Have you ever felt as though a bad start to the morning is enough to derail your entire day? You’re definitely not alone. Sometimes, your bad mood is unavoidable and simply a result of a terrible night’s sleep or brought on due to waking up on the “wrong side of the bed,” but other times, your morning routine could be the culprit behind a dicey start. Luckily, there are ways to transform your routine for the better and reap the many benefits thereof. Here is a round-up of a few easy ways to completely transform how you approach those first few hours of the day to ensure maximum productivity and feel-good vibes, from squeezing in an exercise session to savouring some “me-time” enjoying your favourite casino games online before heading off to the office.

Say “no” to coffee and “yes” to lemon water

The vast majority of people get their morning started with a steaming cup of coffee. However, while it certainly tastes incredible and gives you that short-term pick-me-up, it’s probably not doing you any long-term favours. In fact, research shows that the caffeine in coffee raises your cortisol levels, potentially causing you to feel more stressed and anxious later on in the day.

A much better beverage to consider reaching for first thing is a tall glass of lemon water. You can opt to drink it hot or cold, depending on your preferences. The refreshing smell of the lemon will wake you right up and leave you feeling revitalised and energised immediately following that first sip. Along with this, there are many who claim that lemon water gives a noticeable boost to their metabolism. Plus, the lemon is packed full of healthy nutrients, including vitamin c, potassium, and antioxidants.

Get some exercise in

Before you get breakfast sorted, it’s recommended to wait at least 30 minutes after drinking your lemon water to allow for proper absorption. Just enough time to squeeze in some decent exercise and revel in the resultant influx of “happy hormones” (endorphins). Switch on your TV and follow along to a YouTube yoga or aerobics workout video or grab those running shoes and take a brisk walk, jog, or run around the block. Exercise is always excellent for your overall health and will also help you to focus your mind before tackling your tasks for the day.

Fill your bowl with “brain food”

Yes, it’s still the most important meal of the day, so be sure to make it count! A healthy, balanced breakfast will keep your blood sugar levels stable until lunchtime, making it easier for you to be more productive in whatever you choose to do.

Ideally, you’ll want to munch on a brekkie that includes protein, healthy fats, fruits and/or vegetables, and carbohydrates. Think cooked rolled oats topped with almonds and blueberries or a delicious bowl of scrambled egg mixed with avocado and finely chopped ham, and an apple or an orange to go!

Do something for you

Once you’ve ticked off all the above, try to set aside at least 15 minutes to do something especially for yourself. Why not sit down and spend some time enjoying one of your hobbies, like knitting, sketching, or playing online slot games or Slingo games via your favourite casino site, or give a loved one a call for a quick catch-up before it’s time to head off to work?

Be thankful and plan your day

Once you’ve hopped into your car or caught the bus to the office, you’ll have some extra minutes on your hands to optimise your morning even further. Instead of daydreaming or worrying about that big meeting that’s set to take place later on, try to think about all that you’re thankful for in your life and everything that you’re most proud of in terms of your accomplishments. This will instantly flood you with a strong feeling of positivity, making it a great time to plan your day and set out some goals that you’d like to achieve.

Do your best to prioritise tasks in order of urgency and to think about how you’d like to approach them to ensure optimal outcomes. Set realistic and specific goals. For example, “I want to work through my emails first thing today and in less than an hour.” Or “I want to have a chat with my boss and convince her to give me a 10% increase based on my recent performance.”

Enjoy your day!

By completing all the above as part of your morning routine, you’ll be well-equipped with everything necessary to help you enjoy your day and live every moment to the fullest. You’ll be well-hydrated, well-nourished, and refreshed in terms of both body and mind. Now all that’s left to do is put a big smile on your face, stand up straight with confidence, and get things done!

Play casino games online at Mecca Games

If you’re keen to add a few minutes of entertainment to your morning routine, you can’t go wrong with a session of fun casino games at the Mecca Games casino site. We offer a diverse menu of the best online slots, including the ever-popular Megaways slots, as well as a variety of other casino online favourites, such as Slingo, arcade games, and more. If you’re interested in exploring what’s on offer, feel free to register to join our community whenever you’re ready. Have fun!