We get it, mornings are a whirlwind of  chaos and trying to create any form of ritual is more than a daunting task. Just thinking of your ideal routine is exhausting. Survival takes precedent, especially when it comes to the survival of your sanity, or what little you may have left.

If you’re anything like us, you probably suck at creating a peaceful morning which.. as science suggests, it is the foundation of your day. To shed some light on what we’ve personally learned, we’ve made this list of quick and easy things to do each morning.

These tips are so easy they can be applied in-between finding your kid’s left shoe and realizing that you forgot to apply deodorant on your way to work.

Will these tips  help you? We have no friggin clue, but it’s helped us a great deal so the chances are semi-high you may benefit as well.

TIP ONE: Say thank you while brushing your teeth.

 Science has shown that attaching a task to a trigger, creates the act more easily memorable.  So when we say “ say thank you” which really means, feel gratitude for the things you have in your life, while brushing your teeth.. We’re really saying, find a task you do everything single morning and practice gratitude at the time you do the task.

According to Harvard Health “…. gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.”

We aren’t geniuses but we feel this simple act could benefit not just you, but everyone in the morning.

TIP TWO: Take a deep breath (or 10)

You hear it so often, it seems to lose it’s meaning- we know, but taking a deep breath has so many wonderful benefits that we all too often either neglect or shove it to the side as nonsense. 

According to Urban Balance breathing deeply can decrease stress, increase calm,  relieve pain, stimulate the lymphatic system, improve immunity, increase energy,  lower blood pressure, improve digestion, and help support your posture. (I have to take a deep breath after saying all of that.)

So while you’re frantically racing around the house trying to remember where the hell you placed your car keys, remember to stop and breathe. Stop and breeeeeaaathe deeply, that is.

TIP THREE: Throw on some Enya

My child thinks I’m a looney because I play Enya everyday while getting ready. I get it, if at 12 years old I witnessed my mom listen to “Only Time” on repeat every morning, I’d be confused on whether she needed a hug or therapy. While both are probably true, scientifically speaking, music has the power to energize, stimulate memories, and to calm you.  While the words are pretty, yes, there’s so much more to it’s power.

According to the University of Nevada, Reno,” Research confirms these personal experiences with music. Current findings indicate that music around 60 beats per minute can cause the brain to synchronize with the beat causing alpha brainwaves (frequencies from 8 - 14 hertz or cycles per second). This alpha brainwave is what is present when we are relaxed and conscious. To induce sleep (a delta brainwave of 5 hertz), a person may need to devote at least 45 minutes, in a relaxed position, listening to calming music. Researchers at Stanford University have said that "listening to music seems to be able to change brain functioning to the same extent as medication." They noted that music is something that almost anybody can access and makes it an easy stress reduction tool.”

Don’t believe the research? Next time your toddler is throwing a major tantrum ( or yourself) turn on some Enya and watch the magic unfold. 

TIP FOUR: Remind yourself how badass you are

I won’t dive into the deep realm of science in regards to how potent the words are that you speak to yourself. Just know that what you tell (you)  your brain digests and “knows” to be true. The more often you speak ill about your looks, your capabilities, your moral code.. The more you’re reinforcing that thought. 

By speaking positive  affirmations  every morning, such as : I am going to have a great day today, I am strong and I am capable of amazing things, I trust myself and my intuition … you’re programing new truths into your subconscious.

By doing this often, you’ll feel more confident, more beautiful, and more intune with your intuition. To really ensure you’re practicing daily, tie an additional task to it ( such as the tooth brush and gratitude technique) that you do daily. For me, I practice my affirmations when applying my makeup.

When will you do yours?

TIP FIVE: Brain dump

Morning hits you and so do all the many millions of things you need to accomplish for the day. When your brain is trying to absorb the fact that there’s no chance in hell you’re going to do it, everything else- no matter how small, is bound to piss you off.

Tell me you didn’t make your sandwich the night before while I’m remembering I missed a deadline- I’m pissed off.

Not able to find my to-go coffee cup that I swore I just washed while being reminded that I have to call the doctor for my eldest daughter and find new school shoes  for my youngest- and I’m even more annoyed.

To help remedy this stench, take a pen and a piece of paper and dump it all out wherever you are. Scribble it all down right there in the kitchen while your coffee is brewing or in the bathroom while you’re getting dressed. Where you do it is not important.

Now,  when you’re doing a brain dump, you’re doing exactly what it sounds like- you’re throwing everything up - every thought, every concern, every piece of anxiety, every remembrance of a dream- everything. The point is to get it out of your head at that moment.

It’s helpful, to take the piece of paper you wrote on and at a more appropriate time, organize the tasks into 3 categories: Now, Can wait, Later.

Once the tasks are simply on the paper and not in your head you’ll feel an immediate release of pressure. When they’re organized, you’ll feel more efficient and more prepared to take on the day.

I wish we had 10 more tips to give on starting your morning, but like you, we’re still desperately trying to figure it all out for ourselves. If any of these suggestions have helped your life in anyway, we would love to hear from you!