How New York City Got Its Juicy Nickname “The Big Apple” — And What It Means To The World

1.   By Chris Ekeme

Do you ever wake up feeling tired, rushed, or just not ready to tackle the day? You’re not alone! Mornings can be tough, but here’s the good news: how you start your morning can set the tone for the rest of your day. Successful people know this secret, and they use their mornings to build habits that help them stay focused, energized, and ready to conquer the world.

Imagine waking up feeling calm, motivated, and in control. Sounds amazing, right? Well, it’s possible! By adding a few simple habits to your morning routine, you can transform your day—and your life. Let’s dive into 7 morning habits that will make you more successful and help you become the best version of yourself!

1. Wake Up Early (But Don’t Rush!)

Waking up early gives you a head start on the day. It’s quiet, peaceful, and the perfect time to focus on yourself before the world gets busy. But here’s the key: don’t rush! Take your time to stretch, breathe, and ease into the day.

Why it works: Early mornings are a great time to plan, think, and set your intentions for the day. Plus, starting your day calmly helps you feel more in control.

How to do it:

Set your alarm 15 minutes earlier than usual.

Avoid hitting the snooze button—get up as soon as your alarm goes off.

Take a few deep breaths and stretch before getting out of bed.

2. Drink Water First Thing

After a long night of sleep, your body is dehydrated. Drinking a glass of water as soon as you wake up helps kickstart your metabolism, boost your energy, and clear your mind.

Why it works: Water hydrates your brain and body, making you feel more alert and ready to take on the day.

How to do it:

Keep a glass or bottle of water by your bed.

Drink it as soon as you wake up—even before your coffee!

Add a slice of lemon for an extra boost of freshness.

3. Move Your Body

Whether it’s a quick workout, a yoga session, or just a walk around the block, moving your body in the morning gets your blood flowing and wakes you up.

Why it works: Exercise releases endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones, which boost your mood and energy levels. Plus, it’s a great way to start the day with a sense of accomplishment.

How to do it:

Start with something simple, like 10 minutes of stretching or a short walk.

Try a morning workout routine that fits your schedule.

If you’re short on time, even a few jumping jacks or squats can help.

4. Eat a Healthy Breakfast

Skipping breakfast? Big mistake! A healthy breakfast fuels your body and brain, giving you the energy you need to stay focused and productive.

Why it works: Eating a balanced meal in the morning stabilizes your blood sugar, improves your concentration, and keeps you from feeling sluggish later in the day.

How to do it:

Choose foods that are high in protein and fiber, like eggs, oatmeal, or yogurt with fruit.

Avoid sugary cereals or pastries—they’ll give you a quick energy boost but leave you crashing later.

If you’re in a rush, try a smoothie with fruits, veggies, and protein powder.

5. Plan Your Day

Take a few minutes each morning to write down your goals and priorities for the day. This helps you stay organized and focused on what really matters.

Why it works: Planning your day gives you a clear roadmap, so you don’t waste time figuring out what to do next. It also helps you feel more in control and less stressed.

How to do it:

Use a notebook, planner, or app to write down your tasks.

Focus on the top 3 things you want to accomplish that day.

Review your plan at the end of the day to see what you’ve achieved.

6. Practice Gratitude

Before you dive into your busy day, take a moment to think about what you’re grateful for. It could be your health, your family, or even the sunshine outside your window.

Why it works: Gratitude shifts your mindset from “what’s wrong” to “what’s right.” It helps you start the day with a positive attitude and reminds you of the good things in your life.

How to do it:

Keep a gratitude journal by your bed.

Write down 3 things you’re grateful for each morning.

Take a moment to really feel thankful for those things.

7. Avoid Your Phone (At Least for a While)

It’s tempting to check your phone as soon as you wake up, but resist the urge! Give yourself at least 30 minutes to focus on your morning routine before diving into emails or social media.

Why it works: Starting your day without distractions helps you stay present and focused. It also prevents stress from creeping in before you’ve even had breakfast.

How to do it:

Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode overnight.

Keep your phone out of reach until you’ve completed your morning routine.

Use an old-fashioned alarm clock instead of your phone to wake up.

Why These Habits Work

These habits might seem simple, but they’re powerful. They help you:

Feel energized and ready to tackle the day.

Stay focused and productive.

Reduce stress and feel more in control.

Start the day with a positive mindset.

How to Get Started

Changing your morning routine might feel overwhelming at first, but you don’t have to do everything at once. Start with one or two habits and add more as you get comfortable. Here’s a simple plan:

Week 1: Focus on waking up early and drinking water.

Week 2: Add movement, like stretching or a short walk.

Week 3: Start planning your day and practicing gratitude.

Week 4: Avoid your phone for the first 30 minutes of the day.

Last Word

Your morning is your chance to set the tone for the rest of the day. By adding these simple habits to your routine, you can start your day feeling calm, focused, and ready to succeed. Remember, success isn’t just about big achievements—it’s about the small, consistent steps you take every day.

So, tomorrow morning, try one of these habits. Wake up a little earlier, drink a glass of water, or take a moment to plan your day. You’ll be amazed at how these small changes can make a big difference.