Category: Lifehacks & Tips

In our fast-paced world, the way we start our mornings can set the tone for the entire day, as starting your day with intention is a powerful way to set the tone for a productive and mindful day. Whether you’re looking to boost your energy, find peace of mind or set yourself up for success, establishing a morning routine can transform your life by incorporating intentional practices into your morning, you can cultivate a positive mindset, boost your energy and prepare yourself for whatever it is the day may bring.

Beginnings are quite important. They set a tone for what’s to come, and mornings are no exception. Establishing a morning routine can be the perfect way to start your day off on the right foot. We may end up asking ourselves, “what are the right morning routine to take, How do we take these steps, what are the benefits of a mindful morning routine?” Here’s a guide:

Mindful Morning Routines

Starting Your Day with IntentionIn our fast-paced world, the way we start our mornings can set the tone for the entire day. A mindful morning routine can transform your life by grounding you in the present moment, fostering a sense of calm, and8 setting clear intentions. Here’s a comprehensive guide to creating a mindful morning routine that you can integrate into your daily life.

Wake Up Early

Waking up early gives you the quiet time you need to start your day without rush. Aim to wake up at least an hour before your usual time. This not only gives you ample time for your routine but also allows you to experience the tranquility of the early morning.

Hydrate with Intention

Starting your day by drinking a glass of water. Hydrating first thing in the morning helps your metabolism and flushes out toxins. As you drink, take a moment to feel gratitude for the water, appreciating its role in nourishing your body.

Practice Gratitude

Spend a few minutes reflecting on what you’re grateful for, you can start by writing down three things you’re grateful for each day to cultivate a positive mindset. This practice can be as simple as thinking of three things or writing them down in a journal.

Gentle Movement or Exercise

Including some form of physical activity or exercise into your morning. Whether it’s yoga, stretching, or a light jog, movement helps to wake up your body, improve circulation, and release endorphins. Choose an activity that you enjoy and that feels good to you.

Mindful Breathing or Meditation

Take at least 5-10 minutes to practice mindful breathing or meditation. Maintain a good sitting posture, close your eyes, and focus on only your breathing. Inhale deeply and hold on for a few seconds, then exhale slowly. This practice centres your mind and reduces stress, preparing you for the day ahead.

Nourish Your Body with a Healthy Breakfast

Prepare a nutritious breakfast that fuels your body. Eat more whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins. As you eat, practice mindful eating by savoring each bite, noticing the flavours, textures, and how the food makes you feel.

Set Intentions for the Day

Define your goals and priorities for the day, create a to-do list to help you stay focused. Ask yourself what you want to achieve, how you want to feel, and what mindset you need to maintain. Writing these intentions down can make them more concrete and help you stay focused throughout the day.

Personal Development

Dedicate some time to personal growth activities such as reading, journaling, or listening to a podcast. Choose content that inspires you, expands your knowledge, or helps you grow personally and professionally.

Plan and Prioritize

Review your schedule and to-do list for the day. Prioritize your tasks and set realistic goals. This not only organizes your day but also reduces anxiety by giving you a clear roadmap to follow.

Embrace Silence

Before diving into the noise of the day, spend a few moments in silence. This could be during your meditation, while drinking your morning tea, or simply sitting and enjoying the quiet. Silence helps you connect with your inner self and reinforces a sense of peace.

Tips for creating a sustainable morning routine:

1. Start small and add new practices gradually
2. Be consistent and make it a habit
3. Make it enjoyable and personalized
4. Be gentle with yourself and don’t be too hard on yourself if you miss a day.

Benefits of having a mindful morning routine:

1. Improved mental clarity and focus
2. Enhanced self-awareness and Mindfulness
3. Increased energy and motivation
4. Better time management and Productivity
5. Reduced stress and anxiety
6. Improved overall well-being

Let’s face it, most of us don’t like reading school books and that is because of the obligation attached to it. And some subjects are just plain difficult. For Example, Mathematics. I’m sure you guessed it too. But the thing is you have to pass the subject and not liking it is a problem for you.

So, I am going to be explaining the best way to study a course or subject even if you don’t like it or find it difficult.

CHANGE YOUR MINDSET

You know that you are the boss of your mind? Well if you don’t know, I am telling you now. Whatever you want your mind to believe, trust me, that’s what it’s going to believe. So all you have to do is tell your mind that if you don’t read, you won’t pass. It’s that simple. Let me be honest, at first, you’d feel like it’s not working but if you continue saying it, one day you’d believe it. You won’t realize when, but you’d just see yourself believing it.

Cultivate the habit of reminding yourself and your mind(most especially) that if you don’t read, you won’t pass. And trust me you’d be getting better. You can also bring up other things to tell your mindset to help you read. And if for any reason you have a mindset that gives you the motivation not to read, try reversing it.

