Many of us strive to be intentional with our time when on vacation, traveling, or making a conscious effort to recharge our batteries. Being mindful of your morning routine is a great place to start, and a prime opportunity to start your day on the right foot.
Whether you’re looking to rest and recharge, get energized and stay productive, or a mixture of the two mindsets, one thing is certain: a good morning makes all the difference. Your morning habits set the tone for what’s to come throughout the rest of your day, which is why it’s so important to set yourself up for a successful morning, even if that means spending time preparing the night before.
Early risers and productive people often swear by their nighttime and morning routines, and while this might sound like more work during what’s supposed to be a relaxing vacation, preparing for good mornings can actually help you get even more out of your day.
Set Yourself Up For Success
The night before a new day, be intentional about your choices. Don't underestimate a good night's sleep. Ask yourself how an extra glass of wine might make you feel when you wake up, and if that cold slice of pizza before bed will help you get good sleep. Swap the wine for a glass of water and if needed, snack on something light and low in sugar. Consider setting out your clothes for the next day (less decision-making means more time for relaxation or productivity, whatever floats your boat) and even getting the coffee pot or tea kettle ready to go. These little things will go a long way.
Instead of Netflix or doom scrolling before bed, spend 10 minutes reading, journaling, or meditating before falling asleep. All of these things will add up, making it easier for you to wake up feeling rested and ready to take on the day.
A Good Start With Something Meaningful
After your alarm goes off - likely on your cell phone - it can be tempting to hit the snooze button or open your favorite apps and rest in bed for a little while longer. Instead of investing in social media right off the bat, invest in yourself by shaking off the sleepiness and doing something that feels meaningful and is also good for your mental health. Make the bed. Author Charles Duhigg calls it a "keystone habit" in his bestseller, "The Power of Habit": "Making your bed every morning is correlated with better productivity and a greater sense of well-being". It's true, successful people make the bed in the mornings.
Other great practices include jumping right in the shower, starting the coffee pot, or maybe even journaling for 5-10 minutes. This tells your brain what’s important today.
Lemon Water Before Coffee
Simply squeeze half of a lemon into a glass of warm water and drinking first thing in the morning can have a big impact on your entire day. This is not a revolutionary concept, gurus have been touting the benefits of incorporating lemon water into your morning ritual for quite a while now. There are many added benefits of doing this before reaching for that first cup of coffee, that include:
Jump starting digestion.
Helps you stay hydrated. Most of us don't drink enough water.
Weight-loss friendly.
Kills bacteria and freshens breath.
Supplies a healthy dose of vitamin C.
Provides a potassium boost.
Helps prevent kidney stones.
Activities to Incorporate
While vacation can be a great time to incorporate all of the things we wish we had time for at home, it’s also a time to prioritize your wellbeing by focusing on rejuvenation. Enjoying a mug of coffee and a good book by the fire are great ways to rest, but there are a few unique ways you can truly prioritize yourself during quiet, slow mornings at the cabin. A good mood and a positive thought will go a long way to start your day the right way.
Stretch and meditate near a window to align yourself with the great outdoors and absorb the gentle beauty of nature outside.
Turn on “Do Not Disturb” mode and choose a calming playlist that will eliminate distractions and allow you to focus on enjoying the present moment.
Take time to create a space that feels rejuvenating and energizing all at once; light candles, collect books, notebooks, and pens in one place, and keep self-care items handy.
Be intentional about your getting-ready routine by staying mindful during your shower, while you brush your hair, and while you moisturize.
Prepare foods that make you feel good and prioritize healthy fats, fruits, fresh veggies, and ingredients that make your body happy and keep your energy levels up.
Slow & Steady Wins The Race
As you go about your morning at the cabin or while on vacation, remind yourself that you aren’t in a rush. It’s okay to slow down, focus on the current moment, and take tasks one at a time. This simple action will have a positive effect on your whole day. Listen to your body and your mind and enjoy the activities that make you feel whole. This will leave you well-rested, feeling positive, and ready for a great day.
What could be better than waking up in an amazing cabin rental? We love the cozy and modern cabins at Midnight Moon Cabins. With fireplaces and dog-friendly cabins that are creatively curated down to the last detail. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a fun time with the family, there's a great variety of luxury cabins to choose from.
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