Rise and shine! Then eat your corn tortillas, sing along to Baha’i prayers, or dip your toes in the ocean—depending on where you live, of course. A morning ritual, or just a little ‘me-time’ first thing, can help you start your day off on the right foot. That’s why we’ve partnered with Tropicana to get the scoop on what people in cities across America do first thing in the morning to kick off their day right. Give them a read, and then try some of these rituals yourself for an AM boost.
“Everyday at about 6 a.m. my two-year-old son jumps in bed with my husband and me for some morning snuggles; then his five-year-old sister joins us about half an hour later. Eventually, we all get dressed, eat breakfast and pack lunches, before heading off to school/work. On our morning drive, we typically sing, and boogie to a couple of Baha’i prayers put to music by our friend Devon Gundry.” – Jacqueline Thiesse Namati, Concord, Massachusetts
Whether it’s your kids, your partner or your favorite furry friend, start your day with a good ol’ fashioned cuddle. Not only can it reduce stress, it feels pretty good, too. And for Baha’i prayers set to music, check out Devon Gundry’s Refrenergy.
“I wake up at 5 a.m. so that I can slowly ease into my day. I start with 10 minutes of foam rolling before packing my bag and heading to gym class at 6 a.m. Then it’s typically a spin class at SoulCycle, followed by strength training at Barry’s Bootcamp. These morning hours (all three of them) are critical in helping me stay focused throughout the course of my day.” – Ali Martillotta, New York, NY
If you can get motivated for a morning workout, there are plenty of benefits. Not only will you give your metabolism a boost, but you’ll also up your endorphins, which may set you up for good vibes for the rest of the day.
“I spend at least five minutes stretching every morning. It reminds me that I exist in corporeal form and it prepares me for my commute. If you don’t know, LA traffic is world renowned for being efficient and stress-free. (Okay, if you believe that, please send me your bank and Social Security info and I promise to make you a millionaire).” – Paul Hamlet, Los Angeles, California
Yes, traffic can wreak havoc on your morning mojo. So, to fight the bumper-to-bumper blues, start your day slowly and give your body what it needs before jumping in the car.
“I wake up at 6:30 a.m. and talk to my husband while he gets ready to leave at 7 a.m. Our conversation is never about anything major, just plans for the day, the weather, or something interesting we may have read the night before. It eases me into my morning. If it’s nice enough outside (only half the year, really) I’ll also go for a walk along the lakeshore trail.” – Annie Boye, Chicago, Illinois
Chatting with your partner in the morning—even if it is only about the weather forecast—can help you connect while your minds are fresh, as opposed to saving all your communication for the end of the day when you’re more likely to be exhausted.
“Every morning I get up around sunrise and walk up and down the beach with my bare feet in the sand and water. This makes me feel connected, grounded, and it allows me to plan the day and make any important decisions with clarity and calmness.” – Aryan Rashed, Miami, Florida
If you’re not fortunate enough to live by the beach, substitute an ocean stroll for a forest walk, or even a quick amble through a local park—anything to get a daily dose of nature.
“The thing that’s a constant in my mornings is breakfast with my partner and two young kids. We either have fried, fresh chicken eggs and corn tortillas, or a hearty mush/porridge that’s equal parts amaranth, millet, and quinoa, plus a pat of butter, coconut flakes, dried mulberries and chia seeds. It’s been a few years, and we haven’t gotten sick of it yet!” – Lauren Rochell, Austin, Texas
People who eat a healthy breakfast are more likely to maintain their healthy diet throughout the day. Plus, gathering around the kitchen table before work or school is another opportunity for family bonding. So, find the pancakes or porridge that work for you and pay tribute to the most important meal of the day.
“It’s pretty standard for me to blast upbeat music when I’m getting ready for work in the morning, particularly when I’m in the shower and doing my hair and makeup. My go-to Pandora stations these days are Shakira Radio and Milky Chance Radio. On days when I need to be a little more Zen, I trade those stations for Bonobo Radio or classical music.” – Roxana Rezai, San Francisco, California
The right tunes can help reduce AM anxiety and stress, plus it can help get you moving if you do decide to hit the gym right off the bat. Researchers have even suggested that music can increase levels of IgA—an antibody that’s critical in boosting our immune systems.
Getting off on the right foot can positively impact your entire day. Start your day with a serving of Tropicana for a morning ritual that will help bring out your best you!