If you constantly feel drained by life, say goodbye to these 9 morning habits
Feeling constantly drained by life isn’t a given. It could very well be the result of certain morning habits that are sapping your energy away.
It’s all about choice. Holding onto certain habits, even though they’re leaving you feeling exhausted, is like clinging to a leaky life raft.
Letting go of these habits, however, opens up the possibility for a more energized start to your day.
In this article, we’ll explore the 9 morning habits you need to say goodbye to if you’re always feeling drained. And trust me, bidding adieu to these habits can make a world of difference.
1) Hitting the snooze button
We’ve all been there. The alarm goes off, and it’s so tempting to hit that snooze button for a few more minutes of sleep.
But here’s the thing. While it might feel like you’re getting extra rest, hitting the snooze button actually leaves you feeling more tired.
This is because interrupted sleep is less restorative than uninterrupted sleep. Each time you hit snooze and drift back to sleep, you’re disrupting your sleep cycle.
So if you’re always feeling drained, it might be time to say goodbye to the snooze button and start embracing a more energizing start to your day.
But remember, change isn’t always easy – and that’s ok. Take it one morning at a time.
2) Skipping breakfast
I confess, I used to be one of those “coffee for breakfast” people. I would rush out the door with just my cup of java, not realizing how much this habit was contributing to my constant feeling of exhaustion.
Skipping breakfast is a common habit for many, especially when life gets busy. But what we often overlook is the fact that breakfast is the fuel our bodies need to start the day right.
When I started making a conscious effort to eat a balanced meal in the morning, I noticed a significant change. Not only did I have more energy, but my mood improved, and I felt more alert and focused throughout the day.
If you’re feeling perpetually drained, it might be time to reevaluate your morning meal habits. Trust me, your body will thank you for it.
3) Checking your phone first thing
Our phones have become almost an extension of ourselves. It’s the first thing we reach for in the morning and the last thing we touch before bed.
But here’s a thought. Did you know that exposure to the blue light emitted by our phones can disrupt our body’s production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep? This could leave you feeling tired and groggy throughout the day.
If you’re wondering why you’re always feeling drained, it might be time to reconsider your phone habits. Start your day with something positive and uplifting instead of scrolling through emails or social media. Your energy levels might just thank you for it.
4) Neglecting hydration
Hydration is key to our overall health and well-being, yet it’s often overlooked. Many of us start our day with coffee or other caffeinated beverages, forgetting that water is what our bodies truly crave after a night’s sleep.
Dehydration can leave you feeling sluggish, fatigued, and even cause headaches. So starting your day with a glass of water before reaching for that cup of coffee can be a small change with big benefits.
Consider this a reminder to hydrate. Your body and your energy levels will thank you for it.
5) Rushing through your morning
Living life in the fast lane can sometimes feel like the only option. We rush through our mornings, often skipping important steps in our routine just to save a few minutes.
But constantly rushing creates stress, which can leave you feeling drained before your day has even properly begun. It’s like starting a long journey with an almost empty gas tank.
Try slowing down your morning routine. Allocate enough time to go through your rituals without rushing. This might mean waking up a little earlier, but the peace of mind and the calm start to your day could very well be worth it.
6) Skipping self-care
In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s all too easy to neglect self-care. We often prioritize everything and everyone else above ourselves. I’ve found that this is particularly true in the mornings when we’re trying to get ready for the day.
But ignoring self-care can leave us feeling drained, both physically and emotionally. Ensuring you have a few moments to yourself each morning can make all the difference. This could be as simple as taking five minutes to meditate, journal, or just savor your morning coffee.
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself isn’t just important, it’s essential. Do it not just for yourself, but for the people who rely on you too.
7) Ignoring physical activity
Once upon a time, I was the queen of excuses when it came to morning workouts. “I’m not a morning person”, “I’ll do it later in the day”, “I didn’t get enough sleep” – sound familiar?
But physical activity, especially in the morning, can significantly boost our energy levels and mood. It doesn’t have to be an intense workout, even a short walk or some light stretching can make a huge difference.
When I finally pushed myself to incorporate some form of exercise into my morning routine, the change was undeniable. Not only did I feel more energetic throughout the day, but my mood was noticeably better.
If you’re always feeling drained, maybe it’s time to kick-start your day with some movement. It might just become your new favorite habit.
8) Overloading your to-do list
We often start our day with a mile-long to-do list, setting unrealistic expectations for what we can accomplish. This can lead to a sense of overwhelm and stress, leaving us feeling drained before we’ve even started.
It’s important to prioritize tasks and set manageable goals for the day. Try focusing on the most essential tasks first, and remember that it’s okay not to get everything done in one day.
By setting achievable goals, you’re more likely to feel a sense of accomplishment and less likely to feel drained by the end of the day. It’s all about balance.
9) Forgetting to breathe
It might sound simple, but in the midst of our busy mornings, we often forget to breathe properly. Shallow breathing can increase stress and fatigue, leaving us feeling drained.
Practicing mindful breathing techniques in the morning can help calm the mind and energize the body. Just a few minutes of deep, conscious breathing can set a positive tone for the rest of your day.
Breath is life. So start your day by taking a moment to breathe deeply, and watch how this simple act can transform your energy levels.
Final thought: It’s all about balance
Our habits, particularly those formed in the morning, can greatly influence how we feel throughout the day. They lay the foundation for our energy levels, mood, and overall well-being.
Change is a process, not an event. It might take time to break old habits and form new ones. But small changes can have a big impact on how you feel.
If you’re constantly feeling drained by life, it might be time to reassess your morning routine. Are there things you could let go of? Habits you could adopt?
You have the power to shape your day, right from the moment you wake up. And who knows? By saying goodbye to these draining morning habits, you might just discover a whole new level of energy and enthusiasm for life.
As Aristotle once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
Let’s strive for habits that nourish us rather than drain us. Your journey to a more energized life starts with your morning routine. It’s all in your hands.
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