The morning is considered to be the most crucial part of the day. Your entire day will be thrown off-kilter and more stressful than it needs to be if you do not have a good routine to follow first thing in the morning. On the other hand, establishing a solid morning routine can help you get your day off to a good start, allowing you to feel happy, productive, and energized throughout the day ! This article on the blog will show you how to get out of bed and get your day off to a good start by developing a morning routine that you can stick to that will make you happy and productive all day long. It is not just any old list of things to do in the morning; rather, it is a guide based on experience with hacks supported by science for maximizing happiness and productivity. Your daily routine should first begin with the most important tasks in the morning. Then, when you get off to a good start, it’s much simpler to maintain positive emotions and productivity throughout the day. Figuring out what time you have to finish everything before the start of work or school is the most important step in developing a morning routine tailored to your specific needs. As soon as you have this information, you can begin to formulate a strategy that will enable you to keep your mornings organized, productive, and enjoyable all at the same time. It is often challenging to drag oneself out of bed and start the day first thing in the morning. However, it is necessary because it determines how you will proceed with the rest of your day. When you wake up, you have the most willpower and energy to make decisions that are beneficial to your health, such as eating breakfast or completing an exercise routine. It is the time of day when you should make these decisions. If you get into the habit of doing those things right when you wake up, they are more likely to become routines you maintain throughout the rest of the day. When you come, you notice the sun peeking through your window. You pull yourself out of bed and dress in your go-to outfit; after that, you grab a cup of coffee and make your way to the office. As they go about their morning routines, the coworkers at the office will smile and say good morning to you as they pass you by. Someone who cares about you took the time the night before to set up your workspace before they went to bed. As a result, when you arrived at work this morning, you all needed to concentrate on being productive rather than wasting time trying to figure out how much space should be between each paperclip or which drawer contains the stapler. Your desk is already organized for you because someone who loves you did it before they went to bed. As soon as everyone has arrived at work, we’re going to jump into a brainstorming session about how we can further improve our company’s culture. The beginning of the day, specifically the morning, is the most crucial part of the day. According to research conducted by neuroscientists, this is when our brains are at their most active, making it the perfect opportunity to organize your thoughts, formulate objectives for yourself, and get your creative juices flowing. Maintaining a healthy routine will keep you energized, productive, and content throughout the day. Here are some suggestions to help you develop the most effective routine possible! Let’s dive in!
The Benefits of a Morning Routine
- Having a greater sense of command over your timetable
- Being better able to prioritize how you spend your time
- Taking a proactive approach to each task rather than merely reacting to the various demands that arise throughout the day
- Having a better understanding of what lies ahead and being better prepared to deal with change
- As you navigate the tasks ahead, it is important to remind yourself that you are capable, in control, and centred.
- Increased productivity can provide you with a sense of fulfilment, improved self-efficacy, and pride in your achievements.
- Make it simpler for people to adopt healthier habits over the long term.
According to Hal Elrod, who is the author of “The Miracle Morning,” “Mornings that are focused, productive, and successful generate days that are focused, productive, and successful, which invariably create a successful life.” A morning ritual helps you feel happier, makes you more productive, lowers your stress level, and prepares you to face the challenges of the day. But, of course, it’s all about getting off on the ‘right foot’. Another benefit of a morning routine is that it enables you to begin each day with purpose rather than letting it go unnoticed. You are not at the day’s mercy; you are the master of the day. Therefore, this positive sensation of being in control of the situation has led to a positive feeling and has positively affected the entirety of your day. As with many aspects of life, making minor adjustments can have significant effects. But, again, it’s the effect of compounding over time. Make it simpler for people to adopt healthier habits over the long term. “Includes a nutritional supplement, meditation, workout, and sauna-to-cold-plunge combo,” is how Tony Robbins describes his morning routine. You are free to examine it in this location. Arianna Huffington is kind enough to share hers with us. Most successful businesspeople and influential figures throughout history credit a significant portion of their accomplishments to the routine they followed first thing in the morning. However, the benefits of a morning routine can be reaped by more than just business owners and executives. We are all able to. What follows is what one of my closest friends and fellow employees had to say about the new morning routine that she recently implemented: “I look forward to getting up earlier than the rest of my family so I can have some time to myself. It indicates that my children are not the ones who are waking me up. If they are the ones who wake me up, it indicates that I have something to do as soon as I wake up. Because getting up enables me to complete my tasks, I look forward to the moment they do so that we can begin our day together.” We’ve established that having a set plan for the morning is beneficial and important. Are you able and prepared to make your own?
