Morning routines have become a popular topic of conversation as of late as many successful individuals have publicly credited their morning routines in helping them achieve their goals. I strongly believe that the attitudes and behaviors that we adopt first thing in the morning set a powerful precedent for the rest of the day. When we prepare ourselves well for the day – by giving ourselves enough time to get ready, by eating a healthful breakfast and by doing something mindfully – we are setting a strong intention that we plan to carry out throughout the day and throughout our lives. Here are some important components of a successful morning routine:
1 | Timing is Everything
Do you actually know exactly how long it takes for you to get ready in the morning and drive to work in a calm and mindful manner? Most people probably don’t! One way to develop an effective morning routine is to time how long it takes you to do your morning tasks and drive to work (if you commute) and keep this in mind when setting your alarm clock in the morning. This also means counting back by 8 hours and making sure you get to bed at a reasonable hour!
2 | Plan Your Day
When stressed in the morning, it’s easy to become short-sighted. We can get caught up in what needs to be done immediately – like finding our keys – while forgetting to plan out the rest of the day. Take some time in the morning (or the night before) to prepare exactly what you need to have a smooth day. This could be planning your outfit the night before, getting all of your work materials together near the door, or taking a minute to go over your calendar.
3 | Food is Fuel
Eating a healthy breakfast and preparing a lunch with snacks is one of the most important ways to take good care of yourself each morning and into the day. It may go without saying for those who already eat daily breakfast, but having food in your belly at the start of the day is necessary to maintain concentration at work, promote healthy blood sugar levels and to keep an even head about you. Packing healthy snacks and a lunch will also help you maintain a better diet.
4 | Make Time for Silence
The day is going to get busy, hectic and noisy! Why not balance that out with some silent reflection early in the morning? My favorite way to incorporate some silence into my morning routine is to give myself enough time to mindfully drink my breakfast smoothie or a cup of hot tea by myself. I find a cozy spot in the house or on the balcony and take the opportunity to practice mindfulness of the aromas, tastes and sensations of the drink.
5 | Exercise
If you have the ability and time to exercise in the morning, I highly recommend it! Often times by the end of the work day we feel so exhausted that we cannot imagine getting out for a run or to that yoga class. But if you can make time in the morning to get your exercise regimen in, you will not regret it! Exercise is an amazing way to increase your energy levels naturally and will likely put you in a positive mood for the rest of the day.
I hope you’ve enjoyed some of these suggestions for improving your morning routine. One thing I’d like to add is that behavior change is most effective when incorporated slowly. Please don’t feel pressured to completely overhaul your morning. Start slowly, integrating positive change one day at a time. You’ll get there!
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Disclaimer
This post is meant for educational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for diagnosis, assessment or treatment of mental conditions. If you need professional help, seek it out.
About the author
Hi! I'm Natalie. And my passion is helping ambitious, creative millennials achieve everything they want in life, career and relationships. I provide in-person therapy in Pasadena and online therapy throughout California. Click here to get started.
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