Fun fact: the whole idea of the “morning person” is a bit of a sham—anybody can create a morning routine that they enjoy and that sets them up for a successful day. The idea that some people are better at mornings than others is “limiting factor put on the brain. Even if you’re not a ‘morning person,’ you can still have a great morning,” says neuropsychologist Judy Ho.
The key to starting your day feeling great is to have a morning routine. By caring for yourself and setting positive intentions every day, you are committing to having a happier, more productive day. You have the power to create a positive narrative around mornings, Ho says.
There are many ways you can go about crafting a morning routine that works for you. These ideas can help you wake up easier and approach your day in a way that boosts your health and well-being.
Benefits of having a morning routine
Having a morning routine will do more than just help you get out of bed. A well-rounded morning routine offers some major benefits:
It offers clarity and focus
Morning routines are extremely helpful in starting the day in a way that feels intentional, Ho says. These intentions you create for yourself provide clarity and focus that help carry you throughout the day, avoiding those overwhelming, disorganized feelings.
It can boost your confidence all day
Completing a routine first thing in the morning is an accomplishment in itself. Finishing small yet important tasks early in the day is a major confidence booster and will create a positive cycle of productivity, enabling you to more easily achieve whatever goals you have set for the day.
It helps you feel calm
“Routines in general are very calming for the brain as our brains thrive on patterns,” Ho says. In creating and committing to a routine, or pattern, you are creating a sense of balance. Forming a morning routine is an important wellness practice that allows you to set your mind and body at ease.
Inspiring morning routine ideas
“There’s no perfect way to do your morning. It looks beautifully different for each of us,” says Liz Plosser, editor-in-chief of Women’s Health US and author of Own Your Morning. Still, know that once you’ve figured out what your best morning looks like, consistency is key. Ho explains that it takes three to six weeks for something to feel like a routine, and after that it will begin to feel easy—something you barely even have to think about. It takes time for your brain to adjust to a new pattern, and Ho suggests giving your routine 30 days to feel like second nature.
“If it feels like a struggle at first it doesn’t mean that morning routines aren’t for you, it just means you have to give it time, and that you need to pick and choose the specific tasks for your morning that makes sense for you. What works for a friend might not work for you,” says Ho.
Try out a few of these morning routine ideas to tailor a perfect morning routine for you—and start feeling like you’ve woken up on the right side of the bed, every day.
1. Wake up earlier
Now, this can be a tough habit to start, but it’s really valuable to wake up slowly, unwind, and prepare yourself for the day without feeling constrained by the clock. A relaxing morning is a little luxury you can give yourself to clear your head and prepare for your day. Try just 15 minutes earlier than usual, and leave your alarm on the other side of the room to hold yourself accountable for getting out of bed and turning it off. Or, if privacy and time of year allows, sleep with the curtains open and let the sunlight help wake you up.
2. Set your intentions
To-do lists can be useful for setting your daily goals, but they can also be a bit overwhelming in the morning. A great alternative that Ho recommends is a “values check-in.” Provide some clarity to your day and connect with yourself by thinking about your top values—these are not things you can check off like goals, but ideas that you believe in and contribute to your character, like integrity and spirituality. Once you identify your top values, you can then set your intentions accordingly and let those values guide which activities are most important for that day.
3. Avoid your phone
Maintain the calm, relaxed state of your body and mind upon waking up by avoiding potential stressors and blockers of productivity. Ho recommends doing so by avoiding your phone first thing in the morning, considering that it’s generally not the most productive or feel-good way to start the day. Upon waking “it is important to protect your state of mind,” Ho says. Emails, social media, and news can all create stress, so allow yourself to address them later on in the day. Ho recommends only using your phone in the morning with a positive intention, like to play a favorite song or use a wellness app.
4. Create a skincare routine
A skincare routine is a simple way to implement a relaxing form of self care early in the day. After brushing your teeth, completing your skincare regimen will make you feel awake, clean, and ready to take on the day. Most people already wash their face in the morning, but you can take it a bit further with the intention of creating a spa-like experience. Try turning your morning skincare routine into a ritual with a great lotion or face mist. It doesn’t have to be a laborious process either; you can keep your routine super simple and still look and feel your best.
5. Try ten minutes of movement
Adding a bit of physical activity to your mornings is a sure way to wake up your mind and body. The reduction of stress hormones and release of endorphins from even a quick bout of exercise can create a good mood that will last throughout the day. Exercise in the morning can also improve cognitive functions, like attention and decision-making. Try whatever speaks to you: stretching, running or walking, a simple yoga session, or even a fun dance party around your bedroom.
6. Think of three things you are grateful for
Create a positive tone for the day by practicing gratitude. Ho recommends trying a simple exercise that gets you to appreciate and acknowledge the wonderful things happening in your life. Ho’s favorite exercise is aptly called “three things.” In this exercise you think of (you guessed it) three things that you are grateful for that day. Then, speak them out loud, jot them down in a journal, or tell them to a loved one. Find positivity in the fact that there is always something to be grateful for, and let those good vibes power you throughout the day.
7. Try self affirmations
Affirming your self worth by taking note of your positive qualities can help build confidence, reduce stress, and add positivity to your day. A recent study researchers found that self-affirmations not only protect against stress but also boost problem solving abilities. Try thinking of a few positive affirmations every day, like “I am smart and kind,” or “Today will be a wonderful day,” and speak them out loud or write them down.
8. Reflect on an inspirational quote
Another important aspect of a morning routine, Ho says, is to find positivity through inspiration. How can you find inspiration regularly? Read and reflect on an inspirational quote and carry those positive messages throughout your day. Try pulling one or two cards from this deck each morning to motivate you.
9. Stay hydrated
Dehydration can have numerous negative effects on bodily function (think: headaches, fatigue) and impair your ability to have a smooth, successful day. There are a few beverage options to enjoy in the morning to make sure you’re not skipping on hydration. Maybe you’re a coffee lover, tea drinker, or simply prefer water—we don’t judge. We’re just happy you’re hydrated. Try adding cinnamon to your coffee, lemon to your tea, or mint to your water to make this part of your routine more special.
10. Savor your breakfast sitting down
It goes without saying that fueling your body in the morning is important, however you choose to do it. But to elevate this morning ritual, try to truly savor whatever it is that you’re breaking the fast with. Instead of eating a granola bar while running out the door, sit down and relax while you have your meal or snack. Take the time to eat mindfully and feel good knowing you’re doing something beneficial for your body and brain. And if cooking happens to be your thing and you have the time, try making yourself a healthy, delicious breakfast.
11. Get outside
Take a breath of fresh air and bask in the sunlight to help wake up your mind and body. After resting overnight in a dark bedroom, fresh air and sunlight will send signals to the brain that it is time to wake up, start the day, and be productive. Try taking a walk around the block or just sipping your morning beverage on the porch for a much needed boost of energy.
12. Take a few minutes to be mindful
Try to be mindful throughout your morning, says Ho. This can be an activity like meditation if that’s your thing, or it can be something more simple that you can build into tasks you’ll already be completing. You can mindfully make coffee, or mindfully eat your breakfast, even mindfully brush your teeth. It is all about being present in the moment, and enjoying and savoring it for exactly what that moment is. Practicing mindfulness will help you express more appreciation for every aspect of your day and allow you to take on the rest of your day in a calm, positive state of mind.
Newsletter
_(1)_(1)_(1).jpg&h=193&w=250&c=1&s=1)