Inspiring Ideas For Creating A Morning Routine
The ancient Indian philosophy known as Advaita asserts that the morning possesses a unique and powerfully energizing quality; despite its early hour, the world around us is still calm and serene. Because of this, now is the ideal time to establish a morning ritual for yourself, including specific activities such as meditating, establishing your intentions for the day, and connecting with your soul. Developing a set pattern for your morning activities can make the day calm, centred, and purposeful. The following are some interesting concepts to consider when formulating a plan for one’s morning routine. Then, combine and contrast your top three selections.
1. Consciously choose your first thought of the day
Your first thoughts of the day have the potential to have a significant bearing on your frame of mind and disposition throughout the rest of the day. Do you mind wandering to future events and starting planning or worrying about them? You can reclaim your power by deliberately selecting positive thoughts to think about first thing in the morning or by using a simple mantra or affirmation to repeat to yourself. It will help your mind remain calm and set the tone for the rest of your day. You might want to say something like, “thank you for this lovely new day.” How can I help further the cause of love right now?
2. Practice being present and mindful
When you wake up each morning, rather than allowing your mind to wander off into the future and get lost in your thoughts and worries, make a concerted effort to ground yourself in the here and now and remain connected to what is happening right now. Lie down and let the silky smoothness of your sheets caress your skin. As you walk out of your bedroom, you can hear the sound of your feet hitting the floor. Pay attention to the sounds that are occurring around you this morning. Take a whiff of the yumminess that is your morning cup of coffee or hot lemon water.
3. Visualise your desires
Please spend a few moments visualizing your ideal life rather than going through the motions of your day on autopilot without giving any thought to what it is you want or what it is that you desire. You might even have a vision board to assist you in this endeavour. Imagine yourself already possessing what you want, and give thanks to the universe in advance for bringing it into your life. It is also helpful to imagine yourself as the best possible version of yourself. Then, as you go about your day, picture yourself feeling and acting in ways that are self-assured, loving, creative, wise, empowered, energized, joyful, and appreciative. You are teaching both your mind and your body to behave properly.
4. Read inspirational material or quotes
Reading uplifting writing and material has the potential to make you feel lighter, happier, and more liberated. Positive writing and material have an energizing quality. It would be best if you always kept a collection of your favourite motivational quotes, book passages, or life truths on hand so that you can reflect on them whenever you need to be reminded of the ideals and standards you wish to live.
5. Write a gratitude journal
Having a grateful heart is a tasty shortcut to happiness. It makes what you already have sufficient and simultaneously brings even more positive experiences into your life. A practice of gratitude only takes up a little bit of time; all you have to do is list three things you are thankful for and then bask in the delicious feelings of appreciation that come along with doing so. The key to successfully evoking emotion is to be as specific as possible. For instance, rather than simply writing down that you are thankful for your partner, list something special or remarkable that you adore about them. It will help you evoke the feeling you are going for. Record your gratitude for the breathtaking sunset you witnessed the night before, the flavour of your coffee in the morning, or the magical vacations you’ve experienced by writing it down.
6. Meditate
The practice of meditation is associated with a wide range of advantages for one’s health and contentment. It has the potential to clear your mind, enhance your sense of inner peace, and connect you with your Higher Self, which is the enlightened aspect of you that possesses all of the solutions to the questions you have been asking. Even if you only give it five minutes a day, you could see significant improvements in your life. You can get started with meditation, even if you’ve never done it before, by downloading an app on your smartphone, such as HeadSpace or Smiling Mind.
7. Move your body
A short practice of yoga that consists of only a few simple stretches can help you feel more alert and energized for the day ahead. In addition, it helps you feel more connected to your body and helps you remain firmly rooted in the here and now.
