My dream morning routine goes a little something like this: wake up naturally with the morning sunlight, enjoy a cup of tea while sitting in a blissful 20 minute silence, with a candle in the background, and go through a 10-step skincare routine after fitting in a workout. Sounds lovely, doesn’t it? The truth is who really has time for that? Especially if you are not a morning person?
There is always something special about the start of a new year and the fresh start motivation it can give you. I have been blessed in that I am a natural morning person. I thrive in the mornings and feel that is when I am the most productive, but I know that is not the case for most people.
We all know that life gets busy, mornings are crazy, and the odds are that we’ll never achieve an ideal morning routine every single day. I think it is important to stop putting pressure on yourself to obtain a perfect morning routine and still manage to be on time and out the door (or to your desk if you WFH).
However, the morning is a crucial time to set yourself up for success and stress management throughout the entire day. Here are 12 morning routine hacks to get your day off on the right foot.
1. Prep the night before
The key to a stress-free morning is minimizing your to-do list. Prepare whatever you can the night before. For me that looks like laying out clothes, packing everything I need for a workout, and getting my work-from-home station ready to go.
If you want to go above and beyond, you can even meal prep your breakfast. Try overnight oats or freezing individual bags of smoothie ingredients. There is nothing more stressful and anxiety inducing than waking up to a messy kitchen. So clean those dishes in your sink, put them away, and you can thank me in the morning.
2. Don’t check your phone for 30 minutes
If anyone understands the morning scroll addiction, I do. As soon as my alarm went off, I was opening up text message notifications, scrolling on Instagram, and dare I say checking my email. It would make or break my day and instantly my mind would start to run through everything I needed to get done. That was not a healthy way to spend my first 10 minutes awake.
This is something I have started doing this year, and it has made a huge difference. I challenge you to try it as well. Spend the first 30 minutes of your day doing something that makes you feel good (more on that below). After your relaxing routine is finished, then you can email to your heart’s desire, but it will make all the difference having 30 minutes to yourself.
3. Wake up 15 minutes early
I know you are probably reading this and thinking “Britt why would I want to wake up even earlier than I have to!?”.
You might have limited control over your mornings, so waking up just 15 minutes earlier than you need to will help you feel more in control and calmer throughout the entire day. Whether you spend your time meditating, indulging in a luxurious skincare routine, or just brewing a cup of coffee with a moment of silence, you will not miss the 15 minutes of extra sleep (I promise!).
4. Start the day thankful
It seems like everyone and their mother is talking about the benefits of gratitude. Gratitude can improve relationships, boost happiness, and reduce stress. When you start your day with gratitude, you’re setting yourself up for a calmer and less stressful day. Include gratitude in your morning routine by writing down five things you’re grateful for in your daily planner, or gratitude journaling. This helps me get in a good mindset to start the day.
5. Don’t hit “snooze”
Are you the type of person that sets six different alarms over the course of 30 minutes, knowing you’re going to ignore every one until you absolutely have to get out of bed. As glorious as it may feel to hit that button, it can have a negative impact.
6. Make your bed
This is the first thing I do in the morning, and it has become such second nature to me I hardly realize that it truly helps get my day off on the right foot. Not only is it easy and takes less than a minute, but making your bed is a minor accomplishment, but it will encourage you to accomplish more throughout the day.
7. Plan out your skincare
Now it is everyone’s dream to perform the most perfect 7 step morning skincare routine every day. But we all know that is next to impossible. This year I started planning out my skincare. Each day is dedicated to a part of my body so I still am giving myself a little extra love each day, but not focusing on everything every day.
But I do start my morning with my jade face roller. I got a beauty fridge for Christmas, and it has changed my life. Nothing wakes me up more than rolling out my face and under eyes will a cold jade roller. I 10/10 recommend. I keep mine in my beauty fridge and it is the best thing every morning.
But for me Sunday is my go all self care self love day where I go above and beyond. Mondays are eye masks, Tuesdays are purple shampoo/extra hair care, Wednesday is lip mask/body exfoliation, Thursday is self tan day, and Friday is face mask day! It is nice because each day I get to focus on a little something and still feel like I am getting good skincare in.
8. Get some sunshine
Getting sunlight first thing in the morning just wakes your body up. As soon as you wake up, I open the blinds and turn on the lights to get ready for the day. Also, try to get natural sunlight as much as possible. If it isn’t negative degrees out, take your dog for a walk or have your morning coffee on the patio.
Now that is a little hard when you wake up before the sun like I do. That is why I do my workout first thing in the morning. It gets my endorphins running so by the time I am done, the sun is up and I’m ready to start my day.
9. Self Affirmations while brushing your teeth
If your morning routine is hectic, adding acts of self-care meant for relaxation like facial massage or journaling might just feel like a waste of time. If your mornings are super busy instead of scheduling extra things in your morning routine, add acts of self-care into the things you already do.
For example, try repeating self affirmations while you’re brushing your teeth (in your head of course!). You can also try meditating while cooking breakfast. Whatever works for you, the key is sneaking in moments of peace around your daily morning activities, instead of scheduling extra time out.
Some of my favorite self affirmations that I use daily are:
- “I am enough.”
- “I am discovering my inner superstar.”
- “Today is about pleasure. I am living this day for the sole purpose of enjoying it.”
- “Be the person who feels like sunshine.”
- “I give myself permission to be ok where I am. I know that I am doing my best.”
- “I am seeking contentment, not perfection.”
- “I surround myself with those who make me better.”
10. Move your body
I have always been someone who enjoys morning work outs over evening. Getting your body moving in the mornings has many health benefit that have been proven time and time again. The most important part here is to listen to your body. If your body is energized and ready to move in the morning, get your morning work out in and schedule that class.
However, if your body needs to wake up slowly (and you’re more of an afternoon-workout person), don’t force yourself to exercise. Moving your body looks a ton of different ways. For example, like a walk outside or some yoga stretches, will give you all the same benefits for a much calmer morning.
I recently bought a Peloton and have quickly become OBSESSED. I practically jump out of bed to clip into my bike. It is the best part of my morning routine. I am normally not a at-home workout kind of gal, but I drank the Peloton juice!
11. Make a morning playlist
Sometimes all it takes to feel ready for the day is a killer playlist. Music can be an instant mood booster and I promise dancing around your room or in the bathroom will get your day off on the right foot. The goal of a morning playlist is to combine all of the songs that energize you, destress you, or make you want to dance. Turn up the volume while you’re making breakfast, taking a morning walk, and remind yourself that the purpose of the day is to enjoy it.
12. Schedule EVERYTHING!
Either the night before or in the morning, schedule out everything for the day. Plan your meals and schedule time blocks for everything you have to get done (including breaks!).
Before you dive into your workday, make a to-do list and rank from the most important to the least. Plan how to time batch tasks (like spending 30 minutes in the morning and afternoon answering emails instead of checking your inbox throughout the day), and don’t forget to schedule one thing you’ll look forward to (like happy hour with your girls or catching up on a new show). Scheduling out your day will not only reduce stress but will help you feel in control of your day.
How do you set yourself up for success each morning?
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