Starting your day off on the right foot can lead to a more productive and joyful life. Our morning routine sets the tone for the hours that follow, influencing our mood and effectiveness. Here are some essential habits that can transform your mornings into a time of positivity and accomplishment.
The warm morning light that streams through my blinds has a magical ability to brighten my mood. I’ve found that keeping my blinds slightly ajar allows that sunshine to coax me out of bed early. I also have a little trick: I slip a pair of cozy socks under my pillow, creating a small incentive to rise. However, on most weekdays, I wake up before dawn. There are also those gray days when the sun hides behind clouds, but fear not—there are ways to inject some cheer into those mornings. Even your commute can become a productive part of your day. It all comes down to crafting a morning routine tailored to your lifestyle and needs, ensuring you feel upbeat and efficient no matter the weather outside.
MORNING ROUTINE HABITS FOR A HAPPY + PRODUCTIVE DAY
ALWAYS MAKE YOUR BED
Making my bed in the morning was one of the first habits I adopted. My father emphasized its importance, claiming it was a lesson he learned in the Navy. As a child, I found it somewhat bothersome, much like the other small chores we had. Many years later, I watched a commencement address from a US Navy Admiral who famously stated: “If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.”
This simple act does more than just improve your room’s appearance; it cultivates discipline and a sense of achievement. Making your bed not only kicks off the day positively but also serves as a keystone habit that encourages more productive behaviors throughout your day. A well-made bed greets you after a long workday, promoting feelings of calm. In contrast, coming home to a disorganized bed can be disheartening. Small daily tasks like bed-making set the tone for a successful day—making it an essential habit.
DO NOT REACH FOR YOUR PHONE
In our technology-driven world, many of us remain tethered to our devices. Morning is a precious time to enjoy peace before being bombarded with information. Reaching for your phone first thing diverts your attention to missed notifications, from emails to news updates, often generating unnecessary stress. This can lead to a reactive mindset before you’ve even started your day. The reality is that these updates can wait until you’re ready to engage with them, allowing you to embrace your morning moments.
HAVE A GOOD STRETCH
While an intense morning workout is ideal, life often complicates such plans. Many struggle with early exercise, me included—I often feel nauseous during morning workouts. However, stretching is equally crucial and can be done in just 5-10 minutes or through a short yoga session. A good stretch boosts your energy and signals your body that it’s time to start the day, improving circulation and muscle performance. For those who wake up stiff or tense, incorporating gentle stretches can offer significant relief.
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MAKE MEDITATION A PART OF YOUR MORNING ROUTINE
In our busy lives, regular meditation can be incredibly beneficial. It helps quiet your mind, filters out distractions, and mitigates stress. You can even practice lying down before getting out of bed. When consistently integrated into your routine, meditation fosters balance, energy, emotional stability, and peace. It sharpens your focus and intention for the day’s tasks and goals, setting a productive tone from the outset.
TREAT YOURSELF
In my journey towards becoming a morning person, I made it a point to have something delightful to look forward to each morning—an incentive for rising early. This could be journaling, reading a book chapter, taking a leisurely walk with my dog, or enjoying a warm cup of peppermint tea before the house wakes up. These small self-care practices are often overlooked in my busy schedule, making mornings an ideal time to indulge. Who says you need to wait until the end of the day to treat yourself? Kickstart your day with a soothing bath or savoring breakfast. If today feels daunting, wake up early and gift yourself a small, joyful moment.
The special moments in life are made by our decisions, not by how much time or money we have.
DON’T RUSH
Nothing makes mornings more chaotic than a sense of urgency. A rushed start leads to frustration and irritation, setting a pessimistic tone for the day. To counter this, consciously slow down.
Plan ahead. Consider waking up 30 minutes earlier to see how it transforms your morning experience. If you struggle to fit self-care into your day, an earlier start gives you time to prepare. While this might be challenging if you’re not a natural morning person, remember that change is possible. Speaking from experience, I’ve had my moments as a night owl, grappling with sleep as well.
MAXIMIZE YOUR COMMUTE
Your commute can be an opportunity to learn and grow. Consider listening to an audiobook or podcast. I love using Audible, and often delve into books from my self-improvement collection during my drives (Solve for Happy, Someday Is Not a Day in The Week, The Power of Habit). You can even use this time to brush up on your Spanish. The point is to use this time effectively, even when caught in traffic.
Every person’s morning routine looks different. While I might wake at 5:30 am, you may not rise until 9:00 am. It’s essential to find what works for you, regardless of how unconventional it may seem.
These habits don’t require extensive effort yet can profoundly enhance your days, leading to happiness and productivity, no matter when your morning begins.