8. Write in a journal
Take a piece of paper, and write in a stream-of-consciousness style for the next few minutes. Write from your heart and soul without censoring yourself or pausing. It is an excellent method for getting in touch with your genuine emotions and gaining access to the knowledge that lies deep within you.
9. Dance to a song
Dancing around your living room for a few minutes to an upbeat, celebratory song like “Celebrate” by Kool & The Gang or “Happy” by Pharrell Williams is a great way to get the party started. Your disposition can improve, and your more lighthearted and playful side can emerge.
10. Thank the sun for rising
The sun is just one of the many blessings in our lives that we fail to appreciate and take for granted. You can remind yourself of all the wonderful things in the world and the miraculous existence of life on earth by beginning each day by expressing gratitude to the rising sun.
11. Set an intention
Your day, as well as your fate, can be shaped by your intentions. Therefore, pick an objective for the day every morning so it can direct your thoughts and actions throughout the day. It will assist you in concentrating on the truly important things to you and will allow you to grow as a person.
Your goal might be something like this, for instance:
- To enjoy simple pleasures.
- To cultivate love and acceptance for oneself as a daily practice
- To better enjoy oneself and to laugh more frequently
- To show a little bit of consideration for others
- To take courageous action in the direction of your dreams.
Please put this on a post-it note, and read it every so often to bring your focus back to what you want to accomplish today.
How to Create Your Ultimate Morning Routine
I need to consider this from a comprehensive standpoint because I work as a coach and consultant and come from varied educational and professional backgrounds. Let’s look at your morning routine through the prism of the principles of integrative wellness, which consider the four facets or systems that make up you: your mental health, your emotional health, your physical health, and your spiritual health. You can also consider this in terms of the Mind, the Heart, the Body, and the Spirit. As we go through some examples, you’ll realise that certain behaviours and routines affect more than one of your body’s systems. Awesome! Even better is if you make efficient use of your time and obtain two, three, or even four system benefits for the price of just one. Let’s take a more in-depth look at each of these facets, shall we?
Mentally
To put it more simply, this is related to your mind and includes your ideas, beliefs, values, objectives, hopes, dreams, desires, and plans.
A positive mental space can be created in the morning by doing some of the following, among other things:
1. Set goals
One of my friends starts each day by sticking three post-it notes around the house. They consist of the three priorities she has set for herself for the current day. It provides her with something to concentrate on and ensures that she accomplishes it throughout the day. Because it consists of only three things, there is still room for other things that may arise; therefore, there is the built-in flexibility.
2. Make a list
Put it behind you and move on. We sometimes worry during the night, causing us to wake up thinking about the things we have to do. It indicates that we wake up already feeling like we’ve fallen behind. Instead, if there is something you are aware you need to do, write it down and keep it somewhere visible. Make a list to free your mind to think about other, more important things.
3. Create a plan/schedule for the day.
When you know you’ve got a busy day ahead of you, a little bit of planning can go a long way in helping you stay on top of everything. First, look at your calendar and see what’s already there; then, combine your objectives and your list of things that need to be done to create a strategy for achieving your goals.
4. Read something that feeds your mind.
My Pops enjoys starting his day with a good read from the Wall Street Journal. It sets a positive tone for the rest of his day. My friend who reads for ten minutes daily says that the practice has brought her happiness. As she figures it, if she reads at a rate of one page per minute, her daily reading time of ten minutes will add up to 3,650 pages by the end of the year, equivalent to 12 books of 300 pages each. She used to be someone who could never find the time to read, but now she’s finishing some great books and feeling really good about it. Planning can go a long way when you know you will have a busy day ahead. First, look at your calendar and see what’s already there; then, combine your objectives and your list of things that need to be done to have a strategy.
Emotionally
This is all about how you feel, the relationships you have, and the emotions you experience. One way to think of it is as everything that has to do with the heart.
