How to improve your morning routine?
Do you have a morning routine or do you just wing it when your alarm goes off? Adding some structure to the early part of your day can have a positive effect on the remaining hours. Even if you’re not a morning person, there are steps you can take to make this time more calm and productive. In fact, creating an AM ritual might do non-morning folks the best. Here are five tips for improving your morning routine and starting your day off on the right foot.
Use this time strategically
Because morning is the start of your day, it makes sense to use it to do the things that will energize you and to get the most out of your effort. If you find mornings a perfect quiet time to engage your creativity, use these early hours to work on your hobby or to plan out your next project. If it energizes you to exercise, add a brisk walk or jog around the neighborhood to your morning routine. You can schedule other tasks that require less energy for later in the day or for times when they fit your mood better. There’s no need to try to accommodate an activity if it’s counterproductive. Save exercise for later in the day if you’re more energetic then or do your project planning in the afternoon if your brain is more alert then.
Have a good breakfast
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Fueling your body with healthy food first thing in the morning can be a great way to energize yourself for getting through the next several hours. Planning and thinking about what you’re going to have for breakfast can even provide motivation to get you out of bed. You don’t have to spend tons of time preparing this meal or expend a lot of effort if you’re not a morning person. Even a quick smoothie or bowl of oatmeal with a nice cup of Kona coffee can help start your morning off right. However, if food upsets your stomach or otherwise doesn’t agree with you in the morning, you can wait to plan your healthy meal a few hours later.
Take time for reflection
Part of your morning routine might consist of spiritual or creative practice. Anything that allows you to reflect on who you are and where you’d like to go is good. Some people enjoy grounding meditation as a way to begin the day. Perhaps you want to grab your hot beverage and just sit quietly in a room with aromatic candles lit. Writing in your journal might be a way to let your creativity flow and to release your thoughts. This type of intentional activity sets the tone for the day and helps you to gain a valuable perspective.
Move your body
Even if you don’t have the energy to do a full-on cardio workout, moving your body just a small amount can energize you and provide a smoother start to your day. Simply stretching when you get out of bed could be a step toward more physical activity over time. Standing tall at your desk as you write in your journal instead of standing might get the blood flowing. If AM exercise is something you enjoy, a walk-in nature offers an added spiritual benefit. Some folks enjoy heading off to the gym to be among other fitness buffs to be the ideal start to their day. Any habit that works for you can be beneficial and help to improve your morning.
Plan your day
Your morning routine can also consist of some planning time in order to get a handle on what the rest of your day might entail. Write in your day planner or add notes to your online calendar. Laying out your day can get you in the right mindset to tackle all the tasks ahead of you. It can also offer a sense of control that many of us find missing in our days. You’ll probably feel more confident when you step out the door if you have an idea of what’s ahead.
Keep these tips for improving your morning routine in mind as a good start for creating your own daily practice. Feel free to add to these steps or modify them in a way that works best for you.