Good Morning! We know all too well that mornings are hard. Everyone seems to be moving 1,000 miles per minute and it feels hard to even catch your breath. You may think you're efficiently going about your day by picking up your mobile order coffee as you’re rushing to your first meeting, but I promise you there is a better way to start your day. How??? Two simple words: morning routine. Great who has time for that. Morning routines don’t have to take up the ENTIRE morning, they can be customized to your schedule. Taking the time to go through these small tasks of self-care can set you up ready to tackle the day. That’s why having a productive morning routine is so important especially in today's chaotic world. It can help you prioritize your tasks, increase your productivity, and improve your overall well-being. However, creating a morning routine that works for you can be challenging. We explored different routines and came back with a few basics that are sure to help anyone. Remember all of these can be tailored to fit your lifestyle and goals.
Step 1: Wake up early
The first step is establishing a productive morning routine is waking up early. It is important to give yourself enough time to get through your morning routine and prepare for your day without feeling like you're being rushed or stressed for time. While there may not be any correct time frame for the ideal morning routine the experts at verywell mind suggest anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes.
Step 2: Hydrate yourself
Being hydrated is always a good idea, it is important to start your day off by rehydrating your body after a full night’s rest (especially after a night out). Start out by drinking a glass of water before doing anything else. Drinking water in the morning has also been shown to help improve digestion and boost your metabolism. One way to ensure you don’t forget is by leaving a full glass on your nightstand ready for you when you wake up.
Step 3: Get Moving
Incorporating exercise or movement into your morning routine can help you feel more energized throughout the day. This doesn’ mean you have to take up terrain running or powerlifting in the mornings, any form of light exercises or even just a few minutes of stretching gets the blood flowing for a mood boosting start to your day.
Step 4: Follow a skincare routine
Skin health is important to both your physical and mental health. By sticking to a simple morning routine you can have beautiful healthy skin that also boosts your confidence. Start by using a cleanser to give yourself a fresh clean base. Apply a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and glowing. Finish off with a sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage which may cause premature signs of aging. If you are looking for a bit more pampering in the mornings, mix in an eye cream, serum, toner or facial oil. All of which can be tailored to any skin type and concern. Even the basic three-step routine can have a big impact.
Step 5: Practice mindfulness
Meditation, deep breathing, or mindfulness exercises can help you start your day with a clear and focused mind. Taking a few minutes to breathe deeply, clear your thoughts, and set your intentions for the day can help reduce stress and anxiety, and improve your overall well-being. Don’t know where to start, there are plenty of apps and online guided meditation and breathing guides.
Step 6: Plan your day
Before setting out on your day, take a few minutes to plan out your tasks and schedule. Make a list and prioritize what is most important. Having a plan will help you stay more organized and focused throughout the day. Plus it is a great sense of accomplishment when you see tasks being checked off throughout!
Step 7: Eat a healthy breakfast
We all know the saying “breakfast is the most important meal of the day”. So why not treat it as such. Make sure to start your day with a healthy and balanced meal to set the tone of the day. To do so include proteins, grains and fruits and veggies into your breakfast. Having a well rounded breakfast will keep you energized and going throughout the morning.
Establishing a productive morning routine is all about setting yourself up for success. Using these steps (even if you only start off with a few), will help you to feel more focused and ready to take on whatever the day has in store!