You can improve your mental health and have a joyful morning by doing some or all of the following things:
1. Express gratitude
New research is constantly emerging on the scientific underpinnings and practical advantages of practising gratitude. Studies have now proven that expressing gratitude has many benefits, including how it improves relationships, physical and emotional health, sleep, mental stamina, energy, and overall happiness. These benefits range from improving relationships to improving physical and emotional health and sleep. Before I get out of bed in the morning, I always take a moment to reflect on two things I am thankful for in my life. So one of the first things you do each morning in the “5 Minute Journal” is to jot down three things for which you feel grateful. You decide the number, but expressing gratitude is a fantastic way to start the day on the right foot
2. Hug your kid, spouse or pet
Hugging someone can increase your levels of oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone,” as well as serotonin, which lifts your mood and makes you happy, as well as strengthen your immune system, boost your self-esteem, lower your blood pressure, keep your nervous system balanced, and release tension. To put it another way, hugging someone makes you feel good. So consequently, it would be best if you located someone or something to hug. It will only take a few seconds of your time, but it will positively set the tone for the rest of your day.
3. Connect with a friend, family member or anyone who makes you feel joyous, happy and connected.
It would be simple to open the door and call my children to get up when I wake them up. But what I do instead is take a few extra minutes to go up to each of them in the morning (which is not easy because they sleep in loft beds), kiss them good morning, and take some time to connect with them. My husband uses the time he spends commuting in the morning to connect with his friends and family by calling them. In either case, we are not taking additional time out of our day or adding something to our list of things to do; rather, we are incorporating it into something already taking place as part of our routine.
4. Identify what makes you feel good.
What makes you feel happy, joyful, or excited about the day that lies ahead? What helps you feel more rooted or connected on a more fundamental level? Do you practice meditation, yoga, or breathwork? It would be best if you had more of that.
Physically
Everything that we imagine we are capable of doing with our bodies or the space around us physically. It could include the foods and beverages we consume, how we move our bodies, and anything else related to our physical selves.
The following are some options that can help you improve your physical well-being first thing in the morning:
1. Get moving
Start your heart beating faster. The positive effects of physical activity are common knowledge. It could be going for a run or hike, going to the gym, doing yoga or stretching, or coming up with your quick workout. However, remember that the answers to these questions will vary from person to person. For instance, my husband and I thought it would be a fantastic idea to hire a personal trainer once a week. We decided that it would help us get in better shape. Therefore, on Thursdays, we got up at 5:45 in the morning, got ready, and worked out from 7:00 to 7:00. Although this seemed like a good idea at first glance, I could not make it work in practice. It was very difficult for me to get out of bed at that hour and push my body to exercise before it was ready to do so. I gave it a shot for a few months to prove it was beneficial to my health. But it didn’t feel good. It was something other than what I looked forward to doing, and it did not assist me in becoming more productive throughout the day. What does work? Once the children have been dropped off at school, my husband gets up and takes the dog for a walk/run, and then I go on a morning hike, do my exercise, or practice yoga. Once more, this is about finding what works for you, so pay attention to what your body needs.
2. Drink lemon water
First things first, before you grab that first cup of coffee, make sure you grab something that will keep you hydrated. I drink warm lemon water. Almost two decades ago, a grandmother in Australia who was 94 years old gave me this advice. She swore that this practice had improved her physical health and overall quality of life. Do you require a few more arguments? Have a look at these over here. I typically prepare a cup of tea with a bag of “detox” tea and drink it while driving the kids to school.
3. Eat a good breakfast
What does that imply for you moving forward? A smoothie made of protein? Great. Avocado Toast? Awesome. Oatmeal? Fantastic. To kickstart your day, fuel up with a nutritious breakfast of “real food.”
4. Ground yourself
You can accomplish this in a variety of ways. A few years ago, I went through a phase in which I was experiencing a lot of anxiety. My bodyworker suggested that the first thing I do when I wake up should be to get out of bed and put my bare feet on the ground. I take a moment to imagine the roots of a tree as I sit on the edge of my bed and imagine the sensation of the earth beneath my feet. After that, you will feel this moving through your entire spine and the rest of your body. Even though I don’t perform this exercise daily, whenever I wake up feeling slightly anxious or stressed, I make sure to give myself an extra minute to get grounded and connected. One more strategy I employ daily is to put one hand on my chest and the other on my stomach, and then I breathe deeply for a few minutes. It instantly brings a sense of calm and relaxation to every part of my body.
