If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.

If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task, and another, and another. And by the end of the day that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed.
~ Words by US Navy Admiral William H. McRaven.

Your morning routine sets the tone for the rest of the day. So let’s take a look at how to start the day in the best way possible.

1. Don’t turn on your phone just yet

Although it is usually one of the first things we think about when waking up, immediately checking your phone can set you up for more stress during the day. You can set your phone to airplane mode before you go to sleep and give yourself that little bit of extra time early morning to focus on yourself.

2. Make your bed

We love this tip from mr. McRaven and recommend this tip wholeheartedly. Making your bed is a simple task, but at the same time it makes a difference in the intention for the day. Mr. McRaven wrote a book about this theme and it is on our book list.

3. Brush your teeth

During the night plaque builds up in your mouth, so remove this buildup by brushing as soon as you wake up. And while you are at it, also scrape your tongue.

4. Drink warm water with lemon

Lemon water on an empty stomach can help your digestive system and help with the pH balance. Ideally you drink the warm lemon water before breakfast. And giving your day a healthy start may set the tone for the rest of the day.

5. Stretch

Here are a few simple exercises to energize you for the day:

  • Child pose: this pose is a restorative pose and gives your body a gentle supported stretch in your hips and thighs.
  • Downward facing dog: another yoga pose to wake up the body. This pose is great since it is a mild inversion and will put a lot of your muscles to work. Downward facing dog will actively work your arms, core and shoulders.

To conclude this post we will leave you with some more wise words from mr. McRaven:

“Remember… start each day with a task completed. Find someone to help you through life. Respect everyone. Know that life is not fair and that you will fail often. But if you take some risks, step up when times are toughest, face down the bullies, lift up the downtrodden, and never, ever give up—if you do these things, then you can change your life for the better… and maybe the world!”