You might be tempted to hit snooze a few extra times every morning, but getting out of bed with enough time to start your day with intention will actually help you be happier, less stressed, and more productive with the rest of your time. Even if you’re not a “morning person,” it’s important to set the tone for your day with a mindful routine.
And, even if you have early-rising kids at home or an early start-time at work, you can still squeeze in a few healthy habits and rituals before the craziness of your day begins. Many of the tips we’re about to share only take a minute or two!
So, here are ten ways to bring a little bit of extra peace, health, and intention to your mornings.
DON’T HIT SNOOZE
Choose a reasonable time to get up, and tell yourself that the snooze button isn’t even an option. Here’s the reality: the restless, low-quality sleep that you get after hitting snooze isn’t helping you prepare for you day. Get out of bed and get going! Pro tip: put your phone or alarm clock across the room so that you have to get up in order to turn it off.
DRINK SOME WATER
After a full night of sleep, your body will be thirsty! And being dehydrated can sap your energy and lead to fatigue, muscle weakness, and headaches. So, right away, drink a full glass of water to rehydrate and reboot your body. Bonus: add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to kickstart your metabolism.
START WITH STRETCHING
Stretching first thing in the morning has several health benefits, including muscle and joint flexibility, stress relief, and improved circulation. Plus, getting your blood flowing will help wake you up! And, keep in mind, you don’t need to go through a one-hour yoga flow—just five minutes of deep breathing and stretching will do the trick.
GET SOME SUNSHINE
Exposure to bright, natural light is the best way to wake up your brain every morning. It’s easy to convince yourself to go back to bed when your room is dark and cozy. Pull back your curtains, open your windows, and even spend a few minutes outside if possible. If it’s still dark outside when you wake up, try the next best thing: turn on your lights!
START WITH POSITIVITY
Before opening Facebook or flipping on the news, take a few minutes to remember three things you’re grateful for, read an uplifting book, or say a prayer. You’re sure to encounter negativity and stress throughout your day, and starting your morning with a few moments of mindfulness can help you stay grounded.
REVIEW YOUR GOALS
Whether you’re working towards a weight loss goal, a fitness milestone, or a career breakthrough, reviewing your biggest goals every day can help you stay motivated. Post your goals on your bathroom mirror or set a daily reminder on your phone so that you’ll remember to take a moment each day to focus on what you’re working towards.
EAT A HEALTHY BREAKFAST
Eating breakfast replenishes your body’s energy, gives you crucial fuel for the morning, and kickstarts your metabolism. There are so many benefits to eating a healthy breakfast! If you struggle to find time to make and eat breakfast before heading out the door, prepare a simple, make-ahead meal the night before. Having overnight oatmeal, hard-boiled eggs, or a protein shake in the fridge will make it easier to fit in breakfast before your day begins.
MAKE A TO-DO LIST
If haven’t already planned out your day, take a few minutes when you wake up to make a simple to-do list. Write down your biggest priorities, important meetings or appointments, and smaller tasks so that you can stay on track throughout the day. Bonus: you won’t have to carry the mental stress of trying to remember everything.
PREPARE FOR YOUR WORKOUT
Whether you’re a morning, midday, or evening exerciser, take a few minutes to prepare for your workout. A little bit of preparation will make it easier for you to follow through with your planned workout (and harder for you to talk yourself out of it). Fill up your water bottle pack your gym bag so that you’re ready to go—no excuses.
DON’T BE TOO HARD ON YOURSELF
You’re human. And every morning won’t be perfect. Sometimes you’ll hit snooze, or even sleep through your alarm. Sometimes you’ll skip breakfast. Sometimes you’ll reach for your phone right away and spend thirty minutes scrolling through Facebook rants. And that’s okay. You’ll get another chance tomorrow.
If you decide to revamp your morning routine, here’s one important thing to remember: take it slow. You don’t need to implement every single one of these habits in order to start your day the healthy way!
Start by picking one or two habits to include in your daily routine and slowly build from there. Along the way, you’ll figure out what works for you and your schedule, and soon you’ll have a one-of-a-kind morning routine that’s perfect for you.