5. Clean your physical space
When our mental space is cluttered, it often feels the same as when our physical space is cluttered. What helps you relax and feel at ease? For example, one of my customers reports that she has a better mood after she has made her bed. But if she doesn’t, the rest of her day will be a struggle. How do you make things work? First, clean up the area where you work. Then, place the items of clothing in the hamper. It is well worth the effort to do whatever can help you feel more at ease in the space you currently occupy.
Spiritually
It could be anything that has to do with you or a feeling of inspiration, which translates to “in spirit.” It may be useful to you even though it is not required to convey any religious meaning. It is more about the things you require to feel connected to something deeper, bigger, and higher – as well as the things that make you feel the most connected to yourself.
The following are some examples:
1. Meditation
While some may be reading this and thinking, “Yes, I love my morning meditation practice,” others may be experiencing a sense of stress or trepidation because they are reading another article about meditation. There are many wonderful apps (The Mindfulness app, Headspace, and Calm) and other resources available for you to use if you are feeling hesitant about trying it out but still want to give it a shot. I came across this guided morning meditation many years ago, and I continue to use it whenever I need something that is condensed and concise. I also enjoy the free guided meditations for 21 days that Deepak Chopra and Oprah Winfrey have made available. It has been described as an “easy entry” by many customers and friends. And if you think they can’t meditate (I feel you, I WAS one of you! ), guided meditation will be your new best friend. I was one of those people. Try out a few different options, and see which ones work best.
2. Be in nature
Find a place where you can walk or sit down and just be. Take note of the different hues that the trees and the sky have and the scents floating through the air. What exactly do you pick up on if you pay close attention? For example, spend some time focusing on the sensation of the ground beneath your feet or the wind on your face. You can fulfil both your physical and your spiritual needs at the same time by going for a walk in the woods. Interestingly, I was brought up Jewish and attended services at the temple throughout my childhood. My mother, on the other hand, concluded at some point along the way that spending time outside was the activity that allowed her to feel the most connected to something bigger than herself. After that, we made it a tradition to celebrate the so-called “high holidays” together outside, among the trees.
3. Religious study
My brother provides one outstanding illustration of this. He starts his day by reading the bible first thing in the morning. After that, he finds a seat at the dining room table (or wherever he happens to be at the time) and reads a passage while taking notes. After that, he wraps things up by penning a letter to his wife. It ensures that his wife is aware that he is thinking about her even though he is not verbal. Incredible and charming. Yes. It satisfies emotional and spiritual requirements in a single fell swoop. But most importantly, it gives a sense of stability. It allows for contemplating the upcoming day. It establishes a link between him and something more significant than himself. Then, when he wakes up in the morning, he can face the day with a sense of serenity because he is confident that he has put his faith and relationships ahead of everything else.
4. Connect to yourself
Be aware of what it means to be authentic, and try to centre oneself in the present moment.
Fun ideas to get you excited for your morning
- While you are getting ready for the day or preparing breakfast, listen to a podcast.
- Take part in a pastime that interests you, such as gardening.
- You could go for a brisk walk around your neighbourhood, get some sun and fresh air, and exercise at a park or beach nearby.
- Writing in a journal or doing something called “morning pages,” in which you fill the first three pages of a notebook with a stream of consciousness every morning, can help you reflect, analyze, and develop new ideas.
- To alleviate stress, reduce inflammation, and boost your immune system overall, try breathing exercises like pranayam or the Wim Hof breathing method. The following is an introduction to breathing exercises for anyone who has never done them.
Additional Tips for the Ultimate Morning Routine
As you develop your morning routine, there are a few things you should always keep in mind.
What to Keep in Mind
1. A healthy morning routine starts the night before
Getting enough quality sleep is necessary if you want to begin each morning on the right foot. Be sure to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night (or whatever works for you). If you want to get more done in the morning without feeling rushed, getting to bed at a more reasonable hour is essential.
