Little Morning Routines That Make a Big Difference for Well-Being
Have you ever wondered how you can optimize your morning routine to improve your health, mood, or productivity? It might sound daunting, but just a few small changes on a daily basis can greatly improve all of these things.
Here are 14 ideas you can try out for a more fun, enjoyable, and healthy morning.
Avoid Social Media First Thing In the Morning
A common habit for many people is picking up their phone after waking up and opening their social media accounts. This can cause feelings of anxiety from social comparison or even just feeling rushed or distracted. because we’re thinking about all the things other people are doing instead of enjoying our morning.
Instead, try replacing this with an uplifting activity like cuddling with your pet or partner.
Listen to a Podcast
An amazing way to jumpstart a great day is listening to a motivational or positive affirmation podcast as soon as you wake up. There are hundreds of free podcasts available online, which range from 5 minutes in length to 1 hour, depending on your preferences. But even 5-minute episodes can shift your perspective and inspire you for the day.
Eat a Balanced Meal
Eating a breakfast with sufficient carbs, proteins, and healthy fats is essential fuel for the day. A healthy, balanced diet helps us stay focused throughout the day, maintain a good mood, and efficiently tackle our goals.
Make a Smoothie
If you don’t have time for a proper breakfast in the morning, don’t worry. Making a quick smoothie is a practical way to ensure you’re staying hydrated and consuming enough proteins, fruits, and vitamins. You can also drink it on the way to the office or at work.
Another great benefit of smoothies is how versatile they are. You can mix and match the ingredients however you want with your favorite fruits, veggies, milk, or protein powders, so you never get bored of them.
Drink Coffee After Breakfast
If you’re an avid coffee drinker, a healthy habit you can implement is drinking your coffee after breakfast instead of before. Coffee can spike your cortisol (stress hormone) and blood sugar levels when consumed on an empty stomach in the morning, which can cause jitteriness for some people.
However, the best time to drink coffee depends on the individual. This is a habit you can test to see if it works better for you.
Drink Matcha Latte
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to coffee, a matcha latte might suit your taste. Made popular by the social media trend “that girl,” matcha is indeed worth the hype. It’s made from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant, crushed into a fine powder. Matcha has more nutrients and antioxidants than green tea, which is made by only infusing the plant leaves.
Apply Sunscreen
Sun protection is important and benefits you even if you work indoors and are only running short errands. This little daily habit can go a long way. The positive results show up ten, twenty, or even forty years down the line by protecting from sun damage or skin cancer.
Take 10 Minutes for Self Care
Putting aside even 10 minutes for self-care in the morning is a great mindfulness practice. It allows you to be present in the moment and take your time waking up instead of feeling rushed.
This can be any activity you enjoy to enrich your morning, from applying body lotion to a facial gua sha massage with an ice-cold jade, doing some breathwork, or even simply setting intentions for the day.
Gratitude Journaling
Another mindfulness practice is starting a journal where you write down 3 to 5 things you’re grateful for. This can reframe your mindset to a positive one, improve overall satisfaction with your life, and even increase resilience as you become more aware of all the things you’ve overcome.
Positive Affirmations
Meditating over a list of positive affirmations that resonate with you is a wonderful way to start your morning. Here are a few affirmations to get you started: “I am enough,” “I deserve to be loved and supported,” “Happiness and health are my birthright,” and “Everything is always working out in my favor.”
Exercise
Strength training in the morning can boost endorphins and testosterone, which increases mood and confidence and gives you more energy to use throughout the day.
Stretching or Yoga
If weightlifting is not your cup of tea or you don’t have a lot of time in the morning, don’t fret. A 5-minute stretching or yoga routine also feels amazing. It can relax your nervous system, get the blood flowing, and wake you up for the day.
Go for a Walk
Dog owners will know how rejuvenating it is to go for a quick walk in the morning. The fresh air and sunlight with natural Vitamin D positively impact your mood, hormones and dopamine levels. It also wakes your body up in a natural way and clears your head so you can better tackle the day’s challenges.
Write a To-Do List
It’s not always easy or necessary to mentally juggle a dozen different things. Writing a to-do list can be a great way to be more organized and stay on top of your daily tasks. Plus, it’s satisfying to tick off each completed task, and you’ll have clarity over what errands remain that need to be tackled the next day.
Make It Easier to Wake Up Early
Giving yourself more time in the morning may be just what you need to reduce the feeling of being rushed into your day, but waking up early isn't always an easy habit to build!
Rituals for a Healthy Evening Routine
Maybe you'd like to add some lovely routines to your evenings too.