How 15 Minutes Can Transform Your Year

How many of you start your morning by jumping out of bed and rushing around to get ready for the day? A routine like this can be stressful and overwhelming. If you're looking for a simple – yet highly beneficial habit to adopt in 2024 – consider waking up 15 minutes earlier. This will allow you to use the first moments of your day for self-care and serenity instead of chaos. Waking up just a quarter hour earlier might not sound like much, but it can make a world of difference to your well-being. In this post, we will explore the benefits of this habit and what you can do to make the best of your extra 15 minutes in the morning. 

Here's how this simple habit can positively impact your life:

Less Chaos

Waking up earlier will reduce the likelihood of forgetting important things and give you time to make sure you have everything you need for the day. This will allow for a smoother and more organized start to the day. 

Reduces Stress

By giving yourself a little extra time in the morning, you can reduce the stress and anxiety that often accompany a rushed start to the day. This will help you feel calmer and put you in a better mood for the rest of your day

Better Sleep

Waking up earlier will force you to go to bed earlier. This will lead to better sleep quality and help establish a more consistent sleep pattern.

Increased Productivity

All these positive changes will ultimately lead to feeling more motivated, energized and productive during your day. 

So what can you do to maximize your extra 15 minutes in the morning? We’ve listed some of our favourite morning activities below. You can fill your time with just one activity or mix and match to create a personalized morning routine.

Stretch

Stretching will relieve tension that may have built up in your muscles during sleep, and promote a sense of relaxation. It can also improve flexibility and range of motion, making it easier to perform daily tasks and engage in physical activities. We like to gently wake our body up with a quick stretch or grounding yoga flow.

Meditate

Morning meditation helps you start your day with a sense of calm and promotes a centred and focused mindset. This can reduce stress and prepare you to face daily stressors with greater resilience. Your meditation practice can be as simple as spending 5-10 minutes focusing on your breath or following a guided meditation video. 

Journaling

Journaling first thing in the morning is a great way to put things into perspective and improve mental clarity. Spend some time jotting down your thoughts, goals, or things you are grateful for. 

Healthy Breakfast

Simply grabbing a granola bar and dashing out the door in the morning falls short of a nutritious breakfast. Instead, wake up a little earlier so that you can prepare and savour a nourishing morning meal. This will fuel your body with the essential nutrients it needs to thrive throughout the day. Veggie omelettes, overnight oats and chia puddings are some of our favourite quick and healthy breakfast options. Check out our meal guides if you need some breakfast inspo!

Plan For Your Day

Waking up a little earlier also allows you to review your daily tasks, set priorities, and plan your schedule. This can lead to a significant improvement in productivity and time management throughout the day. 

So, if you're tired of starting your day in a frenzy, consider making this small change in the new year. These extra 15 minutes are your opportunity to prioritize self-care and your well-being. Doing this consistently will ultimately guide you toward a year filled with more calm, greater productivity, and personal growth. 

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