Good Morning Routines – Kick-Start Your Day With Positive Habits
Do you want to be more productive, energized and get more out of each day? A good morning routine is key to a productive day ahead and improved well-being. Having a consistent morning routine can help you start off your day in the right way, setting up a successful, productive mindset for the day. The following article outlines various helpful tips to implement for the perfect morning routine.
Types of Morning Routines
First and foremost, one of the key elements to consider when creating your morning routine is to establish what type of morning routine will work best for you. Generally speaking, there are three major types of morning routines which we will explore in more detail now:
The Morning Starter: This type of routine is all about jump-starting your day and preparing your mind and body for a productive, focused day ahead. Examples of activities include:
• Meditation
• Exercise
• Journaling
• Eating a healthy and balanced breakfast
• Drinking a cup of coffee or tea
• Taking time to read a book
• Scheduling time for gratitude
The Early Bird: This type of morning routine is tailored to those who prefer to get up early and use that extra time to their advantage. Examples of activities include:
• Waking up before the sun
• Refreshing morning walk
• Meal prep for the day
• Reading
• Taking on a challenging task such as a language or programming course
• Writing down ideas or plans for the day
• Reflecting and calming the mind
The Final Tier: This type of morning routine is designed for individuals who like to take their time in the morning to prepare for the day. Examples of activities include:
• Taking a morning shower
• Making breakfast
• Getting ready for the day
• Watching an educational video or TED Talk
• Listening to music that motivates you
• Practicing self-care
• Doing some journaling or writing
• Setting goals for the day
Benefits of a Morning Routine
Now that we have established the three major types of morning routines, let’s explore some of the numerous benefits of establishing one:
• Improved well-being. Research suggests that having a consistent routine can improve clarity and well-being.
• Improved productivity. Beginning the day with structured activities can get the brain in the right working mode.
• Increased motivation. Habits keep us motivated and focused on our goals, which can help us reach them quicker.
• Improved mental health. Establishing a consistent routine can help with symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Improved sleep. Having an earlier, more structured routine can help reset your internal body clock so that you get optimal sleep.
Tips for Establishing Your Morning Routine
Now that we’ve explored the benefits, it’s important to consider various tips that can help with establishing and sticking to your morning routine:
• Establish a realistic timetable: Rather than setting unrealistic goals that are overly ambitious, it is important to plan realistically and recognize that certain elements of the routine may need to change over time.
• Make morning decisions low-stakes: The morning is a time to prepare for the day and have a clear, relaxed mental and emotional state. Make sure that decisions such as what you are going to wear or eat in the morning are small, low-stakes decisions so that the focus can be the preparation for the day instead of the decisions themselves.
• Avoid the snooze button: A key element of a successful routine is to wake up at the same time every day and avoid hitting the snooze button. By waking up at the same time every day, your body will gradually adjust until waking up at the desired time no longer feels difficult.
• Exercise in the morning: Exercise has a plethora of positive benefits, and morning exercise is particularly effective. Morning exercise helps to improve focus and concentration for the day due to increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), an important protein in the processes of forming new connections between neurons.
• Drink water first thing: Before you even think of having your morning cup of joe, it is important to hydrate your body first. Every morning when you wake up, drink a glass of water to rehydrate your body and give yourself a much-needed boost of energy.
• Medicating: Depending on the individual, certain types of medication or supplements may need to be taken in the morning. Does the medication need to be taken with food or on an empty stomach? Make sure you consider this when making a plan for your morning routine.
Having a consistent morning routine can greatly improve your day-to-day productivity, focus, and well-being. Use this article as a guide to planning and creating the perfect morning routine to kick-start your day on the right foot. Consider the three major types of morning routines, the numerous benefits, and the various tips outlined above to make sure you can take the most out of your morning routine.
