Create a morning routine that works for you
How your morning goes can set the mood for the rest of the day, so you want to make it a good one. But does that mean you need to wake up at 5 am, take an ice-cold shower, and go for a run? Not necessarily. Your morning routine should work for you and make you feel good, and that will look different for everyone. Here’s how to build a healthy morning routine that nourishes you and transitions you into your day well.
Do What Works for You
Just because a few successful CEOs credit their success to waking up at the break of dawn and doing their elaborate morning routine doesn’t mean that this will work for you. Your morning routine should make you feel good, not exhausted and unhappy. Test out your morning routine and reflect on how it makes you feel. Did it give you more energy and more preparation for the day, or did it make you feel irritable and tired? If it’s the latter, reflect on what you’re doing that’s draining your energy. Maybe you should wake up later or do fewer tasks. Perhaps you didn’t give yourself a realistic timeline for your routine. Don’t be afraid to make changes and find what works best for you.
Take Time for Yourself
Mornings get hectic— whether you have to feed the kids or head straight into answering work emails, it can quickly feel like your morning has been robbed from you. However, it’s important to dedicate some time to yourself at the start of each day. Even if it’s a few minutes to enjoy your coffee or do a short meditation, do something for yourself. You might have to wake up a bit earlier, but it’s worth it. Those few moments of peace will be your time to relax and get ready for the day. It helps prevent burnout and reduces stress.
Be Flexible
Your morning routine should fit into your lifestyle and not overcomplicate your life, but we all know things come up. Although consistency is important, don’t feel bad about skipping your morning routine every once in a while. Know the difference between excuses and real off-days. Keep yourself accountable while also giving yourself a break. If you notice that you can’t complete your morning routine often, consider being more realistic with what you want to accomplish and how much time it takes.
Have Time for Preparation
Take a few minutes of your morning to plan and prepare for the rest of the day. Whether you prefer to write a to-do list or simply think about what you need to do, it’s good to dedicate some time towards preparation. This can help get you organized for the day so that you feel motivated and less overwhelmed. You don’t have to limit this preparation to lists— you can also use this time to meal prep or make some snacks for your busy day, clean up your workspace, or write down your grocery shopping list. Any preparation will make your life easier later on in the day.