Five Tips For A Happier Morning Routine

Your mornings don't have to be stressful and chaotic--they just need to be better managed.  It is possible to wake up feeling refreshed, invigorated and ready to take on the day.  We came up with five ways to improve your morning routine, guaranteeing you'll get your day off on the right foot.

Five Tips For A Happier Morning Routine

1.  Flowers, Coffee & Other Aesthetically Pleasing Things
When you first open your eyes in the morning, what do you see?  Is it a pleasant & appealing sight?  Does the sound of your alarm clock scare you with buzzing & ringing, or does a lilting, melodic chime slowly wake you from your slumber?  Does the tempting smell of coffee waft through your home, inviting you to rise, shine and begin your day?  Try starting off with a few basic pleasantries to set the tone for the rest of your day:

• Buy a bouquet of flowers on the weekend, and keep them in a pretty vase on your nightstand all week.
• Invest in a bamboo sheet set.  Bamboo sheets are soft, cozy & feel like buttah.
• Place a plush bath mat by the side of your bed so when you hit the floor your feet don't hit cold tile or wood.
• You NEED a cozy robe and slippers, no matter what time of the year it is.
• If you like coffee, try grinding your own beans and using a French press.  You may never go back to using an automatic coffeemaker again.

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​2.  Plan Your Day The Night Before
Nothing says stressful morning like rushing around at the last minute making lunches, looking for paperwork, misplaced car keys or your sunglasses (p.s., they're on your head).  Take about 30 minutes the night before to pack your lunch, lay out your clothes, fill your water bottle, organize your tote bag and jot down any notes you may need for work or running errands the next day.  If you don't have a planner, you might want to consider getting one.  They're a lifesaver when it comes to organizing your time and keeping yourself accountable.

Clever Fox Weekly / Monthly Planner,amazon.com (click to shop)

The Morning Sidekick Journal & Habit Tracker, amazon.com (click to shop)

3.  Scent Your Home
Fragrance and scent have a way of lifting our spirits and evoking a mood (and memories).   Of course, what might smell good to you may not be my cup of tea, but that's because scent is personal.  Try starting your day with a scent you love, using a nebulizing diffuser like the ones found at aromatechscent.com.  You can diffuse luxurious & relaxing scents throughout your home using a variety of diffusers styles and organic oil blends.

Personally, I enjoy citrus-scented candles and wax melts throughout my home in the mornings.  The light, refreshing scent wakes my senses and has me feeling invigorated in no time.  Same goes for body wash & lotion;  the crisp, fresh scents of lemon, orange and verbena are a few of my faves.
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Fresh Start Into Spring Wax Pack, (includes everything pictured), partylite.com

Gin & Tonic 3-Wick Candle (juniper berries, champagne apples and honeydew blended with tingling tonic water and a twist of citrus), partylite.com

​4.  Squeeze A Fresh Glass Of Juice
Do you juice?  If you don't care for vegetables much, you can mask the taste while reaping all the health rewards by juicing,.  Some of the benefits of juicing include:

• Boosting your immune system;
• Eliminating toxins from your body;
• Lowering your risk of cancer; and

• Helping with digestion. 

​If you've never juiced before, check out these simple juicing recipes.  Most call for four ingredients or less!

​You can also start your day with a simple glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.  Not only does fresh OJ smell and taste fantastic, it's also chock full of healthy goodness.  
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Hamilton Beach Juicer, amazon.com (click to shop)

The Complete Juicing Recipe Book, amazon.com (click to shop)

5.  Get Your Freak On (We're Not Kidding)
Girls, our testosterone levels are highest in the morning, so why not take advantage of it and take start your day with a bang?  There's a myriad of health benefits to sex, including an improved immune system and lower blood pressure.  A.M. sex will also raise your oxytocin, release endorphins and give brain power a boost.  How much happier can your morning get?