Axios Finish Line: Morning hacks to start stronger

Why it matters: I made you do the hard work by sharing your smart ideas to pass along to the Carries of the world. Here's a small sampling:

1. "Happy light" was a common response. The idea is to focus first thing on the sun, or other upbeat lighting, to stimulate the mind and mood.

• Elizabeth Steiner, a state senator in Portland, Oregon, says: "I spend the first 15-30 minutes of the day in front of a happy light to control my winter fatigue/seasonal affective disorder/desire to hibernate."
• Diane Gallin, a feng shui instructor in Tampa, adds: "Keep the shutters open in your bedroom. Just before sunrise, nature comes alive and stimulates the circadian clock."

2. Connecting with others. This was a huge theme. Stephanie Mallios, a founding real estate agent of Compass in Short Hills, New Jersey, belongs to an early riser group called "6AMERS," where everyone answers a question of the day, often quite vulnerably.

• "I am not a morning person, but this group has taken on a persona that is so palpable, so real, so supportive," she wrote.
• Dan Sullivan, who runs membership for TechUnited: NJ and is a new father, says it's protecting family time before the day revs up that "absolutely grounds me."
• Jon Kabance, owner and president of BIOKINETIX, has started the daily habit of enjoying coffee with his wife — then working out together. Then he reads Axios Chicago!

3. Brain games. Funny how many trends are hot with readers, but I have yet to try. Wordle is a massive one.

• Kati Collier, a designer at Duke Energy, said her favorite is Spelling Bee — "My goal is to hit Genius each day. Bonus if I achieve it before my kids wake up!"

4. First, finish strong. Lots of readers pointed to no booze, predictable bedtimes and sufficient sleep as key to winning the next morning.

• David Barksdale, CEO of Piedmont Federal Savings Bank, says 8 p.m. shut-eye is game-changing. He tells his kids "nothing good" happens after 8 on a weeknight.

5. Hydrate. I should have mentioned this one, too. I use LMNT, a hydration powder, most mornings. But any hydration, including straight water, works fine.

• Max Duckworth, an investor in Madison, Wisconsin, recommends "non-decaf green tea, as much water as I can drink ... plus a few small drops of CBD oil to relax and focus the mind."

I'll end with two general theories — one broad, one quite specific:

"Make it easy. Make it doable. Then start your day," advises Scott Schiller, a media exec in New York.

Greg Cootsona, an ordained associate pastor in Chico, California, was more prescriptive: "It's my first 5 minutes that set my course for the day." His routine:

1. Minimize or avoid any electronic sources (laptop, iPhone) for at least 15 minutes.
2. Start with a prayer. Greg uses the Presbyterian "Book of Common Worship, Daily Prayer": "Satisfy me with your love in the morning, and we will live this day in joy and praise."
3. Give thanks for 2 to 3 things.
4. Take 60 seconds to practice Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).
5. Listen.

⏰ What'd we miss? Shoot us your morning hacks: [email protected].

• Go deeper. How Axios CEO Jim VandeHei wins the morning.

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