There are so many articles about morning routines circulating through social media, many of them telling you to “drink lemon water every morning!” or “work out every morning!” These may be great ideas for some, but before you start buying lemons and gym equipment, you should actually decide what is best for you. It is very individual, decide what you want then make your plan, look at your options.

Benefits of Having a Morning Routine

• Feeling more in control of your schedule
• being able to prioritise your time
• engaging purposefully with each task, rather than reacting to the demands of the day
• anticipating what your day is going to be like and being better equipped to cope with changes
• reinforcing that you are capable and in control of your time
• you will feel more productive which will give you a sense of completion, self-effacy and pride in your accomplishments
• allow you to establish healthy habits in the long term

Make a list of the things you’d like to try and slowly start incorporating them into your morning routine so that they will become a habit!

Remember too if you start off with goals that are achievable then you are more likely to commit to a change for 30 days.  This is the documented time it takes to change a habit.

Tips to Establish Your Best Morning Routine

Wake Up Earlier

Time is an invaluable asset. Highly successful people wake up between 4am and 5.30am, this allows time for them to do things that matter to them before starting on as busy day. This doesn’t have to be your time. Plan what you need to do then work back to give yourself that time to be you.

Remember when planning your goals start small and it will increase your chances of succeeding. For example set your alarm for 10-15 minutes earlier until you get used to. waking early.

Don’t set the Snooze Alarm

Setting the snooze button on your alarm clock allows time for procrastination. If you have organised what goals you want to achieve and what healthy habits you want to start in the mornings set your alarm and get out of bed immediately. Hitting snooze may feel like a win but it gives you time to procrastinate and you are more likely to stay in bed.

If you find yourself hitting snooze a lot you may have set your goals a bit unrealistically and you need to readjust your schedule. Adults require about 7-8 hours sleep a night.

If you’re hitting snooze because you’re feeling overwhelmed by everything you have to do in the morning or trying to avoid the day ahead, readjust your schedule and do one or two activities that bring you peace and enjoyment. For instance, you could wake up and do a little meditation, take a walk around your neighbourhood, or cook yourself a healthy breakfast you enjoy.  Its about listening to your body and making the most beneficial decisions for yourself.

Rehydrate

Drinking water should be the number one thing on your list. After 7+ hours without any fluids, your body is craving water. Drink a big glass of water each morning and see how much better you feel. Water is preferable to coffee first thing in the morning.

Exercise

Not necessarily an intense exercise regimen – you can simply do yoga or 20 minutes on the treadmill, a walk around the block, or some calisthenics, do something to get your blood moving. Some people use this time to run or go to the gym, again its a personal choice.

Exercise will not just make you think clearer, be healthier and scientifically happier, it allows you to combat stress as well.

Motivate Yourself

Motivation doesn’t last forever, so you need to work on your motivation regularly.  You may have motivational podcasts you listen to or have access to motivational and empowering quotes.  Motivate yourself by acknowledging your wins yesterday and holding yourself accountable.  

Schedule a little quiet time

Schedule a little quiet time. It’s great to have a few minutes to meditate, go over your goals, or just relax. This time also eliminates that rushed feeling most people have every morning. You might want to use this time to read or work on a crossword puzzle.

Connect with your partner

Use your morning hours to reconnect with your partner. Talk about your plans, your finances and even your beloved hobbies as a way to always be present in their lives.

You could even set up one day of the week as your “breakfast date”. Go to the nearest cafe for breakfast or go for a walk or run with your partner. It may do wonders for your relationship.

Bond with your children

If you have children, this is for you. Don’t be that parent who says, “Oh, my son/daughter grew so fast! I barely had time to enjoy with her/him.”

This is a reason you may have to set your alarm earlier to enable you to get done what you need to without stress and overwhelm, then you will have quality time to be with them.

In the morning, when there is less clutter in your mind and less stress in your system, make it a point to help them get dressed, cook a hearty breakfast (or bake a batch of cookies) and even talk to them about their dreams.

If you have to work early make a point of spending the time with them in the evening.  After all, you’re working so that your family will have a better time. Don’t let work get in the way of family – make time for your priorities.

Whatever you decide is best for you to do for your morning routine commit to doing it for at least 21 days. The longer you commit the more chance you have of your morning routine becoming a habit.