What is a Morning Routine and Why is it Important?
Let me start off by saying that I’ve never considered myself a morning person. I used to jump out of bed with just enough time to shower, get dressed and make it to my destination on time.
That being said, I’ve always admired those who could wake up at 5:30am, and actually have time to eat breakfast and enjoy a cup of coffee while catching up on morning news.
An old roommate of mine fell into this category of productive morning people with morning routines.
Every morning, I would see how relaxed he was. He wasn’t frantically throwing things together and rushing through the door like I was. As a result, he was a much calmer person while I was more anxious.
Having a morning routine sets the tone for your day, making you feel accomplished before the day has even started.
It’s amazing how much you can get done with just one extra hour in the morning.
Today, I’m sharing with you the simple habits that helped me create the best morning routine.
What Inspired My Morning Routine?
In December of 2020, a serious medical scare forced me to start adding exercise and healthier meals to my day.
I’d always been pretty good with my meals (except maybe for sweets), but was seriously slacking in the workout department.
I had just started reading Atomic Habits by James Clear, (this book changed my life!) and was feeling inspired to form a new habit. In an effort to get at least a 20 minute workout in, I started waking up each day an hour earlier.
This quickly became a part of my morning routine that led to other productive activities. A couple of them being writing in a daily gratitude journal and drinking three cups of water upon waking up.
I now realize the importance of forming habits for having the best morning routine in place.
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Simple Habits For Creating The Best Morning Routine
Go To Bed Early and Wake Up at the Same Time Each Day
Going to bed earlier has made it possible for me to create a morning routine. In the past, I would go to bed by midnight and have no energy to wake up early enough to accomplish anything in the morning.
Setting an alarm about a half hour before bed (this actually works), sort of trains your brain to start wrapping things up for the night.
Set another alarm to wake up at the same time each day. Once this habit is formed you’re on your way to a more productive morning!
Lay Your Clothes Out the Day Before
This was one of the things that would take up a lot of my morning time. Have your outfit out and ready to go the day before.
If you really want to save time, do this once a week. I pick one day, usually a Sunday and put together 5 outfits for the week. When morning comes, it’s one less thing to worry about.
Steve Jobs stuck to one outfit and Mark Zuckerberg wears the same gray t-shirt almost everyday.
The reason behind it being that dressing in the same way each day, allowed them to focus their energy on more important decisions.
That is certainly not to say you should wear the same clothes everyday! But definitely eliminate the extra decision making in the morning. This will free up more time for important things like a quick morning meditation.
Make Your Bed
Some people underestimate the mental benefits of making your bed in the morning. Although it might seem like a minor detail, it can actually make you more productive.
Accomplishing the first task of the day, can lead to other productive activities. I find that it sets an intention for the day, and makes me feel physically and mentally organized.
Let in the Light
One of the first things I do in the morning is open the blinds and let the morning light in. It gives me a sense of joy and sends positive energy my way, along with the hope for a good day ahead.
So make sure to let the sun in upon rising, it’s a great way to start your morning!
Drink a Glass of Water
There are so many benefits to drinking water first thing in the morning, one of the most important being hydration. After sleeping for 7-8 hours, our bodies need to rehydrate.
Drinking a glass of water in the morning will also make you feel more energized and get you ready for the day’s challenges. Dehydration can cause fatigue and brain fog, so start your morning off right with some water for a clear head.
Do Some Mindful Stretching
I always feel less stressed and much more relaxed after a morning stretch and find that it calms my mind as well.
An effective way to add mindful stretching to your morning is by getting into some work out gear.
Once you’ve gotten out of your pajamas, your mindset will change completely and you’ll be ready to get some blood flowing to your muscles!
Prepare a Healthy Breakfast the Day Before
I’m a HUGE fan of this! Having meals prepped and ready to pack (or eat) in the morning is a total game changer.
I usually make a batch of oatmeal, or chia seed pudding and store it in a pretty glass container. In a separate container, I have berries or some chopped apples.
All that’s left to do in the morning is put it in a bowl and enjoy, or pack it all in one container and take it on the go.
Again, eliminating extra decision making and having more time to savor that cup of tea (or coffee) in the morning.
Write Down Three Things You’re Grateful For
In a journal, write three things you are grateful for each morning. This activity encourages a positive mindset, reminding us of all the good things in our lives and sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.
If writing in a journal just isn’t your thing, take a few moments to sit and think of the things you’re grateful for.
What Habits Will You Form To Create Your Best Morning Routine?
I hope this post has inspired you to take the first step in creating a healthy morning routine. The combination of all of the activities mentioned here, have changed how I look at mornings. I now see them as a way to jumpstart my day in a positive way.
Creating small, simple and realistic habits that you can stick to in the morning can transform you into a productive morning person. Start with one habit and record your progress each day, you’ll be shocked at how quickly you can become a morning person!
Remember to decrease decision making in the morning, this frees up time as well as mental space, making this a practice that is also extremely beneficial to your mental health.
If you have any tips for a positive morning routine, please share your comments, I would love to hear them!
