How does your morning routine usually go for you? Are you someone who wakes up before the sun with the sound of a blaring alarm? Do you hit snooze, once, maybe twice, or five times? That last one is usually me.
Mornings can be tough. Don’t get me wrong, there are some people who are bright, bubbly, and spring out of bed with a pocket full of sunshine. Kudos to those people. For the rest of us though, we tend to slump out of bed and drag our feet. At least, until it’s no longer socially acceptable to do so.
Starting your day on the right foot is ever so important, as it sets the tone for your entire day ahead. Building a morning routine that works for you can help reduce stress, increase productivity, heighten energy levels, and even boost your mood!
Aren’t you tired of being tired in the morning? Here are some things to consider adding to your daily morning routine, to help you have a fulfilling, productive, and successful day.
8. Start the Night Before
If you haven’t realized this already, having a productive morning routine starts the night before. Getting deep, plentiful, and restful sleep plays a huge role in how your mornings go. Most people are already aware that they should be aiming for 8 hours of restful sleep each night. What many people don’t know is that they should also be disconnecting from their devices at least 1-2 hours before bed. Technology has a tendency to keep our brains active and disrupt our body’s production of melatonin. This can make it harder for us to fall asleep and enter a deep sleep state.
Another thing one should consider doing the night before to have an easier morning routine is completing decision-making tasks. (Things like picking out an outfit, deciding on what to eat for breakfast, or even making grocery lists). Things like this can all be done the night before to help you roll out of bed and start your morning with smooth sailing.
7. Eat the Frog
This one may sound a little silly, but it can be incredibly helpful in getting you through your morning routine with ease. “Eating the Frog” means tackling your biggest or most daunting tasks first. You just have to take that first big bite out of your day, and swallow.
When you are able to Eat the Frog, the rest of the day ahead will seem less challenging and stressful. Those who Eat the Frog tend to feel more accomplished and motivated throughout their day since. When you complete the hardest part of your day first, it makes everything else seems like a piece of cake.
6. Get Physical
Going for a brisk walk, doing some yoga, or perhaps some intense cardio are all great ways to get your heart pumping in the morning. Adding some form of physical activity to your morning routine is beneficial for several different reasons.
Those who exercise in the morning circulate more oxygen and nutrients throughout their body. This also produces feel-good endorphins earlier in the day than others. This increases one’s alertness, one’s energy levels, and boosts one’s mood. With more energy, a better mood, and a focused mind, one is sure to have a productive and successful day ahead.
As an added bonus, research shows that individuals who exercise in the morning tend to sleep better at night.
5. Hydrate Yourself
Statistically, more than half of all adults do not drink enough water on a daily basis. If you are not someone who is chugging down water on a day-to-day basis, you may be feeling the effects of dehydration. Making sure you hydrate your body in the morning is a great way to boost your morning routine. It helps your body function as it should at the start of your day.
Studies show that when we are even 1% dehydrated, our bodies struggle more with numerous ailments. Fatigue, pain, stress, concentration, motor functions, memory, and anxiety. Do yourself a favor and just drink some water in the morning.
4. Nourish the Body
Some people are just NOT breakfast eaters, and that is perfectly okay. While breakfast may not be for everyone, the facts are undeniable. Study after study has proven that those who nourish their bodies in the morning have better cognitive functions than those who do not eat breakfast.
While eating breakfast is always optional and affects individuals in different ways, make sure you are feeding your body well when you do eat. Choose foods that heal and protect the body. When you take care of your body, it takes care of you.
3. Feed the Mind
Often when we wake up in the morning, our minds jump into thoughts and just start running. We jump from one thought to another until the day’s end. Consider feeding your mind with positive and challenging thoughts in the morning. Many successful people have admitted to adding meditation to their morning routine. Meditation it helps focus the mind and prepare for the day at large.
If you think meditation is not for you, take time in the morning to practice self-development. Books like Oprah’s Wisdom of Sundays or Pam Grout’s Energy Squared are interesting reads that are sure to help you start your day on the right foot.
2. Express Gratitude
Showing gratitude in the morning may not seem like much, but the impacts it can have on your day are beyond imaginable. When you add gratitude to your morning routine, you are taking the time to notice all the beautiful things you already have in your life.
All too often are we focused at the start of the day on all the things we need to do. For many of us, our minds are 10 steps ahead of us in the morning thinking about everything our days will consist of. If you realize that you may be among the majority here, try setting aside some time in the morning. Use a gratitude journal. Jot down things you are thankful for.
Everyone always has something to be grateful for. Giving thanks or expressing gratitude could be as simple as telling your significant thanks for putting away the dishes, or even giving your child a hug for putting on their shoes.
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1. Set Your Intentions
Learning to set your intentions in the morning is probably the most beneficial thing I have learned to do that helps me make my mornings productive. Yes, making lists and planning out your day is great. It will certainly help you stay focused throughout your day. However, what I mean by setting your intentions in this context is affirming to yourself the type of day that you want to have.
How you speak to yourself and about yourself is more important than many of us realize. Instead of thinking things like ugh, I am tired, or this is going to be a long day, focus your intentions. Say things to yourself like I am going to get so much done today. I am alive and ready to take on this day, or I choose to be filled with happiness today.
You can have a wonderful, productive, and successful day simply by choosing to do so at the start of your day. If you aren’t sure how exactly to choose happiness for yourself, enroll in our free eCourse below. We will walk you through 5 days of Self Care. You can choose to start living your best life today.
