Whether you’re hustling at a 9-5 workplace, supporting your kids with at-home learning, or training your newly adopted puppy, staying motivated all the time is really hard. Add maintaining your mental and physical well-being on top of your day’s to-do list, and you might be feeling a little lost. The secret to success? A stellar morning routine.
Many of us wake up in a frenzy — panicked at the length of our responsibilities, craving an extra hour of sleep, and rushing to get ready for the day ahead. But taking just a few minutes or even an hour to enjoy your morning can prove helpful to your mindset, focus, and attitude. Just consult any self-help book, successful CEO, or life coach, and they’ll tell you that a good start to the morning sets you up for success for the rest of the day.
But what steps make up a great morning routine? We’ll show you! In this post, we’re sharing some tips to help you create a morning routine that’s good for your mindset, productivity, and general wellness — read on to learn more!
Also Read: 10 Morning Routines for People Working From Home
a) Start with breathing exercises and stretching
Before you even get up, there are two things you can do to ensure you wake up on the right side of the bed: breathe and stretch. These exercises can help you feel grounded and start to soothe any anxieties you have about starting the day. Here are some examples of breath and stretching motions you can incorporate into your AM routine:
b) Breathing
- 4/7/8 Breaths: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold the breath for 7 seconds, exhale for 8 seconds, repeat.
- Pursed Lip Breathing: Relax your neck and shoulders, inhale through your nose for 2 counts, purse your lips and exhale through your pursed lips for 4 counts.
- Audible Breathing: Inhale deeply and as you exhale, make a “haaa” sound through your mouth.
c) Stretching
Take 5-10 minutes to stretch underneath the covers — a few gentle twists and opening and closing your palms can start to activate your muscles before you even roll out of bed. If you’re looking for a deeper stretch, place a yoga mat next to your bed the night before and make it a point to begin your day with some hamstring exercises, a happy baby pose, a downward dog, and a few moments of meditation.
Also Read: Morning Routine To Set Yourself up for Success
d) Hydrate
From sun-up to sun-down, hydration is a key element in health and wellness. Before you enjoy your morning breakfast or start checking off things on your checklist, take a moment to drink a large glass of water when you wake up — add lemon for digestive support and other health benefits.
Keep in mind; you should be drinking a total of 2.7-3.7 liters of fluids per day. You can keep track of your water intake by investing in a reusable water bottle or by using a wellness tracking app.
e) Take your vitamins
While many essential vitamins and minerals are automatically produced by your body or supplemented by food and the environment, you may still need a little boost to keep your immune, nervous, and other systems working at their peak. Vitamin C, D, Magnesium, Calcium, and Iron are some of the most important and most commonly used supplements. A number of health benefits have been tied to vitamin supplements over the years, including stress relief, anti-inflammatory perks, and improved mood.
Note: Before adding supplements to your diet, it’s a good idea to talk to your primary physician or naturopath first.
f) State your goals
Every productive day starts with a to-do list. Each morning, make it a point to outline the day’s goals — be sure to challenge yourself but also make it realistic. At the end of the day, the idea is to feel accomplished, so set yourself up for success, but don’t beat yourself up about the hard days; everyone has them!
Whether you make your list on pen and paper or digitally, make sure it’s in clear view or easy to access throughout the day. And don’t forget to celebrate your accomplishments!
g) Get dressed
As a result of the ongoing hard work, many of us have fully adapted to the work-from-home lifestyle — we’re talking sweatpants, pajamas, and the occasional pair of leggings when we’re feeling fancy. But swapping out your sweats for a sweater and pair of “real pants” could serve you well when you start your day. Not only does a fresh outfit make you feel great, but it can also help you perform better and ensure you’re prepared for the unexpected, you know, like a surprise client video call or company meeting. And never forget the importance of a healthy morning skincare routine!
Also Read: 5 Ways to Fire Up Your Neurotransmitters in the Morning
h) Eat a healthy breakfast
Enjoying a nourishing breakfast is a crucial step in curating a healthy morning routine. Not only will it satiate your taste buds and start your diet off right, but a healthy breakfast also stimulates your brain and preps your body for a day of physical and mental work.
Here are a few healthy breakfast ideas to help you start your morning:
- Rice cake with peanut butter, honey, and fruit
- Yogurt bowl with seeds, nuts, and dried fruit
- Smoothie with fruits and greens
- Hard-boiled egg and whole-grain toast or cereal
i) Do something you enjoy
The secret ingredient to a fulfilling morning routine? Do something you love. Starting your day off with a walk around the neighborhood, reading a few pages out of your book, writing in your journal, or working on a puzzle for 5 minutes can boost your mood and energy for the day ahead.
Wrapping up
Investing in a positive morning routine is a great way to improve your outlook and increase your productivity throughout the workweek.
