How to Perfect your Morning Routine
A strong morning routine can set the tone for a productive, stress-free, and fulfilling day. If you often feel rushed, groggy, or unmotivated in the mornings, small tweaks to your routine could make all the difference. From cutting down on screen time to incorporating mindfulness, here are some tips you can use in your morning routine.
1. Wake Up Early Enough to Have ‘Me Time’
The key to a perfect morning starts the night before. Aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep will allow you to wake up feeling refreshed. Setting your alarm just 15–30 minutes earlier can give you that essential ‘me time’ to ease into the day without feeling rushed. You’ll have more time to take care of your body and mind before the hustle starts.
2. Limit Screen Time
One of the biggest culprits of a stressful start is turning on screens. Whether it’s checking emails or turning on the tv, it is too easy to get stuck in and spend hours in bed. Instead, keep your phone on ‘Do Not Disturb’ and try to avoid all screens for at least the first 30 minutes at the start of your day. This allows you to start your morning with intention, not distractions!
3. Start with Hydration
Drinking water first thing in the morning can kickstart your metabolism, rehydrate your body, and boost energy levels. After hours of sleep, your body craves hydration. Keep a glass of water by your bed or head to the kitchen to drink a full glass before anything else. Additionally by adding a slice of lemon, this can provide an extra vitamin C boost to start your day on the right foot.
4. Practice Meditation or Deep Breathing
Incorporating meditation or mindful breathing into your morning routine can significantly improve your focus and mood for the day. You don’t need a lot of time—even just 5 to 10 minutes of sitting quietly and breathing deeply can calm your mind, reduce stress, and set a peaceful tone for the day.
5. Move Your Body
A little movement in the morning gets your blood flowing, boosts endorphins, and helps wake up your body. This does NOT mean run a 5K! Try gentle stretching or yoga. Low-impact exercises are great for easing stiffness and improving flexibility without overexerting yourself. Incorporating movement into your routine helps energise you and improves both your physical and mental well-being.
6. Journaling for Clarity
Taking a few minutes to journal in the morning helps bring your attention and reminds you of what is important to you. You can write about your goals, to-do lists, or even practice gratitude journaling, where you note three things you’re grateful for. Journaling allows you to organise your thoughts, release stress, and start the day with intention. It also helps with goal-setting and mental clarity, making it easier to tackle the day ahead.
7. Plan Your Day, Set Intentions
Similar to Journalling…Take a few minutes in the morning to mentally (or physically) plan your day. Setting daily intentions or reviewing your schedule helps you stay focused and organised. Whether it’s jotting down tasks in a planner or simply deciding on a key goal for the day, starting with a plan ensures you approach your day with direction and purpose.
8. Eat a Nutritious Breakfast
Fuelling your body with the right nutrients is crucial for sustained energy throughout the day. Opt for a balanced breakfast with a mix of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs—think oatmeal with berries and nuts, a smoothie with spinach and protein, or avocado toast with a poached egg. Skipping breakfast can leave you sluggish, while a well-rounded meal will keep you energised and focused.
10. Mindful Consumption
Before reaching for coffee or jumping into a busy schedule, take a moment to reflect on how you want to feel for the day. Consider switching out your caffeine fix for a gentler alternative, like herbal tea or a matcha, if you’re prone to mid-morning energy crashes. Starting the day with something nourishing (both physically and mentally) sets a positive tone for the hours ahead.