Make it a rule to not go on socials until you have eaten breakfast, or gotten a head start on some work. This way, you may even be able to prevent yourself from falling into the negative mindset and stress that comes about with reading the news first thing in the morning.
Make it a rule to not go on socials until you have eaten breakfast, or gotten a head start on some work. This way, you may even be able to prevent yourself from falling into the negative mindset and stress that comes about with reading the news first thing in the morning.
The entire world has been in upheaval since the debut of the pandemic a year ago. Work, education, trade, and even social activities have begun to take place online, which means spending more time at home for the entire family.
More than ever, we are in need of space and time completely our own without the line being blurred between time spent with our families and ourselves. As Muslims, we start our mornings with prayer. However, this can become ritualistic and put one in a rut. Below are a few steps you can take to enhance the quality of your mornings and set a positive tone for the day ahead.
1. Starting the Day with God
Waking up 15-20 minutes before fajr to pray and make duâa at tahajjud can truly revolutionise your life. In those quiet and peaceful moments, there is no barrier between you and Allah, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
âThe Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven when one-third of the night remains and says: âWho will call upon Me, that I may answer Him? Who will ask of Me, that I may give him? Who will seek My forgiveness, that I may forgive him?ââ (Bukhari, Muslim).
It is the best time to pour your heart out and be vulnerable in front of the One who can give you whatever it is you desire. If youâre just starting out, you can try praying it once and week and building upon that. And if you still have some time before fajr, you can spend it reciting some Qurâan, as it is said to be witnessed at dawn (17:78).
2. Don’t Sleep After Fajr
This is something even I am guilty of, but am working my hardest to change. Whenever you have the urge to doze off after praying fajr, remind yourself that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: âAllah made the early hours blessed for my Ummahâ (Ahmed).Â
Due to this barakah (blessing), big tasks or those you have been dreading can be accomplished easily, or you can get a good start on them. It is also a means of giving yourself time later in the day to focus on leisure activities, or even going to bed early which will enable you to wake up earlier the next day, and hence build a habit.
This time can be used to study, memorize Qurâan, or even work on a passion project that you donât have time for during the rest of the week. Even billionaires and successful people swear by waking up at 4 or 5 AM as a secret to their success!
3. Write a To-Do List
We are more likely to do something if we write it down. This applies to our goals, and even things we need to accomplish in a day. Oftentimes, we make a mental note of these things, but our brains only hold so much space.
Making a little list in your diary or even your Notes App can help you stay on track of where you need to expend your time and energy for the day. The feeling of being able to cross off completed tasks is unparalleled too!Â
4. No Screens Until Breakfast
The mornings are too sacred to be lost gazing at a screen and scrolling aimlessly. We may pick up our phones to âjust check a thing or twoâ, and before we know it, itâs time to get started with the day and we havenât had any time to ourselves.
Make it a rule to not go on socials until you have eaten breakfast, or gotten a head start on some work. This way, you may even be able to prevent yourself from falling into the negative mindset and stress that comes about with reading the news first thing in the morning.
When you do go on your phone, practise consuming some uplifting and positive content first before moving onto the dreary.
5. Get In Some Movement
Weâve been hearing about the benefits of exercise ever since we were kids. Now, at a time where taking care of our health holds the most priority, moving our bodies in a way we like should be on our agenda. Moreover, so many people are working from home, leading to neck and back pain, and strained muscles in general. Home training has gained popularity in this pandemic, and for good reason. All you need is a small space, and yourself.
YouTube has thousands of workouts in different varieties to choose from: yoga, pilates, HIIT, cardio, and even strength training as if you were back at your local gym! If you want some fresh air, you can even brisk walk for 30 minutes a day: the goal is to move our bodies and get our blood flowing!
6. Eat a Nutritious Breakfast
Due to hectic schedules, a lot of us have gotten into the habit of skipping breakfast. Research shows that eating a nourishing meal in the morning helps with focus throughout the day, beats unnecessary sugar cravings, and gives energy. It doesnât have to be elaborate, but you can make a balanced plate with high fibre carbohydrates like oats or multigrain bread, fats like avocado or nuts, some greek yogurt, and fruit.
If youâre short on time, you could even throw some spinach, apple, and frozen banana into a blender for a delicious smoothie. Youâve already won by getting your greens first thing in the morning!
7. Look Presentable – Even If You’re At Home
Work from home has most of us working in our pajamas and on the couch. Although there is nothing wrong with this, our brain associates comfortable clothing with relaxation, and this frame of mind may leave one feeling lazy and sluggish.
Throwing on some cute clothes can really brighten your mood and leave you feeling ready for a day of work. You can even add a dash of lipstick, or spray on your favourite scent to boost your confidence some more.
