How do you find your mornings? Often, people are burdened with stress and overwhelmed as soon as they wake up. They know they have a never-ending to-do list to be getting on with, as well as having to get up and get to work. This sense of dread in the morning can lead to a day that isn’t great, as it will likely hang over you like a dark cloud until you are back in bed. Many people will also distract themselves by picking up their phones and scrolling social media until they have to get on with the day. This is not a very good way to start the day and is not helping you have a good day.
The first few things you do when you wake up will make a huge difference to how the rest of your day plays out. If you want a successful day, consider what you are doing as soon as you wake up to set yourself up for success.
To help you craft the perfect morning routine that meets your needs and sets your day up for success, follow these top tips.
What is a morning routine?
First, it is important to understand a morning routine. A morning routine is the set of practices and actions that you take as soon as you wake up in the morning. It becomes a routine when you make a schedule of activities that you repeat each morning.
What are the benefits of a morning routine?
There are many benefits to a morning routine. Firstly, when you have a good and solid plan in place, it can make it much easier for you to wake up and get on with your day. This will help you avoid those feelings of dread, stress and overwhelm, and instead, start cracking on with your day. A morning routine can ensure that you are more efficient and productive with your time. Rather than waking up and wasting time thinking and procrastinating about what you need to be doing, you will already have a plan in place to get you going. This means you will get a lot more done, and spend a lot less time trying to make decisions. When you get up and get moving right away, it can set you up for success by helping you build momentum. It will also help your mood and energy, rather than the usual dread, procrastination and feeling bad about just sitting around. It can further help your mood, energy and the success of your day if you choose to do something like yoga, walking or exercise.
How to create a morning routine that will set you up for success
Now you know the what and the why, it is important to consider the how. Follow these top tips to help you create a routine, incorporate good activities and follow through with your plan. All of these elements are important to support your health, and wellbeing and set your day up for success.
Consider your needs
First, you should consider what your needs are. Think about how you feel first thing in the morning. Think about what you might need to get your day off to a good start. Do you need something relaxing like yoga and journaling to help calm a racing mind? Or do you need to get outside and move your body, so you can get up and go, build some momentum and get the happy chemicals pumping through your body?
You mustn’t try to copy someone else’s routine but instead, create one that is tailored to your needs. This will ensure you create one that you can follow through with and one that sets your day up for success. If you try to do a routine that someone else does, then you may find yourself even more stressed and overwhelmed and this is not how you want to start your day. If it helps, write a list of the things you think you will need and benefit from in the morning.
Consider your time
Think about what time you wake up in the morning, and what time you need to be out of the house for work or other commitments. Consider how much time you need to get ready for the day, for example, shower, brush your teeth, do your hair and makeup, eat breakfast and pack your bag. You may also need to consider things like the weather. If it is in the middle of winter, do you need extra time to de-ice your car? These are important things to consider, so you know how much disposable time you have to create a morning routine and incorporate mood-boosting activities. If you don’t plan your time properly, then you may find yourself stressed, overwhelmed and rushing around. This is the opposite of creating a successful morning routine. You need to plan properly if you want your morning routine to be a success.
If there are things you want to fit into your morning routine, then you may consider getting up slightly earlier. If you do this, make sure you consider your bedtime routine to ensure you get enough sleep. You should not compromise on the quantity or quality of sleep, as this will also impact the success of your day.
Incorporate mood-boosting activities
There are many activities that you can incorporate with your disposable time. Here are some of the best activities you can incorporate into your morning routine.
Move your body
Moving your body is an excellent way to start the day. It gets your blood flowing, wakes you up and supports your mood and energy levels for the day. You could go for a walk, do some yoga, dance, or go to the gym for resistance training.
Get outside
Connecting with nature and getting some fresh air is an excellent way to start the day. Nature is great for your mental well-being. The fresh air will be sure to wake you up! Both these elements can set you up for a good day. You could go for a walk, or enjoy your morning coffee out in the garden!
Have a hearty breakfast
A good, nutritious breakfast is key to a successful day. The right food and nutrients will support your brain, boost your mood and give you plenty of energy. Consider how you can incorporate good food in the morning. You may consider preparing some food on the weekend for the week ahead, or give yourself enough time to make something yummy. For example, egg and avocado on toast.
Make a bedtime routine
Your bedtime routine is important. It will complement your morning routine. You want to make sure you go to bed at a good time and get high-quality sleep. This will help you get up in the morning and good sleep will provide you with energy.
Manage expectations
Make sure you manage your expectations around a morning routine. Don’t try to incorporate too much and overwhelm yourself. Instead, choose a few small things to get you off to a good start with the time that you have.
Write down your plan and take action
It is a good idea to write down your plan for your morning routine. This will increase the chances of it happening, and also give you a reminder when you get started so you remember what you need to do and when.
A morning routine is an excellent way to create a successful day. Follow these top tips to get started now.
