Does the following describe your morning? You stumbled out of bed a few minutes behind schedule, dragged yourself to the bathroom and threw on some clothes that you hope made you look semi-human. Somehow you made it to work, but it’s already 11 a.m. by the time you are able to snap into The Zone and actually #Thrive for the rest of the day.
“What happened to those lost hours?” you ask yourself. “I promised myself today would be different!”
Be a little easier on yourself, buddy. Yes, there are a special sect of people in this world who naturally wake with a bounce in their step, even if it is before 7 a.m. But according to a study by the University at Albany, those unicorns -- whom many of us refer to as “morning people” -- are actually wired differently than the rest of us night owls.
That being said, there are some ways to become an a.m. ninja, even if it is not inherent to your nature. Brought to you in partnership with BelVita, below are eight charts that will totally help you win your morning rituals.
1. Get The Right Amount Of Sleep...
According to the National Sleep Foundation, most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep every night. If you aren’t catching enough Zs, you might be setting yourself up for heart disease, diabetes, obesity and more. Use the calculator below to make sure you are maximizing your evening hours.
Source: Visual.ly
2. … So That You Can Wake Up Like A Boss -- Literally.
Ever wondered how successful people start off their day? Channel your inner Tim Cook or Paul English by taking a cue from their alarm clock.
Source: Visual.ly
3. Loosen Up Your Mind And Body.
Even if you only have a few minutes to spare during your morning routine, try and work in a few yoga poses. According to the Mayo Clinic, yoga can help boost your immune system, reduce stress, and manage chronic conditions.
Source: Visual.ly
4. Brew Your Ideal Cup Of Coffee.
For the 83 percent of Americans who drink coffee, getting it perfect can make all the difference when it comes to starting your morning off right. No need to settle for your average cuppa Joe; one of the below options might be the perfect perk-up for your taste buds.
Source: Visual.ly
5. Rock A Smoothie.
Smoothies are all the rage these days. Not only are they transportable, packed with good-for-you stuff and easy on the tummy for those anti-breakfast people (who are you guys, anyway?), but they can easily be made the night before. In fact, these are so healthy and easy that we suggest chugging one down as part of your breakfast, not just instead of it! Check out a breakdown of the ultimate smoothie below:
Source: PopSugar
6. Walk Out The Door Knowing You Look Awesome.
Never second guess your outfit again. Ladies across the spectrum can use this handy dandy chart to rock the right business-casual look for any body type.
Source: Visual.ly
7. Pick The Right Commute.
If you live in a walk-or-bike-friendly city, forgo the four wheels and take advantage of these options. Not only will your body thank you, but so will your shrinking carbon footprint.
Source: Visual.ly
8. Send The Right Emails.
Your ideal morning is just approaching the finish line! Instead of getting to work and letting all that good juju go to waste, make sure to utilize those pre-noon hours for the best work quality. Do your own thing before 9 a.m., and organize the rest of your email flow according to this straightforward chart.
Source: Visual.ly
Let’s face it -- mornings can be crazy. That’s why belVita is celebrating the #morningwin to help you start your day off right. Each pack of crunchy belVita Breakfast Biscuits includes four lightly sweetened biscuits biscuits that contain slow-release carbs from wholesome grains to help fuel your body for four hours. Enjoy belVita with a fruit and serving of low fat dairy for a balanced breakfast.