How to Master the Morning Routine
While we all know the importance of a bedtime routine, how you spend your mornings can be just as impactful as what you do before you sleep. The best morning routine isn’t just about getting yourself up and out of bed and the perfect routine will vary from person to person. That’s why we’re here to share some of our favourite morning routine ideas so you can have the best possible start to your day.
the sleep summary
Having a morning routine is important as it allows you to refocus on the day ahead, ensuring you feel energised and productive when you wake up.
A good morning routine should include making your bed to turn your bedroom into a more productive space, completing mindful, relaxing activities such as reading or journaling, and exercising with stretches, yoga, or a light run.
To build a morning routine, start by adjusting to your desired wake-up time, avoiding screens and hydrating as soon as you’re awake. Next, add extra steps to your routine such as stretches and exercise as well as mindful activities to reset the brain.
how important is a morning routine?
Having a good morning routine is important to help you reset from the day before, leaving behind the stresses of yesterday to set a positive tone for the day ahead. Morning routines are also important if you often wake up feeling groggy or lethargic, allowing you to get into good habits to feel more refreshed when you wake. A morning routine is not essential, but it can certainly benefit you personally and professionally. The best morning routines motivate and encourage focus, allowing you to tackle any challenge that comes your way. Not to mention, by incorporating daily habits that make you happy, you’ll likely unleash your creativity and develop a knack for problem-solving.
how long should a morning routine be?
There is no set length of a morning routine; it often depends on how much time you have available before you start your day properly.
A 5-minute morning routine may simply be drinking a glass of water and making your bed, giving your body and mind a chance to properly wake up.
A 15-minute morning routine may incorporate some simple stretches or light reading to improve mental clarity and focus.
Whether the perfect start to your day involves making your favourite coffee or taking a long soak in the shower, your morning routine is all about finding something that suits you so that you’ll want to repeat it every day.
morning routine ideas
We’ve put together our recommended 5 step morning routine below, giving you inspiration for a positive start to the day.
1. make your bed
One of the most important steps to include in your morning routine is making your bed. This simple task is great for creating a sense of order and calm in your space, allowing you to feel accomplished before the day fully begins. Plump up your pillows or change your bed linen and turn your sleep space into a hub of productivity.
2. write down your thoughts
Whether it’s last night’s dream, chores for the day, an idea or a journal entry, putting your thoughts down on paper in a morning has been known to relieve tension, stress and any pent-up frustration. It doesn’t matter how scattered or messy the page becomes, so long as you clear your mind.
3. reading
Further drive the motivation encouraged from a morning routine by mindfully reading. Not only can reading help you to switch off from the world, which is ideal if you have an office or customer-facing job. Whether it’s the news, a self-help book, or a romantic thriller, reading engages the brain ready for a more productive day.
4. exercise to release endorphins
Exercising at the start of each day boosts your energy, focus and optimism. Plus, it is scientifically proven that you’re more likely to continue being active throughout the day and eat healthier, allowing you to adopt some extremely beneficial long-term habits. Stretches, short walks and yoga are perfect for beginners, whereas avid exercisers may start their day with weightlifting or a run.
5. practise self-care
A daily skincare routine or a long shower or bath is not only hygienic and good for your body, but it’ll also leave you feeling recharged, rejuvenated and ready for the day. While practising self-care at any time of day is beneficial, by adding it to your morning routine, you’ll have more energy and mental clarity to tackle what’s to come.
how do you change your morning routine?
Like adopting any type of habit, changing your morning routine takes perseverance and practice. If your daily habits change and your morning routine no longer works for you, try swapping out steps and prioritising the parts of your morning routine which work best for you.
If you’re feeling inspired by our morning routine ideas and want to learn more about feeling your best when you wake up, why not check out our guide covering how to wake up feeling refreshed in winter?
