The way you start your morning can set the tone for your entire day. If you already bounce out of bed with a smile everyday, ready to take on the world, you’ve got it figured out! If you’re more of a sloth, slowly slinking out from under the covers, yawning your way to your first coffee, I feel you. Regardless of your current routine, these morning habits will help change your life and have more productive days. 

Now, these are just some helpful hints. I’m not suggesting you wake up tomorrow and make sure you follow all these guidelines to a T or you’ll fail miserably. The goal here is to start slow, and gradually incorporate these practices into your daily life, and mornings might just become less daunting to you. That’s what we are here for, right?

1. Wake up at the same time every day. 

This will be easier for some than others – but try your best to get into the routine of waking up at the same time so that your body can get used to it, and you’ll find it much less challenging to get up every day. 

Even if you can work anywhere and can put in hours any time of day, try setting your alarm for the same time each morning. Instead of staying up until the middle of the night trying to get used to Instagram’s newest algorithm, (been there) try to stick to a routine and worry about it in the morning.

2. Set intentions for the day.

I’m a big believer in setting daily intentions for not only how you want your day to go but also how you want to feel and see yourself in life. We all know not to look at our phones when we wake up but what do you do instead? Grab a journal and write out positive intentions about any area of your life you want to focus on and most importantly yourself. One of my favourite intention is; “I intend to experience something wonderful today” as it keeps the magic in the every day routine.

3. Plan your day. 

Different from your intentions! Your intentions are about how you feel and think throughout the day, to plan, write down a schedule and/or to-do list so you can mentally prepare yourself for what’s ahead. Plus, if you ensure you look at your to-do list daily, you’ll be more likely to tick those tasks off with the little reminders sitting there, just waiting for you to cross them off. 

4. Make your bed. 

If you’re like many individuals who just seem to have an aversion to a neat, tidy bed, you’re probably rolling your eyes at this one. But seriously, try it before you knock it. As silly as it may seem, it can give you a little sense of satisfaction at accomplishing your first chore of the day. Plus, if you ever have those days where you just want to crawl back into bed, seeing a made-up bed will reduce your temptation of diving back in. 

(Do this EVEN if it is 7pm a night and you think it doesn’t matter anymore, it does!!!)

5. Force yourself to smile and think positive. 

Sometimes, you just have to fake it ‘til you make it. Slap a smile on your face and tell yourself it’s going to be a good day, and it’s more likely that it will be than if you scowl your way through the morning, scorning everything along the way. It goes without saying that you can’t always do this and I absolutely agree, but take this approach on the days that are just ”meh” and you’ll notice a shift.

6. Avoid social media. (and your phone altogether)

We’ve all been in that situation where you plan on just doing a quick scroll through Instagram and look at the clock 45 minutes later, wondering how in the world you ended up on a complete stranger’s post about nothing which holds any relevance to you. Instead of wasting precious morning minutes, try to avoid it altogether until later in the day. Or, if you absolutely cannot stay away, at least set yourself a timer to snap yourself out of the social spiral.

7. Exercise your body and mind. 

Even if you only have time for a quick stretch, loosening up your body and getting it moving will wake you up and shake you out of your slumber. Beginning with even just a few minutes of meditation or yoga in the morning can set the tone of the day – the calming effects of these activities can prepare you to tackle even the most stressful of days. Yes, I have been known to avoid all of the above religiously BUT now I go crazy if I don’t get my meditation in for the day, oh how times have changed.

8. Eat breakfast and get hydrated.

Now this is not exactly life changing is it, we’ve all heard this one before. “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day”. It’s true, though. I had to include this regardless of the title. Take the time to fuel your body and you’ll notice you have a clearer mind, too. Don’t forget your water of course, always keep a bottle or glass beside your bed so you have it first thing when you wake up.

You and I both know we feel better after filling our bellies instead of listening to it growl until lunch. I am not here to tell you what you choose for breakfast as I myself have some days where I have that supergreen smoothie and other days I start with last night’s leftover cold pizza that I had already kind of thrown away but still placed at the top of the box “just in case”. (If you don’t do this, we have nothing in common)

9. Give yourself enough time to prepare before you have to leave.

Starting your day by rushing through your routine like it’s the final countdown might get your adrenaline going, but it can also exhaust you and lead to feeling anxious and pressured the rest of the day too. Leave yourself plenty of leeway to take the morning at a leisurely pace and you’ll be able to cope with a lot more that comes your way throughout the day! 

10. Give yourself a break.

Don’t start your day by putting pressure on yourself. Take a minute (or a few) to just chill out, breathe, and focus on the present. Find appreciation and gratitude to start your day on a positive note, reinforcing your happiness. 

However you start your day, just try to make the most of it – live your best life by simply changing how you start your day. Getting into a routine and learning these morning habits can alter your days from drab to fab! Or, at least, improve them a little bit. Try these ten tips and see not just how much better your days will begin, but how great they can end, too. 

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