The following are some fundamental tips that can help you get a good night’s sleep:
- Put away your electronic devices at least one hour before sleep (and set them to DND or leave them outside your bedroom).
- Make sure you have a pillow and a mattress that are both comfortable. Establish a regular schedule for your sleep, take steps to reduce noise from the outside world, and either sleep in a room that is completely dark or put on an eye mask.
2. Keep it simple
Find one or two things, up to three at the most that will work for YOU to get you going in the right direction. Then, begin with an easy victory, and build on that success as you go along. It is not something that I would advise picking eight things and then giving up or being hard on yourself because you were unable to make them all work. You end up not accomplishing anything when you put too much on your plate. Of course, you should eventually have at least one activity from each of the four categories, but you can start small and work your way up to that goal.
3. Take a test drive
After you have chosen a few strategies that you believe will be successful for you, put them into practice for a few days before deciding whether or not they are successful. Forming any habit requires at least 21 days of consistent effort before it can be established.
4. Set a reminder
Put something in your environment that will remind you of your morning routine. Here is a list of 22 habit-tracking apps that you can try. Find a symbol to remind you, or if you’re more old-fashioned like me, put a post-it note on your bathroom mirror, a note on the refrigerator, or some other physical symbol to remind you what it is that you’re supposed to be doing.
5. Integrate
Instead of adding new tasks to your list, look for ways to incorporate your morning routine into the activities you are already performing. You can also find activities that simultaneously cover a couple of different systems of your body, which is another option.
What Not to Do
You currently have some excellent choices available to you regarding what to do. But in addition to having a great morning routine that revitalizes you, you should also be mindful of what you should avoid doing first thing in the morning. Consider the things that aren’t working for you. Are there things that take place or actions that you take that set you off on the wrong foot, to begin with? That throws you off course or throws you off your stride? Does the ‘alarm’ sound make you cringe every morning, and are you looking for an alternative way to wake up? You may find that negativity saps your strength, and you need to fortify yourself by surrounding yourself with positive energy as soon as possible in the morning. In my case, it’s my mobile phone. I have the most productive mornings when I don’t check my phone or email first thing in the morning. When I check my email, however, it takes my attention away from the rest of my morning routine and gets me off the wrong foot. My thoughts have been racing through everything that I have just read, how I will react to it, and what I have to get done, and as a result, I am no longer fully present in my morning. My morning routine does not include checking my email before dropping my children off at school because I have made this a non-negotiable part of it.
Build Your Ultimate Morning Routine!
You have looked at the menu, and it is time to decide what to order. The next step is to develop the best possible routine to follow in the morning.
Keep in mind that, just like anything else in life, there is no appropriate approach for everyone. If you’re:
- If you are the type of person who thrives off positive energy, you need to ensure that whatever you do first gives you a surge of positivity.
- If you are the type of person who benefits from having a plan, you can either try one of the three post-it strategies or devise your plan for the day.
- If you are someone who needs to exert themselves physically, go for a hike or a run first thing in the morning.
- If you’re the type of person who needs to think about things, you should make time for reading, planning, and journaling.
- Meditation is helpful for people who struggle to calm their racing thoughts.
Take a moment to reflect on the information that strikes a chord with you the most. Do you have five minutes or an hour that I can lend you? What feels like it will ground you or energize you? One or two ideas stood out to you, or maybe there’s just one thing you need to get done in particular. In light of everything you know about yourself and the state your life is in, what sorts of things are you capable of committing yourself to? So get on with it. Get going on it first thing tomorrow morning. You’ll be more thankful, happy, productive, and energized and felt better overall.
Final Thoughts
If you want to feel more productive and in control of your day, developing a healthy morning routine and good eating habits is a great place to start. Going to bed at the appropriate time and getting adequate rest the night before are essential in establishing and maintaining a morning routine. It will allow you to awaken, feeling revitalized and ready to face the day the following day. You don’t have to force yourself to get up early if you don’t have the morning persona. Even if you pick one practice that you find personally motivating, it can help you bring your attention to the task and make you more present in the morning. Finishing the task will make you feel fulfilled, motivating you to have a more productive morning start.