We have been hearing a lot about morning routines lately over here at Brooklyn Biltong, so we wanted to share some of our favorite morning rituals with you. Give one, or all of these a try the next time you roll out of bed.

No Devices. We know, easier said than done, right? Upon first waking up in the morning, most people grab for one of their devices to check their emails or catch up on the latest social media updates. When this happens, you can easily get caught up in your inbox or fall into a social media black hole and before you know it you are already running late and you have not even left your bed yet. Do yourself a favor and try avoid checking your phone!

Positivity. Replace your morning phone grab with some positivity instead. Think of one to three things you are grateful for in that very moment. Whether it is waking up in a warm bed, being employed and having a job to go to (even if you don’t want to leave your warm bed), or perhaps it is waking up next to your significant other. Think about what you are grateful for in your life and go into your day with an attitude of gratitude.

Meditate. Instead of automatically pressing the snooze button on your alarm clock, take five to fifteen minutes to close your eyes again (yay!) and meditate. Most people think meditating means clearing your mind of all thoughts entirely, but that is not entirely true. Your mind will always have thoughts, but meditation is all about acknowledging those thoughts and then releasing them without getting swept away in them. Focus on deep breathing or counting if you notice your mind wandering. Even repeating a particular word or phrase can assist you in keeping your focus.

Hydrate. After catching eight to nine hours of shut eye, your body needs some good ole H20. Get up and grab an eight ounce glass of water or leave one on your bedside table overnight. Do not worry if the water is room temperature when you wake up, it will absorb in your body quicker meaning you will hydrate faster! Gulp, go, and you are good. For an added touch of flavor, add a squeeze from a citrus fruit like lemon, lime, or orange. It will invigorate your senses! If you feel like detoxing after a long night, try a combination of lemon + cucumber + mint.

Movement. Whether you go for a walk around the block, hit the gym for a sweat sesh, or do some light stretching on your own, wake your entire body up with some sort of movement. Be sure to choose a movement you actually enjoy though, that way you are more inclined to get out of bed and get moving!

Healthy Choices. Start your day off with a hearty and healthy breakfast. We recommend eating a protein paired with a healthy fat and some vegetables. Avocado toast topped with Brooklyn Biltong? Don’t mind if we do!

No one likes to rush out the door starting their day stressed and strung out. Do yourself (and your health) a favor and start a morning routine by borrowing one, or all, of ours!