Being up early is not enough. Some of us are glued to our screens for three hours after coffee. Unfortunately, we have lost the day’s focus at this point. But The perfect morning routine will promote wellness and make you successful for the rest of the day. From avoiding social media to drinking water and listening to a podcast, there are various steps you can take to create a morning routine that works for you.
Remember you need the discipline to be consistent even though It can be far too tempting to hit “snooze” on your alarm. Especially when thoughts about all that you need to get done during the day flood your mind. This mostly happens when mornings are colder, darker, and drearier.
I will highlight a few habits you can develop to have the most out of each day.
Journaling
Journaling is an act of self-expression that is done periodically to record feelings and inspire ideas. Morning pages serve a deeper purpose. This type of journaling is a cathartic, ritualistic writing process that clears your mind, builds confidence, and creates a path for greater creativity.
It helps us get our brains out of autopilot mode and into the present moment. This helps start the day on a productive note. The process of writing down your thoughts and setting yourself specific goals will give you the ability to stay focused on your most important priorities and ensure they all get done.
To prime yourself for success each morning, try answering these questions.
- What am I grateful for? This will shift you into a more positive mindset
- What is my most important task today? This will give you clarity on your priorities for the day
- What story-worthy moment happened yesterday? this improves your memory and storytelling
- How am I feeling right now? This builds your self-awareness
- What’s working right now? What could be better? this keeps you on track with your goals and habits
Drink water before coffee
Because we lose water through our breath and sweat while we sleep, we usually wake up thirsty. Overnight, your body goes without water for several hours. Drinking water as soon as you wake up helps rehydrate your body and kickstart your metabolism. This is important because dehydration can lead to feelings of fatigue and sluggishness.
Avoid your phone
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s all too common to reach for our smartphones as soon as we wake up. The allure of checking messages, social media updates, and news can be hard to resist. However, developing the habit of avoiding your phone immediately after waking up can have a profound impact on your mental and emotional well-being.
Checking your phone increases your stress and anxiety, hijacks your attention, and primes your brain for distraction. Your morning routine sets the stage for your cognitive performance throughout the day. Engaging with your phone right away can scatter your focus and prevent you from establishing a clear mental space. Taking time away from your phone allows your mind to awaken naturally, leading to better mental clarity and improved decision-making.
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further reading
Make your bed
This is one of the simplest activities you can do in the morning. However, this simple act carries more significance than meets the eye. Making your bed after waking up is not just about tidying your sleeping space; it sets the tone for your entire day.
This is a gateway to cultivating discipline and boosting your productivity. When you take the time to create a tidy and organized space, you kickstart a chain reaction of positive habits. This act of discipline ripples through your day, encouraging you to tackle other tasks with the same level of dedication.
Your physical surroundings can significantly impact your mental state. A neat and well-made bed instantly transforms your sleeping area into a calm and inviting sanctuary. As you enter your bedroom throughout the day, the sight of a tidy bed can evoke feelings of tranquility and reduce stress. This serene environment can have a positive effect on your mood, helping you approach challenges with a greater sense of composure. Moreover, the act of making your bed can be a mindful practice, allowing you to start your day with a moment of peaceful reflection.
Move your body in all directions
There is a reason we instinctively stretch when we first wake up. Our bodies crave movement after being sedentary. Why not direct that instinct to be as productive as possible?
Rather than only doing a quick stretch in bed and then going about your day, favoring your dominant side, set your body right and prepare it for daily activity by taking it through all planes of motion, evenly using both sides of your body. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins that boost your mood, reduce stress and improve focus.
Remember, the key is to create a routine that works for you and aligns with your goals. Consistency is key to making any habit stick, so start small and gradually build upon your morning routine to make it truly amazing.