Do you have a morning routine? I don’t mean rushing around to get ready, grabbing whatever clothes you left on the “chair,” waking the kids and partners in a frenzy, and pulling out of the garage a minute or two late hoping you’ll make all the lights so you’ll be on time for work, school drop off, or yoga class.
I also don’t want to imply that your morning routine has to mean waking up at 4am to run 10 miles, meditate for an hour, and prepare homemade grain-free granola.
How you start your day sets the tone for everything that follows, influencing your mood, productivity, and overall sense of balance. Let's explore why a reasonable morning routine is so important and how you can create one that works for you.
Why a Morning Routine Matters
A morning routine can have a lasting impact on your day. Here's how:
Boosts Productivity: Starting your day with a set routine helps you hit the ground running. By eliminating decision fatigue and having a clear plan, you can focus your energy on important tasks, leading to a more productive day.
Enhances Mental Clarity: A structured morning routine can help clear your mind and prepare you for the day ahead. Activities like meditation, journaling, or reading can enhance mental clarity and reduce stress.
Promotes Healthy Habits: Incorporating healthy practices into your morning, such as exercise, a nutritious breakfast, and hydration, sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. These habits are easier to maintain when they become part of your daily routine.
Improves Mood and Well-Being: A calm and purposeful start to your day can improve your mood and overall sense of well-being. Taking time for self-care activities can reduce anxiety and increase feelings of happiness and satisfaction.
Builds Consistency: Consistency is key to forming lasting habits. A morning routine provides structure and stability, helping you maintain healthy practices and achieve long-term goals.
Creating Your Ideal Morning Routine
Your ideal morning routine is based on you and your circumstances. I, for example, have grown kids, a serious coffee addiction, lots of pets, and a commitment to #yogaeverydamnday.
So, my typical morning routine involves waking up (just myself), starting the coffee, feeding and watering the dogs, cats, rabbit and lizard, taking my supplements, and 30-40 minutes of yoga and 10 minutes of meditation. I then quickly dress and teach a fitness class or go workout for myself. Some mornings parts of this routine are extended – if I have the time, I savor my coffee while listening to a podcast or play more with the pets – but the general gist remains the same.
This routine works for me, but how do you find what works for you? Here are some ideas:
Wake Up Early: Wake up early enough to give yourself to complete your routine without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. This means your morning routine starts the night before with a decent bedtime.
Hydrate and Supplement First: Start your day with a glass of water to kickstart your metabolism and rehydrate your body after a night's sleep. If you’re adding supplements (I take NAD+, magnesium, BCAAs, vegan omega 3s, joint support, and CBD oil), do it first thing so you don’t forget.
Move Your Body: Incorporate some form of physical activity, whether it's a full workout, a yoga session, or a short, brisk walk. Exercise boosts energy levels and improves focus. Even if it’s a super short bout, you've gotten some movement in – no matter what the day brings.
Mindfulness Practice: Spend a few minutes on mindfulness activities such as meditation, deep breathing, or gratitude journaling. This presence practice helps center your mind and reduce stress. It doesn’t have to last long – 5 minutes counts.
Plan Your Day: Take a few moments to review your schedule, set your intentions, and prioritize tasks. Having a clear plan can help you stay organized and focused throughout the day.
Remember, you tailor your morning routine to your preferences and lifestyle. The key is consistency and making time for activities that promote your well-being. Keep at it too, it can take months (18-254 days to be exact) to truly develop a routine. Give yourself grace and make it pleasant so it’s sustainable.
By dedicating time each morning to self-care and preparation, you can transform your entire day. Start small, be patient, and enjoy the positive changes that come with a well-crafted morning routine.
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