How to upgrade your morning routine
Alarm. Check your phone. Bathroom break. Feed pets. Make a choice of hot caffeinated beverage. Shower.
Sound familiar?
For many of us, our morning routine is likely pretty similar (plus or minus feeding pets). And often, that’s a routine we fell into, rather than something we carefully chose.
Yet there are people out there who approach their morning routine with intention, and they’re reaping the benefits.
Why a morning routine is important
You can’t build a house on sand – the foundations just aren’t there. And you can’t build a great, productive day on a frazzled morning.
In other words, a strong morning foundation can help to set you up for a better day. It can start you with a positive mindset, some momentum to tackle your to-do list, and enough energy to make it through the day.
Tailoring your routine for you
To create a strong morning routine, start by thinking about what matters most to you.
Would you love to get more exercise into your day? Try adding a 10-minute brisk walk before your shower.
Adore reading but never have the time? Try listening to an audiobook while you make breakfast, or devote 10 minutes to reading in bed instead of scrolling social media.
Wish you could eat healthier? Take the extra time to prepare a balanced breakfast.
Struggle to put your feet on the floor when you wake up? Add a quick morning stretch routine in bed to get the blood flowing.
Your morning routine doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s, so long as it works for your needs.
Easy upgrades to your existing routine
Here are some of the quick wins you can add to your morning routine:
Create a consistent sleep schedule
Go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time each day. It’s not particularly inspiring, but it does come with its own benefits.
Sleep is thought to help restore the body, organise the mind, boost immunity, maintain heart health, aid growth and healing, as well as enhance our attention, memory, and learning.
Prepare the night before
Set yourself up for success by preparing a few things the night before, such as:
- Overnight oats for a healthy, delicious breakfast that’s ready to eat
- Decide what you’ll wear to better streamline your time in the morning
- Set out your yoga mat and gear for a quick morning yoga routine
- Make your to-do list for the next day so you’re not stressing about it in the morning
- Leave the kitchen clean so you don’t wake up to a mess
Limit distractions
Time seems to fly in the mornings, it can be a moment of calm before the day begins.
Instead, it’s distractions that might be slowing you down when you need to focus on your routine, or the goal of getting out the door.
Try switching off your phone while you’re enjoying breakfast and getting ready, or at least, setting a timer for how much time you spend on it.
Get chores done the night before so you’re not distracted by the washing pile, and keep the TV off in the mornings.
Start with mindfulness
Mindfulness might help you to feel more positive as you start the day, and it can set you up to be more present throughout.
Finally, if you’re wondering how to implement a good morning routine, then you should try mindfulness.
This is the simple act of taking a minute to be present in the moment. You can use it to look around and mentally note all the things you’re grateful for, or perhaps recall the best things that happened to you the day before.
Ultimately, starting your day well can set you up for success. Not only can it be a moment of peace and calmness, but incorporating mindfulness into your routine can make you feel more positive as well.
It’s a great way to care for yourself, just like Seniors Term Life Insurance can be a great way to care for your loved ones.
This article is an opinion only, provided for general information purposes and should not be relied upon as personal advice. You should seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare professional before starting any fitness program to determine if it is right for your needs.
28 Sep 2023