Do you ever feel like mornings are the most stressful part of the day? If you do, you’re not alone. I think most of us can agree that mornings can be super stressful.
You wake up feeling hazy and unclear and somehow end up being late for work feeling completely flustered. By the time you look at the clock, it’s lunchtime and you have no idea where your morning went.
I think it’s safe to say that most of us could do with a morning routine makeover. After all, wouldn’t it be great to actually enjoy those precious morning hours? The good news is that you don’t have to do anything drastic to make this a reality. All it takes is a few small tweaks to get your morning off to a positive start.
If you feel like mornings are the most stressful part of the day, I’ve got five tips to help you make over your morning routine!
5 Ways To Makeover Your Morning Routine
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1. Prepare At Night
Your morning routine really starts the night before. Set yourself up for success by preparing whatever you can the night before. I like to write my to-do list before I go to bed so that I don’t lose any time in the morning trying to figure out what I need to work on. You could also choose your outfit the night before and pre-make your breakfast and/or lunch so you don’t have to worry about these things in the morning.
2. Avoid Phone Distractions
As I mentioned in this post about habits that have changed my life, avoiding emails and social media in the morning is something I’ve been working hard to commit to. If I look at my emails as soon as I get out of bed, I will go into panic mode and only be able to think about what I need to respond to. If I check Instagram, I’ll get stuck there for at least 30 minutes and totally lose track of time.
Instead, I try to immediately open my Calm meditation app as soon as my alarm goes off. I know I’m still using my phone, but I’m doing something for my own peace of mind instead of getting lost in the abyss of social media.
3. Start With Gratitude
Another thing you can do to makeover your morning routine is to practice gratitude. I have the 5-Minute Journal which prompts you to write three things you’re grateful for every day, as well as three things you want to accomplish and a positive affirmation. Taking a few minutes to think about what you’re grateful for can help you start your day on a positive note.
4. Connect With Your Mind, Body, and Soul
One of my favorite ways to start the day is to do something for my mind, body, and soul. This is based on the Self-Care Power Hour, although these days it takes me less than an hour. I’ll start by meditating for about 5-10 minutes in the morning (mind), followed by a Yoga With Adriene or Blogilates video for 15-20 minutes (body). Usually, after I’ve showered, I’ll listen to my favorite podcasts or watch uplifting YouTube videos (soul). You can mix it up in whatever way works for you, but I personally love adding activities like these into my morning routine.
5. Review Your Plans
One thing I like to do in the morning is to review my to-do list for the day, as well as look at my monthly and yearly goals. Like most people, my memory is terrible when I wake up, and I often don’t even know what day it is. Taking the time to actually review my goals encourages me to stay focused on the big picture and help me remember what I’m working towards.
13 Responses
I absolutely love the idea of starting the morning with gratitude! I’m sure that sets the day up for a day of positivity. I need to implement that into my morning routine. Loved this blog post!
Stephanie
lifestylebystephanie.com
I seriously need to revamp my morning routine, it horrible. I wake up 30-45 minutes before work, take a quick shower, throw on scrubs and head out. I’ll be using a few of your tips throughout the next few weeks. Thanks for sharing!
These are all wonderful tips. One change i need to make is to go to bed a little bit earlier so as to wake up in good time to meditate for longer in the morning. Please, check out my blog at
http://www.mylifeingreens.com
Yes! I love this
Hi Catherine,
Preparing the night before is something my mother taught us preparing for school. And it makes all the difference.
I have to get the meditation app you recommend. I don’t have too much experience in meditating but the times I have I’m seemed to be more focused that day.
These are excellent tips.
Thanks,
Vernon
Thank you, Vernon! Preparing definitely makes all the difference. And the Calm app makes meditation a lot easier to follow along with :)
I am going too stop putting on the news first thing.. I am so going to get the calm meditation app. & be thankful for three things when I awake. Yay. I’m excited for change!! Thank you so much..
Thank you!
Great tips
Thanks, Gina!
My routine . Is no routine it’s very messy rushed and stressful. So I’m following your tips to see how I go
Suzanne
Woow I really love this blog thanx Catherine for the tips I don’t have any morning routine I’d love to start on
I liked your tips! Great that you are putting it out into the world.A tiny suggestion… You said a few times “im not telling you to….” Instead, consider saying “im not suggesting that you..” because most people dont like to be told what to do, but many people are open to suggestion.