As someone who used to hit snooze 10 times before begrudgingly getting out of bed, I know how hard it can be to find the will to get ready and head out to work when you’d rather stay in bed all day.
That’s why I’ve put together this list of 10 steps for a great morning routine that will help you start your day off on the right foot.
From waking up at the same time every day to practicing mindfulness and setting daily goals, these tips are simple and effective ways to set the tone for a productive and positive day ahead.
These morning routine tips will help you go from feeling like a sleep-deprived zombie to actually enjoying getting up!
So let’s shake off that morning grogginess and get ready to take on the day like a boss!
Table of Contents
1. Get a good night’s sleep
Well, let’s start with the obvious ways (that you most likely still ignore!) to improve your mornings.
I’m here to remind you that getting a good night’s sleep is absolutely essential for both your physical and mental health.
So, here are some tips to help you sleep like a baby:
- Stick to a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at roughly the same time every day, even on weekends.
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine that includes activities such as reading, taking a warm bath, or practicing meditation.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, especially in the evening hours.
- Exercise regularly, but not too close to bedtime.
2. Don’t snooze!
Hitting the snooze button on your alarm may seem like a harmless habit, but it can actually have a negative impact on your productivity and energy levels throughout the day.
I hate how snoozing always means a rushed morning for me – I’ll have less time to get ready in the morning, and feel stressed out already at the beginning of my day!
Hitting the snooze button can decrease productivity by making you feel more sluggish and less productive right in the morning.
So, instead of snoozing, try setting your alarm for the time you actually need to wake up. When your alarm goes off, count to 5 and then get up off your bed and allow yourself a minute to wake up. This will allow you to start your day calmly and intentionally, and help you feel more productive throughout the day.
3. Give yourself enough time to get ready
Giving yourself enough time to get ready in the morning can be one of the easiest ways to set the tone for a productive and successful day. It reduces stress – you won’t have to rush around like a crazy person in order to get ready and leave for work.
Having some extra time in the morning will allow you to take some time to properly care for yourself so you can head out the door feeling confident and positive.
To give yourself enough time in the morning, try the following tips:
- Plan your outfit and pack your bag the night before.
- Calculate how much time you need in the morning to get ready unrushed.
- Prepare breakfast and lunch ahead of time to save time in the morning.
4. Drink a glass of water
Drinking a glass of water in the morning has become a non-negotiable part of my daily routine. Why? Well, not only does it make me feel refreshed and energized, but it also has tons of health benefits.
For starters, drinking water in the morning will rehydrate your body after a night of sleep. It also kickstarts your metabolism and aids digestion, helping to flush out toxins and reduce bloating.
And if you’re someone who struggles with brain fog in the morning, staying hydrated can improve cognitive function and boost your mood.
So the next time you wake up, reach for a glass of water before your morning coffee. Your body will thank you for it!
5. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee
Starting my day with a cup of coffee is a simple pleasure that I look forward to every morning! But aside from being a delicious and comforting ritual, there are several health benefits to sipping on your favorite hot beverage in the morning.
For one, the caffeine in coffee or tea can help to improve focus and alertness, making it a great pick-me-up for those early mornings.
But beyond the physical benefits, there’s something about the ritual of brewing and sipping on a cup of tea or coffee that can help to create a sense of calm and mindfulness.
Taking a few moments to savor the flavor and aroma of your favorite hot beverage can set a positive tone for the rest of your day.
So go ahead and indulge in that cup of tea or coffee in the morning. Just be mindful of your caffeine intake and balance it with plenty of water throughout the day!
6. Eat a healthy breakfast
Growing up, my parents always told me that breakfast was the most important meal of the day. As an adult, I’ve come to realize just how true that is – eating a healthy breakfast in the morning has so many benefits for both your body and mind.
First and foremost, breakfast provides the fuel your body needs to power through the day ahead. A balanced breakfast that includes protein, whole grains, and healthy fats can help to stabilize your blood sugar and prevent energy crashes later on.
But beyond the physical benefits, eating a healthy breakfast can also improve your mood and mental clarity. People who eat breakfast regularly tend to be more alert and have better memory and cognitive function.
So, whether it’s a quick smoothie or a hearty omelet, take the time to nourish your body and start your day off on the right foot!
7. Fit in a quick morning stretch or meditation
Starting your day with a little stretching, meditation, or yoga can work wonders for both your body and mind. Taking a few moments to focus on your breath and move your body can help to increase feelings of relaxation and calm.
Stretching is a great way to get your body ready for the day and get rid of any tension and stiffness you may be having. Meditation and yoga, on the other hand, can help to calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety.
So don’t underestimate the power of a few simple stretches or a brief meditation in the morning – even just a few minutes can make a big difference in how you feel and how you approach your day. Give it a try and see how it works for you!
8. Listen to your favourite music or a good podcast
There’s nothing quite like starting your day with some music or a good podcast. Listening to my favorite artist on my way to work always makes me feel more energized and I can start my day in a kick-ass mood.
Although I usually choose to crank up some Taylor Swift I also love listening to some interesting podcasts from time to time – it’s a great way for me to learn something new, stay informed, or simply relax and enjoy the entertainment.
Whether you’re a music lover or a podcast enthusiast, listening to something you enjoy on your way to work will definitely help you start your day on a positive note.
9. Wake up your mind
Ok, here’s a more unusual morning routine activity. I’ve always found it hard to focus on my daily tasks (or sometimes even just talking to my co-workers) when I feel like my mind is still tired or not totally awake yet.
So, I started to incorporate some brain-challenging activities in my daily routine.
If you have a free moment in the morning, whether it’s while you’re eating breakfast or on the bus, spend some time on something like a crossword puzzle, a sudoku (I just recently learned to do them and they’re a lot of fun!) or playing a mind-challenging game on your phone (like Left vs Right or Peak).
Or, if brain-games aren’t your cup of tea, you can read a couple of pages from a good book or watch some short educational videos on YouTube.
Try searching up something you’ve been wondering about like “How do smartphone touchscreens work” or perhaps watch a 5-minute video from TED-Ed like “The rise and fall of the Incan empire”.
10. Do something fun or creative
Additionally, making some time in the morning (even if it’s just a few minutes) to do something fun is a simple way to put a smile on your face and make the start of your day awesome.
Here are some ideas I highly recommend doing:
- Play a silly game on your phone
- Watch an episode of a series on Netflix
- Play with your pet
- Dance around the kitchen jamming to your favorite music
- Write down 5 things you’re thankful for
- Grab a piece of paper and doodle whatever comes to mind
- Watch a funny cat videos compilation on YouTube
You can also find some fun activities in my article about 40 quick and easy self-care activities!
That’s all, you wonderful human-beings!
Seriously, try to incorporate at least a few of these habits to your morning routine, and you’ll soon feel much more enthusiastic about Mondays than Garfield does.
