Kai Kahale
If you’re looking to try and set a positive tone for your entire day, then you need to have a morning routine in place. However, if you’ve never given yourself a morning routine since you moved out of your parents house, then you’re going to find it difficult.
A well structured morning routine doesn’t just set you up to be positive, it boosts productivity, enhances the way that you think and promotes overall well-being. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a morning person or whether you are someone who struggles to get out of bed. You need consistency in your morning routine and it can make a big difference in how you approach your day.With that in mind, we’ve got some tips for starting a morning routine, as well as maintaining it so that you can feel better for longer.
Wake up early
Believe it or not, a good start for a morning routine is to actually enjoy your morning, and that means getting out of bed while the sun is up and not waiting until lunchtime. Waking up early, even on the weekends, is the cornerstone of a successful morning routine. You need to set an alarm for a specific time every morning and give yourself enough time to complete your routine without having to rush around. Ideally, you should have enough time to be able to sit and drink an entire hot drink without having to be rushed. You can gradually adjust your wake up time on your days off to align with your routine as well, so that you’re not spending a lot of time sleeping your days away.
Hydrate early
Your day with a glass or two of water can help to kick start your metabolism and rehydrate your body after a good sleep. You need water to survive, so making sure that you have had a full glass before you eat any breakfast doesn’t just wake you up, but it gives your body a chance to get moving. That sluggish feeling when you wake up in the morning can be all but eliminated when you actually have a glass or two of water before you start eating and starting your day. If you want to add something to make it taste good, try a splash of lemon or apple cider vinegar for added benefits.
Start practicing mindfulness
You should start your day with a few minutes of meditation or mindfulness where possible. Get out of bed and sit somewhere quiet while you can. Focus on your breathing and clear your mind of any thoughts that may be lingering. This is a practice that can help you to reduce your stress while improving concentration and giving you a sense of calm that sets that positive tone you’ve been looking for in your day. You don’t have to jump into a full yoga routine, but feel free to crack on with one if you have one.
Do some exercise
If you’re looking to start a morning routine that makes you feel good, then make sure that you add in some kind of exercise. We’ve just talked about doing yoga. You can do that if you want to, but if you want to get your blood pumping, go for a walk or go for a jog.Incorporating physical activity into your morning routine can make a big difference to your endorphin release, your energy levels, and your mood. Choose an activity that you actually enjoy, though. No one wants to start their day feeling bad about the fact they had to move their body.
Eat something nutritious
If you had a take out last night, don’t eat the leftover pizza for breakfast. It may be tempting, you may want that cold slice of delicious cheesy goodness, but you need to fuel your body with a balanced breakfast with a focus on protein. Choosing a protein laden breakfast with healthy fat and complex carbohydrates will give you a great balance to start your day. It’s a good way to start your morning routine off because you’ll feel accomplished that you’ve got so much done already, including nourishing your body. Overnight oats, smoothies that are packed with fruits and vegetables or a whole grain toast with an egg is going to make a big difference to the way you start your day.
Sit and make a plan
You can feel so much more accomplished with your morning routine if you plan your day correctly. Taking a few minutes to review your schedule and set your intentions, make a to-do list and prioritize your tasks, and even to give yourself a Gold Star for even starting that plan is going to really make a big difference. You want to foster that proactive mindset, and you can do that when you visualize your goals for the day and envision how you are going to accomplish them.
Practice gratitude
You can really create and boost that positive mindset of yours by making sure that you practice gratitude every morning when you wake up. Reflect on the things that you’re thankful for, whether those are relationships, opportunities in life, or it’s your health. This is a practice that could help you to shift your perspective and improve your happiness overall. It can also give you that resilience that you need throughout the day to feel good about yourself.
Put your phone down
It may be tempting to log into your phone as if it’s the morning newspaper, but it’s not what you should be doing. No Facebook, no Instagram, no social media. Just put down your phone and minimize your exposure to any screens in the morning. If you do need some background noise, pop on the radio as you walk into the kitchen to get your coffee ready. Excessive screen time can really disrupt your circadian rhythm, so make a point of leaving the screens behind. Get ready for your day before you have to head to work and deal with them.
Staying consistent with the morning routine is not always easy, but it does take commitment and dedication. The benefits extend way beyond those early hours of the day, but once you get a good start, you’ll be able to finish on a high.
