3 Things Healthy People Do Before 10 AM

On my ideal day, I wake up super-early, without an alarm, refreshed and ready to go. Then I have a long, leisurely, mindful transition into the day. Of course, I live in the real world, so that doesn't always happen - and when it doesn't, you can bet my whole day is off kilter.

That's why I've decided to make a list of the three most important things to do every single morning, and share it with you. Try these (they don't take long at all), and see if they don't radically improve your day.

Take time for yourself, even if it's just 5 minutes. It's tempting to dive right into the day, but pause to check in with yourself and find center first. Whether that's having a cup of coffee before everyone else wakes up, getting a workout in, meditating, reading, whatever - make sure part of your morning is just for you.

Ask powerful questions. So many of us wake up already thinking, "I don't have enough time," "I didn't sleep enough," "I'm not doing enough." The best way to combat those not-enough's is to shift your focus by asking questions that will give you helpful, powerful answers. Ask yourself, what do I have enough time for? What am I already doing well? What am I grateful for? What do I want today to look like? (And then, of course, answer them!)

Move. Your body was designed to move - so let it! It doesn't have to be a 5-mile jog or an hour at the gym (though that's great too). It can be stretching, yoga, walking - anything that lets your body know it's awake and time to shine. Morning movement not only helps you wake up and gives you a burst of energy; it also helps your brain stay focused throughout the day.

And guess what - you can do all three of these at once! Asking powerful questions while moving, and letting that be your morning "me" time, starts your day off right by aligning your mind, body, and emotion. Basically, you're giving a little love to your whole self, so when you do step into the day, you can be fully present, fully energized, and fully yourself.

Let's get up and do that right now. (I know, I know, you're tempted not to do it - but I promise you will feel great if you do.) Stand up, and then jump, landing with your feet wider than hip-distance and your arms up in a V-for-Victory pose. Then jump and land back where you started. (These are like slow jumping jacks.)

Do a few more. How can you make today more productive?

Let the answers rise up from your body intelligence. Take note of anything that surprises you.

Keep going. One more question: How can you make today more joyful?

Honor anything that comes up. Write it down if you don't want to forget it. Remember, you can do this anytime, not just in the mornings. 

Then go out and shine.