Morning. The word alone can trigger images of a blaring alarm, the need for 10 more minutes of sleep, and running the moment your feet hit the floor. I get it. I was the person who slept right up until the VERY last second. I would roll straight from my bed to the shower, and out the door. I thought my mother who got up early and took extra time was crazy for losing those precious minutes of sleep for what- a cup of tea. No thank you.
Well, as hard for it is for me to admit that my mom was right in how she approached her morning, she was and still is. Getting up early, enjoying some quiet time, connecting with your thoughts, and easing into the day makes a world of difference. Yes, sleep is critical and one of my favorite things, but more sleep in the morning does not offer the same peace and lower stress that a morning routine has given me.
A powerful and supportive morning routine sets the tone for your entire day. From helping you to feel energized, focused, and productive to feeling organized, calm, and in-charge of the day. Before you stop reading because you have heard it all before or you just want to sleep, keep reading to find at least one nugget of wisdom to start improving your mornings and days.
Wake up early. Early is a subjective term. Decide what is early for you. My mom’s idea of early is 4:15 am, mine is more like 6 am, for you it might be 5 minutes before the time you currently get up. No matter which one works for you, getting up before the absolute last second before you MUST jump in the shower will make a difference. You are giving yourself some time and space to slowly enter your day versus going from 0 to 100 mph, adding unnecessary stress and pressure in the first moments of your day.
Hydrate. Drinking a glass of water as soon as you wake up to rehydrate after a night of sleep is best, but this does not work for everyone. You can spruce up your water by adding lemon or apple cider vinegar to help boost digestion and metabolism. Or you can have tea, coffee, or lower sugar juice. I would not suggest high sugar, caffeinated drinks first thing in morning if you are looking to enter your day with intention.
Move your body. From an intense spin class to simple stretches, movement can help you feel energized and focused. Select what types of movement helps you feel better without adding stress and pressure to your morning.
Spend time in your body. Meditation, prayer, gratitude, or affirmations can help you start your day with a clear and focused mind. You spend as little as 1 minute or as much time as you have, using one of these methods to be with your thoughts, feel your body, or think about the good things in your life. Giving your mind and body this time helps you to increase the positive areas of your brain and decrease the areas that engage in negative thinking.
Be mindful in your actions. How many times do you get to the end of your morning routine and realize you don’t remember brushing your teeth, getting dressed, etc.? You can still move quickly through your routine, but you can practice mindfulness in the process so you can avoid autopilot and actually be present in your life. Some ways to do this are taste the toothpaste and feel the brush on your teeth, feel the water of your shower on your head and skin, actually taste your coffee and breakfast, or feel the material of your clothes as you put them on. Taking this time can help increase your ability to focus throughout the day.
Think about your goals for the day. Take a few minutes to think through two to three things that would help you feel accomplished at the end of your day. These goals can be personal and professional and big or little. plan out your schedule and priorities for the day. Taking a moment to do this can help you stay focused, feel productive, and reduce the feeling of overwhelm.
Use screen time wisely. Try to avoid checking your social media, email, and news first thing in the morning. You want to start your day in a positive space and not stressed, overwhelmed, or sad. Using your phone to meditate, read affirmations, or pray can help you focus on your needs and priorities to start the day from a positive place.
Do I suggest trying all of this tomorrow morning? No, I don’t. You do not want to give yourself a reason to stop developing a routine before really giving it a try.
First, look at your current routine and see if anything is working for you now. If it is, great! If not, pick one suggestion from the list and give it a try. See what works, what doesn’t, and what you would do to make it your own. Try it for a few days and then add another suggestion, then another until you have developed a morning routine that makes you feel better and helps you enjoy your day.
I know changing how you start your day can be challenging. I also know that we can keep telling ourselves that we will start tomorrow when it is sunny or when it’s warmer or on a weekend. Recognize an excuse versus a real reason to hold of starting a new routine like being sick. Then stop the excuses and start a routine to make your day better!
Creating a powerful morning routine can help you start your day feeling energized, focused, and productive. By incorporating habits like hydration, movement, mindfulness, and planning, you can set up a routine that works for you and helps you achieve your goals. So, take the time to create a morning routine that works for you, and enjoy the benefits of a powerful start to your day.
Hi, I am Lindsay Pfister-Kerr. I help ambitious professionals cultivate a healthy and proactive mindset that will enhance their personal and professional effectiveness, strengthen their relationships, and contribute to long-term success. Want to unlock your full potential? Let’s talk so you can learn about what mindset coaching can offer you!
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