MORNING PRAYER

Living Lord,

Be with us as we work today.

Fill this office with inspiration and energy.
Help us to work as a team, and bring out the best in each other.
May we be efficient and achieve all we need to, but also remember to rest.
May this place be full of fun and friendship
And may relaxation and harmony inhabit this space.
Thank you for this new day and the opportunity to work together.

Amen.

Morning Hacks For Your Best Day Ever

Ignoring Tech

Stop grabbing your phone first thing! If your phone is the first thing you look at when you wake up
there are two problems you will undoubtedly encounter. The first thing is the negative repercussions
from the blue light your phone emits. Blue light is much less natural than sunlight, it confuses your
body clock and can even disturb sleeping habits and hormones. The second issue is that you are
setting yourself into the wrong mental state. Instead of starting your day with positive intention you
immediately switch into defense mode. The notifications and emails will draw you into reacting to
other people’s issues. And while those issues may need to be addressed – it’s a lot better to set your
own pace, especially on your best day. Try avoiding your phone and mindlessly scrolling. Instead,
take charge of your day and lead with intention.

Cold Shower

Do you wait for the shower to get hot? Taking a cold shower may not seem like the most appealing
morning hack but its proven benefits make it worthwhile trying. Showering with cold or cool water
drastically improves circulation of the blood, the lymphatic system and even promotes and speeds
up muscle recovery. (Think of the ice bath in the NFL locker room). Cold showers also offer
psychological benefits such as increasing alertness, lowering stress levels and has been recognized
to help reduce depression. All not withstanding, there’s an awesome level of willpower you must
possess to voluntarily jump into an ice cold shower every morning. You can slowly build up willpower
like a muscle. If you can will yourself into a cold shower I guarantee you will be more likely to
challenge yourself to push through obstacles throughout the day!

Ground Yourself

Another helpful hack from Eric’s F*It List is grounding. Eric expounds that grounding will release the
static energy that our bodies build up over night. He recommends grounding yourself in dirt, grass,
or any other form of the earth. During grounding sessions, and for some time thereafter, our brains
and neurotransmitters are positively affected improving clarity, productivity and overall mood. To
gain these benefits, simply take between 2-5 minutes each morning to be barefoot and present in
nature. It may sound a little unusual, but give it a try!
Bulletproof Coffee

Do you need your coffee in the morning like me? What if that cup of joe could help boost your
energy, improve your mood, help you think faster, and increase your focus? If you haven't heard
about Bulletproof coffee you are seriously missing out! This coffee concoction has been the rage for
a couple years now and for good reasons. It is made by blending coffee, grass-fed unsalted butter
and MCT oil. You’re getting all of the benefits of black coffee and grass-fed butter, including healthy
omegas, anti-inflammatory properties and fat soluble vitamins without the excess processed sugars
from creamers and sweeteners you're likely to see in traditional coffee drinks. Bulletproof coffee is
designed to help your brain think faster and more efficiently, increasing clarity with the added benefit
of suppressing hunger.

Your ONE Thing

What is the “one big thing” you need to get done but you've been avoiding? What's the one thing that
you could get done that would help you get closer to achieving a goal or, if completed, would make
today a success? Do that first! We have the most willpower and determination in the morning which
peters off throughout the day. So get that “one big thing” done within the first few hours of your day
while your energy and determination tank is on full.

Spices

It’s funny how people can underestimate the power of spices. Here is something you may already be
doing that is improving your mental clarity and overall health. Three of the most beneficial spices are
oregano, cinnamon and thyme. Oregano is a commonly overlooked spice that contains powerful
properties that drastically improve concentration. It also has antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal
properties making it a great support system for a healthy immune system.

Similarly, cinnamon also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, cinnamon
helps protect the declination of cognitive and brain function. It is also good for overall heart health
and regulating blood sugar levels. One of the most powerful components of this fragrant spice is its
high levels of magnesium. One tablespoon of cinnamon has almost 70% of the required daily value
of magnesium.

Another staple spice for any morning routine should be thyme. Thyme actually heightens brain
function and improves memory which we can all use especially during those early mornings. Got a
big project you're working on or an extensive presentation you need to prepare for? Incorporate
oregano, cinnamon and thyme into your diet to improve concentration, memory and overall brain
function!

Plan The Day

Do you have an action plan for your day, week, month and year? Without a plan how do you intend
on getting where you want to be? I recommend creating yearly goals and breaking them into
quarterly goals. Then develop a plan of weekly and daily actions that get you there. These smaller
continuous successes are less overwhelming, build up confidence, and help you get to the big
stuff. When you have a proper plan you feel powerful, on task, and energized because you know
exactly what you need to be doing to reach your goals!
Light Your Soul On Fire

There’s a lot in this list. The point is to do something every morning that gets you excited and
pumped up for the day. Everyone wants to feel clear, motivated, purposeful and productive. Pick an
activity, it can be something educational, something you're passionate about, or simply something
that prepares you for your day. Your attitude may be the most crucial piece of your morning routine,
yet it is often overlooked. Do something each morning that gets you emotionally, spiritually, and
energetically ready for the day. Your day starts with the decisions YOU make. Make this a priority in
your morning routine and you will quickly notice the difference to achieve your BEST day.