Morning routines help you start your day on the right foot. Unfortunately, far too many people don’t have a proper routine they practice in the morning. A messy and disorderly morning can easily spill into the rest of the day, leaving you feeling unfulfilled, unproductive, and underwhelmed.
Activities to Add to Your Morning Routines
In 2020, a sleep survey found that 65% of Americans rarely wake up feeling rested and energized for the day. The same study found that 42% feel tired as early as 12 p.m., negatively impacting the productivity of 74% of respondents. While the quality of sleep and the activities from the night before greatly influence, a morning routine can also make quite a difference.
Here are the top morning routines to help you start your day right.
1. Wake Up on Time
One of the keys to a successful morning routine is to wake up on time. Whether that means as early as 5 a.m. or as late as 10 a.m., the best time to wake up is the time that’s right for you. If your body’s natural clock says no, you don’t have to force yourself to wake up before the sun is up. That said, there have been studies indicating that waking up an hour earlier can help lower depression. Moreover, early risers tend to be more productive.
2. Meditate
Meditation has several health benefits, including stress reduction and emotional health improvement. It has even been shown to keep you more alert and lengthen your attention span, contributing to your productivity. Find time in the morning to practice meditation and mindfulness. Even just a few minutes of reflection and meditation can make a big difference to your day.
3. Recite Affirmations
Affirmations are the way to go if you’re looking for happy morning habits. Affirmations are positive statements you can recite to center yourself and ward away negative thoughts. They can help put you in a good mood and brighten your morning, setting the tone for the rest of the day. Practicing affirmations daily can also improve your mental health.
4. Exercise
Exercise releases endorphins, hormones that can reduce stress and improve general well-being. Getting some exercise in the morning will allow you to start your day in a great mood. Plus, exercise also keeps you physically healthy. It plays a significant role in the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, depression, and anxiety.
You don’t have to dedicate a full hour to high-intensity workouts, either. Even just morning stretching exercises can prepare your muscles for the day ahead.
5. Drink Water
Hydration is a key component of the best morning routine. Studies show that drinking water can help with weight loss, improve cognitive performance, and enhance mood. Making it a part of your morning activities ensures that you start the day well-rested and hydrated.
6. Avoid Screen Time
For many people, their morning routines consist of checking their phones the moment they wake up. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with that, making it a habit can have health effects. For instance, research has found a negative correlation between phone use and mental health. Increased screen time also has adverse effects on physical health and sleep quality.
Instead of going online in the morning, try to keep your screen time to a minimum. You can check important messages and calls, just in case, but refrain from logging onto social media. Limit your consumption of online content and try to focus on the moment. Replace your unhealthy dependence on your phone with exercise and meditation in the morning.
7. Eat a Healthy Breakfast
Nothing gives you more energy to face the day than a healthy breakfast. When planning your morning meal, try to balance protein and complex, unrefined carbs with fat. Examples include a spinach and tomato omelet, avocado and egg on whole grain toast, and full-fat plain Greek yogurt with fresh fruits. You can even try vegetable smoothies to jazz up your morning meal routine.
Avoid sugary foods in the morning. While they might give you energy, they can increase your blood sugar levels faster. These include meals commonly associated with breakfast foods such as pancakes, waffles, and muffins. You should also avoid processed meats, as they are chock-full of salt.
8. Practice Good Hygiene
A clean start requires a clean you. Prepare for a busy day by taking a nice shower and brushing your teeth. Good hygiene will not only make you appear and feel fresh, but it will also make a good impression on those around you.
9. Care for Your Skin
A good morning regimen often includes a skincare routine. This includes applying moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and sunscreen to protect it from the sun. Even if you spend most of your day indoors, sunscreen is still necessary, as UV rays can pass through windows.
10. Plan Your Day
Your morning routines should also involve planning for the day ahead. Make a list of things you want to accomplish before the day ends. This will help you stay organized, productive, and satisfied. Of course, don’t be afraid to make room for flexibility, as plans can change and unanticipated events can occur.
11. Start With Your Biggest Task
If you want a productive morning routine, take on your biggest or hardest task first. Perhaps it’s a task that you dread the most or requires the most amount of effort. Checking it off your list early on will keep your mind clear and your body at ease for the rest of the day. Plus, it eliminates the opportunity for procrastination.
12. Don’t Forget to Have Fun
Just because you want to set up your mornings for productivity doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Allowing yourself to let loose and laugh in the morning will help you get into a good mindset for the rest of the day. You’re more likely to get things done when you’re in a good mood.
To have fun in the mornings, set some time aside for things you like to do. Maybe you can do a crossword puzzle or dance to music while preparing for the day. If you’re a nature lover, spend a few minutes outside. Even small things can make a big difference.
Start Your Day Right
Morning routines are integral to setting your mood and getting you in the right headspace. Incorporate these activities into your morning regimen if you want to boost your productivity while staying happy.
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