improves circulation and lowers stress levels.
Anyone can benefit from this morning routine, but I strongly believe it creates a mindset of success for athletes. It cultivates an important way to think that you can use when you’re in the middle of a tough workout or practice, or dealing with a stressful situation during a game.