Example of the mindset that motivates one not to read: school na scam School isn’t a scam. A simple question you’d be asked, you’d start stuttering, cause you don’t know it. So see education as a means of being respected and seen as smart in the future. So you can say things like Education will make me smart Education will take me places. Education will help me improve my skills. And if you continue saying it, you’d one day believe it. And once you believe it, it is possible.

CREATE YOUR INTEREST

Teachers or any other person would be like “for you to study well you have to put interest in the subject” Which interest? Like where is the interest coming from? I don’t like this subject and you are telling me to have an interest in the subject. If I had an interest in the first place I wouldn’t hate it! That aside, the truth is if you don’t have a reason to Like a subject, you won’t like it. And in this case, you must pass the subject or the course. So you must like it. Someone might ask, How do I create interest? Look for how that subject connects to your future ambitions. Example: Mathematics; you might think you don’t need maths for anything, how will maths help me as a Dancer? Or an Actor? Not directly, but indirectly though. According to psychology, Maths helps in sharpening your brain. You need a sharp brain to memorize scripts, you need a sharp brain to memorize dance moves. You don’t have to settle for less, Let maths help you become better than average. If you have not figured out what you want to be in life, that’s okay as long as you’re not over 20. You can create reasons to love maths. Probably to make you smarter. You could create other interests, passing a subject or a course depends mostly on you.

LISTEN MORE ATTENTIVELY IN CLASS

This is an unpopular truth, but if you want to pass any subject or course you must attend classes and not just attend classes but also pay attention. Some of the things the teacher or lecturer would say, are going to come out in your exams. Especially if he says something like “Listen carefully” or “It’s not on your note” This is something you’ve heard before, but it’s the truth. Another reason why you should pay attention in class is when you listen to a teacher, not just listening, understanding, and asking questions in class. You won’t forget. It is probably not something that works big time for everyone but it works. Then when you go home and read, my dear, forgetting it isn’t an issue. During exams, you’d remember most of the things the Lecturer said. Especially if you were actively participating in class. So don’t be shy, ask questions, and make contributions, and you’d surely pass.

REVISE THE COURSE OR SUBJECT

It’s just a catchy way to say study. Even if you don’t want to. I don’t know how best to spell it out, but once you forget a subject it will forget you, once it forgets you, you will fall. Times that are best to study.

1. After the teacher has taught: when you get back home and have rested.
2. probably a week or two weeks later.
3. any other time you want.
4. before the exams.

Don’t make excuses by saying the subjects are much, make a timetable, and be disciplined enough to see it through. No one can teach you how to be disciplined, it’s a personal decision.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO STUDY FOR HOURS

I know our teachers have probably bragged about studying for five hours, six hours, etc and they expect you to do the same. But the truth is, even if you study from now until eternity, if you don’t understand what you are reading, you are just stressing yourself unnecessarily.
I am not saying it’s not okay to do so, but that’s not for everyone. As long as you are true to yourself, and you understand what you studied, you can stop or take a break.
Look for better methods to help you.
Ask a friend that you know, understand the subject better than yourself.
Watch videos on that particular topic (I do this very well)
Read articles on it.
Pretend you’re teaching someone the subject, so you’d read like you’re going to teach.

In conclusion, school isn’t a scam. No subject is greater than you. If you want to pass a subject you will. It is up to you to make that decision.

WRITTEN BY FAVOUR AWANA

Jordan Peterson once said, “Make your bed.” As short and simple as that quote is, it is important. If you wake up daily feeling sad or in a bad mood, sometimes no one’s fault but yours. Walk with me. Your habits or daily routine, no matter how small, may affect your mood.

You hear these frequently; stop doomscrolling and resist the urge to check your phone first thing in the morning. This advice may be inconvenient, but it is for your good. Aside from making your bed, here are other habits you should practice:

Wake up at a consistent time

Your day starts the moment you wake up. Yours can be as early as 3 am or 8 am; regardless of what it may be, waking up early is a sign of discipline. Rising early might feel bothersome, but this habit is an effective way to condition your mind. Use an alarm, If you can’t wake yourself up at a consistent time.

Waking up at a consistent time every day can positively impact your health, this includes:

• Good sleep.
• Ability to concentrate more.
• Better digestion.
• Reduced pain.
• Increased productivity

A regular sleep routine can enhance your mood and leave you happier and more content.

Exercise

Exercise is a net positive for you, it’s a simple fact backed by science. Interestingly there are multiple types of exercise and going to the gym isn’t compulsory. At home, you can select an exercise routine, simple and slightly difficult, follow the routine and keep your body healthy.

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Regular exercise can help improve physical health, and improve mood.

Digital Detox

Giving your time off screen is a good idea. On average, we 3 to 4 hours a day on our phones this means you’re exposing yourself to complications like eye strain, depression and anxiety. To keep yourself in a good mood, it can be advisable to take a walk than to watch another TikTok video. Your phone is a good source of information but absorbing information without action is damaging, mentally and emotionally.