How do you start your day? 💫
I wish that I was the kind of person who could always wake up to 6 a.m. yoga and meditation and a portion-controlled serving of fresh fruit, but that is unfortunately not the case 😅
Consistently performing healthy behaviors might be the key not only to a calmer morning but to improved mental health throughout your day.
The morning is that perfect moment in our day when we are not caught up with the tasks of the previous evening and still not thinking about the needs of later in the day. It’s a time with a fresh start, a clear head, and new energy.
Whether you have kids to get ready for school or a busy work schedule, your mornings probably feel like the busiest part of your day. But all that action can feel like pressure and stress instead of motivation.
We all know that routines are helpful and that healthy habits can help us get through our days more smoothly and efficiently. But starting and maintaining a routine is easier said than done.
Win Your mornings
Creating a routine isn’t as simple as following one for a few weeks, and then continuing it indefinitely without fail. It’s something you have to take one step at a time, gradually moving over time until it becomes natural once again.
The key to an easier morning is to keep your first waking hour as consistent as possible throughout the week. The more we struggle to make decisions, the more energy we deplete. When first starting the day, it’s important to avoid “decision fatigue” by having a set morning routine.
Tips for a mindful morning routine
Here are some suggestions to add to your morning rituals to encourage mindfulness that is simple and not-time-consuming enough to integrate and sustain.
Ease Into The Day
It’s easier to lull yourself out of sleep when you’re not rushing into the day. You feel more motivated to open your eyes and let your body properly wake up when you have a little bit of time to lounge in bed without jumping up. After a few minutes of lounging, follow these steps: Open your curtains and let the natural light energize you. Exposing yourself to sunlight in the morning can improve your alertness and energy during the day. Put some upbeat tunes on—music lights up the entire brain. Do some light stretching to get your blood flowing.
Start your day with a glass of water
This will help hydrate your body and replenish any fluids lost from the prior day.
Eat Breakfast
Research shows that those who eat breakfast have more energy than those who wait until lunch to eat. While coffee will help jolt you awake, your body will eventually crash without food. A few simple tweaks to your morning can help you relax and improve your mental health. It will also leave you feeling energized to conquer the day.
Read
There are many ways to stimulate your brain, but one of the most recommended methods is reading. Reading a book in the morning can start your day in a richly detailed story, “how-to” or narrative, as opposed to a stressful, overflowing to-do list.
Write down what you’re grateful for
Research shows that gratitude can increase an individual’s happiness, improve relationships, and enhance one’s sense of well-being.
Meditate
Morning meditation can help you center yourself for the rest of the day and has many proven mental health benefits. Even 15 minutes of daily meditation can produce the same stress-relieving effects in the body as taking a vacation.
While it may be difficult to find the extra time, you will find yourself reaping only benefits throughout the day. A good morning routine is an excellent way to set yourself up for a successful day.
A good routine will help you feel centered, give you time to focus on the things that are important to you, and reduce the friction of getting out the door. If you struggle with getting out of bed in the morning or your days often seem hectic and rushed, it may be time to introduce a new morning routine.
If this sounds like something that would benefit you, read on for our tips on how to start a mindful morning routine and change your life for the better.
