Build a morning routine that works for you
Mornings can be tricky. Between rushing out the door for work, or getting the kids ready for school, we can end up starting our days in a state of stress. This feeling can then carry on into the rest of our day. Not ideal.
The way you start your mornings will set the tone for the rest of the day, so let’s figure out how to start the day with your best foot forward. A well-thought-out morning routine can be a powerful tool to boost productivity, reduce stress, and enhance your overall well-being.
I’ve outlined some great morning habits below. Start by picking just one, and make a habit of it before you start adding in more. It doesn’t matter which one, whether it’s making the bed, getting a load of laundry on, or washing your face… they’re all a great start! Getting into a morning routine takes time and a lot of trial and error.
Start with Hydration: A great thing to do when you wake up is HYDRATE. After a (hopefully!) long night's sleep, your body is naturally dehydrated. A glass of water or a cup of herbal tea will jumpstart your metabolism and refresh your body.
Tech-Free Time: Resist the urge to immediately check your emails or social media when you wake up. Try and give yourself at least 30 minutes of tech-free time in the morning to avoid information overload, FOMO, and anxiety.
Exercise or Stretch: Physical activity in the morning is an amazing way to boost your energy levels and improve your mood. Whether it's a brisk walk, 20 minutes on the yoga mat, or a full workout, try to move your body in a way that you enjoy. Even just 15-30 minutes of exercise can make a huge difference to your mood and sense of well-being.
Mindfulness and Meditation: If you can find a quiet moment to yourself in the mornings, mindfulness and meditation practices can be a great way to start the day. I’ll be the first to admit that getting started meditating can be difficult, but even a few minutes each morning can be super calming. And daily meditation has been proven to reduce stress and increase both happiness and productivity!
Time for Personal Growth: Creating time for your personal growth can be tricky. Committing to even just 20 minutes of reading, journaling, or learning a new skill each day will show pretty good results over time. Remember - some time is better than no time! Reading one page of a book is better than not reading at all. I find that journaling can be a great way to organise your thoughts and feelings and become more connected to your wonderful self.
Self-Care Rituals: Incorporate some self-care rituals that nurture your mental and emotional well-being. This can include hair and skincare routines, practising gratitude, or setting positive affirmations for the day ahead. You deserve to treat yourself with love and kindness, every day!
Plan Your Day: Take a quick moment to plan your day. Set some clear priorities, create a to-do list, and identify your most critical tasks. This kind of planning helps you stay organised and means you can be sure you have time for what matters to you.
Be Flexible and Adapt: Having an intentional morning routine can do wonders for your life, but getting it right can take time. It’s super important to be flexible and adaptable. Life can be unpredictable (especially if you have little ones to take care of!) and some mornings will not go as planned. That’s okay.
If you incorporate even one habit from this list into your mornings, you will notice a difference in your days (and if all you do is make the bed, that will make a difference too).
Embrace change and adjust your routine as needed, but always prioritise taking just a moment for yourself in the morning.
Remember, it's not about perfection but about creating a routine that works for you and brings you closer to your goals.
x Dani