How to Upgrade Your Morning Routine to Have a Successful Day
If your morning routine includes clicking the snooze button too many times, scrolling on your phone for several minutes, skipping breakfast, and rushing out the door, it’s time you learn to change it. You may think you are not a morning person, but here’s the thing: there’s no such thing as a morning person! Anyone can have a productive and enjoyable morning that prepares them for a good day.
What does your ideal morning look like? Is it journaling, doing yoga, and eating a healthy breakfast? By creating a routine of healthy habits that work for your lifestyle, you can start your day feeling energized, calm, and with a clear head.
Tips on Enhancing Your Morning Routine
1. Start the Night Before
Many don’t realize this, but a successful morning routine begins the night before. Set aside a few minutes before bed to prepare yourself for the morning. Simple things like laying out your clothes for the day, setting the coffee machine, listing out your tasks or errands for tomorrow, and packing lunch for yourself or your kids could make your morning much smoother. You can do so many things so you don’t forget the next day.
2. Avoid the Snooze Button
Everyone is guilty of hitting the snooze button occasionally, but this could throw off your entire morning. I don’t always do it, but I know I’m guilty of it. Hitting snooze can quickly turn your few minutes of sleep into spending half an hour in bed. Plus, those extra few minutes of sleep could disrupt your circadian rhythm, making it more difficult for your body to determine when to wake up.
3. Drink Lots of Water
Don’t worry, coffee lover. No one is saying to skip your morning coffee, but despite how much you love your coffee, having a glass of water first is important. We spend up to eight hours every night without a single sip of water, so it’s natural to wake up slightly dehydrated. Starting your day by drinking a full glass of water (or more) will give you the energy and focus for a successful morning.
4. Start With One Good Habit
Your morning routine sets the mood for your entire day. By starting your day with one accomplishment, you give yourself that boost of productivity you need throughout your day. You could make the bed, empty the dishwasher, or just water your flowers, anything that gives you a sense of accomplishment. If you accomplish one small thing in the morning, you know you will have a wonderful day.
5. Stretching or Working Out
After sleeping for so long, your body needs to move. Staying active is incredibly beneficial to your body. Try adding a workout or stretch routine to your morning so you can boost your energy for the day. Exercise gets your blood pumping, helps reduce anxiety, and releases endorphins to boost your mood. If you struggle with working out in the morning, just a few minutes of stretching, yoga, or a brisk walk could do wonders.
6. Enjoy a Cup of Tea or Coffee
Often, people grab a cup of coffee and drink it while rushing around the house or heading out the door. But the best morning routine is one that you can sit down and enjoy. Set aside some time during your morning to set your intentions for the day while enjoying the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Those few minutes to yourself can completely change how you approach the day.
7. Eat a Healthy Breakfast
According to a study of 30,000 adults, 15% skipped breakfast regularly. I don’t know why people would do that since breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Many people underestimate the value of a healthy breakfast. Some people may grab a granola bar or a banana as they run out of the house, while others might grab a drive-thru meal on their way to work. To improve your morning routine, make your breakfast, sit down, and savor your meal. A nourishing breakfast doesn’t have to be a hassle to prepare, either. A fruit smoothie, yogurt with granola, or eggs with avocado are all great options for a quick and easy healthy meal to start your day.
8. Limit Social Media
It’s always the snooze button or grab the phone to check social media for most people. If this sounds like you, you need to put your phone far away, which will make you get out of bed. Social media should never be the first thing your mind takes in for the day because it keeps you scrolling and glued to the screen for minutes and hours. With so much negativity being shared online, it’s important to protect your mental health the first thing you get out of bed. Don’t think of it as what you’ll be taking away from your morning routine, but instead, focus on how much free time will be added.
9. Self-Care
Self-care is often neglected, and it shouldn’t be that way. When we think of self-care, we typically think of skincare and grooming routines. While these are excellent ways of practicing self-care, wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all. Think about your lifestyle and the things you enjoy. What makes your body and mind feel good? It could be as simple as washing your hair, reading a book, or listening to a podcast you love. Set aside time during your morning routine to prioritize your needs.
10. Journaling
Journaling is an excellent way to release all of your thoughts and feelings you’re holding in before starting your day. Try to spend at least ten minutes a day practicing free writing. Set a ten-minute timer and let your thoughts flow onto the page until your time has run out. The most important thing is to make sure you’re relaxed and not concerned about what you think you “should” say.
Start Your Day Right!
Before you begin adding everything on the list to your day, remember that finding a routine that works won’t happen overnight. Think about your unique schedule, habits, and needs. What makes you happy? What makes you feel centered? What energizes you? Don’t be afraid to try different things; pay close attention to how you feel after each one. Eventually, you’ll find the perfect morning routine that meets your needs.
