When it comes to figuring out your perfect morning routine, what works best for you might not match anyone else. Though there’s a plethora of self-help articles focused on waking up earlier to take advantage of your morning hours, sometimes it’s just not that easy. And sometimes you just don’t know how.
While some people are early-risers, ready to start the day as soon as the alarm rings, others may be hit-the-snooze-button-three-times kind of people. Some people prefer 5 a.m. workouts; others maximize their morning by sleeping in that extra hour before the sun fully rises. Some people like decaf coffee so they don’t have morning jitters, and others might opt for a bulletproof blend in lieu of breakfast.
Regardless of what the world encourages you to do, or what you’ve fallen into out of habit, learning about your zodiac sign—and how it influences both your personality and your productivity—will help you maximize your mornings. Whether you’re an early riser or ‘sleep-inner,’ you can find ways to take advantage of the time you have at the start of each day.
Aries:
March 21 – April 20
You run on higher energy than most. On a typical day, even when you’re tired, you can find a way to fight through, which is why you need to stop letting your body rule over your mind.
In order to maximize your mornings, you need to stop hitting that snooze button and get up. Go for a run, do a light workout, finalize a work project before the sun rises—though you might resist this change at first, it’s vital to helping you make the most of your days.
Taurus:
April 21 – May 21
When it comes to mornings, you move slow—and that’s okay! Rather than forcing yourself to get up earlier than what feels comfortable, or moving your body while you’re still groggy, see if you can wake up and do some mindful mediation.
To set your day on the right path (while not wasting precious morning time!) sit down and do yoga, deep breathe, or think. You’ll also want to do this alone, if possible, to center yourself before starting the day.
Gemini:
May 22 – June 21
You’re a sociable person. To start your morning, see if there’s a group exercise class you can join, friends/significant other/roommate you can take a morning walk with, or a forum you can tune into—anything that allows you to begin your day with others.
Cancer:
June 22 – July 22
Mornings really aren’t your thing. Though you can, and will motivate yourself to get up earlier, it doesn’t always leave you as fulfilled. Rather than forcing yourself to get up and engage in something when you’re still half-asleep, sleep in and set aside time in the evening that’s solely dedicated to things you need to get done.
Leo:
July 23 – August 22
You’re the type of person who, more than likely, has hit the snooze button a few times. Rather than change your entire rhythm, though, just trick yourself by setting your alarm an hour earlier. This way, when you get to your third and final snooze, you’ll be getting up at the time you used to first open your eyes.
Virgo:
August 23 – September 22
By the time morning comes, your mind is already spinning. See if you can find activities that center you in peace and balance. Perhaps opt for a slow walk, breakfast with a book, or something else as equally mild-mannered to keep you from falling into morning stress.
Libra:
September 23 – October 22
In order to maximize your mornings, you need to set up (and stick to) a routine. Instead of going to bed at random hours, sleeping in some days, and waking up early on others, give yourself a set schedule. This will keep you balanced, and thus more productive before heading to work.
Scorpio:
October 23 – November 21
Solitude is the name of the game when it comes to maximizing your mornings. If possible, isolate yourself so that you can be more aware of how you’re feeling, what you’re thinking, and what your goals for the day are. Though you do enjoy the company of others in the morning, try as best as you can to give yourself some space.
Sagittarius:
November 22 – December 21
Above all else, make sure that you’re switching up your routine, otherwise you’ll get bored. The best way to maximize your mornings is to always have something different planned—from sunrise runs, to coffee shop breakfasts, etc. this constant change will keep you engaged and productive.
Capricorn:
December 22 – January 20
The best way to maximize your morning as a Capricorn is to create a rewards system for yourself. If you’re not super into the idea of waking up early, create a ‘prize’ you’ll earn each time you wake on time. Also, back your routines with logic. If you can get another hour of work done in the morning, then this is a logical reason to wake up early—thus you’ll inherently be more supportive of it.
Aquarius:
January 21 – February 19
To have a successful morning routine as an Aries, you’ll have to consider your heart. You function best when you can give to others. Find a way to incorporate that selflessness into your mornings— whether that’s cooking for other household members, spending time talking to someone on the phone, or helping someone you love. That way you’ll feel more satisfied and worthy before the day even officially begins.
Pisces:
February 20 – March 20
You’re the daydreamer. Though you might not necessarily have a hard time getting up, you often find yourself lost in thought, unintentionally wasting precious minutes. To maximize your mornings, work on your organization skills. Write down goals for each morning, or create a to-do list for your free time. This will help you stay on task and use your time a bit more wisely.
[This piece originally featured on Coffee N’ Clothes ]
Featured Image Credit: Ksu Fuchs