What we do in our morning is essential. It can set the tone for our entire day. It can help put us in a more positive mood, make us more productive, and help us better manage any stressors that our day may bring.
Although my morning routine may shift from time to time, there are a few things that always remain. These three morning routine ideas never cease to help me start my day off energized, strong, and in an optimistic mind frame. If you’re looking to make some changes to your current routine or wanting to start one, here are some morning routine ideas that have helped me!
3 Helpful Morning Routine Ideas:
# 1 – a lil bit of Gratitude
If you’re a long-time reader here, you know how I feel about gratitude. I’m a BIG believer in its power! For the last several years, I have been working on being more grateful. And this is what I have found…the more grateful I am, the happier I feel. It’s that simple. But, don’t just take MY word for it! Science tells us that gratitude comes with some real health benefits.
Amy Morin, a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist, shares these 7 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude:
- Gratitude opens the door to more relationships.
- Gratitude improves physical health.
- Gratitude improves psychological health.
- Gratitude enhances empathy and reduces aggression.
- Grateful people sleep better.
- Gratitude improves self-esteem.
- Gratitude increases mental strength.
Read more: 7 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude – psychologytoday.com
How do I practice gratitude in the morning?
My morning routine doesn’t necessarily include a gratitude journal, although it could. My nighttime routine does! You can read more about that here ⇾ 10 Nighttime Routine Tips To Calm An Anxious Mind. My mornings are even simpler than that! Each morning, I start by simply making one statement to myself, and that is “Thank you for this day.” It may also be “I am so grateful for this day.”
As simple as this seems, these statements remind me that each day is a gift, one that I am so lucky to be given. Each day offers a new beginning and a new hope. The statements help me cherish each day and start them from a place of love and positivity. Maya Angelou expresses this perfectly with this beautiful quote of hers – “This is a wonderful day. I have never seen this one before.”
# 2 – a lil bit of Exercise
I know what you’re thinking, and you’re right! Exercise can be tough to incorporate into your mornings in the beginning. The idea of getting out of your cozy bed, bright and early, to work out, when all you want to do is get a few more minutes of rest, can seem downright evil!
But, let me tell you, any time I have started my day off with some exercise, I have felt more productive, more optimistic, and generally more capable at handling any shenanigans my day had in store for me. And when it comes to my mental health specifically, exercise has made a world of difference in improving my overall well-being. It puts me in a better mood, helps me think more clearly and with greater focus, and eases any stress or worry.
How do I exercise in the morning?
I love running. It’s called a runner’s high for a reason! The energy a good run gives me is unreal. But I didn’t start with a run. I started with a walk. And walking is exercise! At first, I would commit to a 30-minute brisk walk each morning, which then turned into a 20-minute walk with a 10-minute jog, which then turned into a 20-minute jog. Until I eventually reached a point where I’m able to run the entire time.
This will NOT be a one size fits all process. Everyone should go at their own pace. And, before starting any new exercise routine, it’s a good idea to consult with a health care professional with any questions or concerns you may have.
I also don’t run EVERY morning – the key is to keep my exercise routine interesting and, to me, that usually means switching things up! One morning I may go for a 20-minute bike ride, another I may do some strength exercises at home. As long as I’m being active, and building a sweat, I’m feeling the positive effects of exercise.
Read more here: The Perfect Morning Workout If You’re Not a Morning Person || The Key to Turning Your Daily Walk into a Legit Workout – greatist.com
# 3 – a lil bit of Breakfast
I had always been a non-breakfast eater. I was the girl who rushed through drinking a cup of coffee in the mornings as I ran out the door. There just never seemed to be enough time to both make and eat breakfast in the mornings.
We’ve all heard it before. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! And here are some reasons why:
⇾ It helps us maintain a healthier weight.
Eating in the morning helps keep us fuller longer, and less likely to turn to unhealthier snack or food options throughout our day.
⇾ It helps control our blood sugar.
Whether we are diabetic or not, eating breakfast helps keep our blood sugar steady throughout our day. A drop or spike in blood sugar can also affect our mood.
⇾ It helps us perform better at work [or school]
Regularly eating a healthy breakfast can help us pay more attention, remember things, and concentrate better throughout our day.
⇾ It forces us to take a beat
Taking the time to prepare and enjoy your breakfast in the morning forces us to give ourselves a minute. It provides us with an opportunity to be present, mindful, and begin our day from a calmer mindset. As opposed to feeling tense and worried as you rush your way out the door.
Read more: The Benefits of Eating Breakfast – webmd.com
What foods to eat?
Stay away from processed, high-in-sugar items like donuts, sugary cereals, fruit juices, pancakes, etc. Instead, opt for a breakfast made of whole foods, that is unprocessed, and contains healthy fat, protein, and fibre. Here are some healthy foods to eat in the morning:
- Eggs
- Greek yogurt
- Berries
- Oatmeal
- Nuts
- Cottage cheese
- Avocado
Read more: The 12 Best Foods to Eat in the Morning – healthline.com || The Top 10 Healthiest Foods for Breakfast Ever – fitnessmagazine.com
The Takeaway
I know what you’re thinking, who has the time to do ALL these things in the morning?! I know because I thought the exact thing for a long time! And I have the answer. We have to take the time for ourselves. Whether that means getting up earlier to exercise for even a few minutes, prepping our breakfast the night before, or simply choosing breakfast items that require little preparation – making an effort, any effort, to improve your mornings and days will be worth it to your overall well-being. I’m speaking from experience!
Choose to show up for yourself and make an effort. You are worth it. If you’re looking to try some new things during your morning routine, I hope these tips have been useful to you. All you need is a lil gratitude, a lil exercise, and a lil breakfast – and in that order! Until next time, lovelies! <3
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