10 Tips to Create a Morning Routine

If the sound of your morning alarm is worse to you than nails on a chalkboard, and if the thought of sunbeams through your window is cringe-inducing, you are not alone, and this article is for you. Just because you are not a morning person, doesn’t mean that you cannot create a morning routine that would even make early birds sing with joy. The tips in this article will make the early hours easier and, ideally, get you moving and into a more productive during the day. 

Stretch

After sleep during which you stay mainly sedentary for hours, taking the time to slowly move your muscles will be a satisfying start to the day. If it works for toddlers, who need more shut eye than adults, it can work for you, too. 

Maintain a Fixed Bedtime and Waking Time

Consistency is at the heart of any routine. It has been recommended to set a fixed bedtime and wake-up time and sticking to them as often as you can. Not only will this set you up for a better day ahead, it can also provide more restful sleep at night. This is because waking up and falling asleep at the same time, sets your internal clock, which makes for better quality sleep. 

Drink Some Lemon Water

Drinking lemon water as soon as you wake up spikes your energy levels physically and mentally. Lemon water gives you steady, natural energy that lasts the length of the day by improving nutrient absorption in your stomach. You need to drink it first thing in the morning (on an empty stomach) to ensure full absorption. You should also wait 15-30 minutes after drinking it before eating (perfect time if you want to squeeze in some exercise). Lemons are packed with nutrients; they’re chock full of potassium, vitamin C and antioxidants. 

Start with Protein Instead of Dairy

Cereal may be a common breakfast food, but it is not the best choice for the early hours of the morning. Food is your body’s fuel, and protein is a better choice. Try having a protein-rich meal like eggs instead. Your body will work harder to digest it – making sleep less likely, and it will provide you with the energy you need. 

Set Goals for the Day

Research shows that having concrete goals is correlated with huge increases in confidence and feelings of control. Setting goals specific to the day puts everything into motion. Narrow your goals down to a few achievable ones that can easily be broken down into steps. 

Don’t Hit Snooze

Snoozes are a false start to the day. In the short-term, hitting snooze may feel like a small win but it has limited utility in advancing the goal of achieving rest long-term. 

Let There Be Light

Whether it’s natural or artificial, light sends a signal to your brain that it is time to be awake and to stop producing melatonin, a sleep-regulating hormone. Flipping on light switches when you first wake up will greatly assist you to get into gear. 

Get Out of Be

While you may be tempted to lay in bed and scroll through your phone for some time before you get up, it has been suggested that it is important to just get out of bed instead. Getting out of bed is the first step. Then, select one activity that you can bring full attention to, whether that be brushing your teeth, a physical stretch or even a meditation. 

Wake Up with Pleasantness

A loud buzzing sound isn’t going to help you get up on the right side of the bed, so to speak. Instead, set an alarm that wakes you up to music or a pleasant noise. This will rouse you from sleep in a more gentle, relaxed way. It will make the idea of an impending alarm less dreadful. 

Get in a Positive Mindset

Attitude is intangible, but it’s also invaluable. Having a positive outlook can make all the difference in your day, especially in the morning. Saying a positive affirmation, even something simple like “I can take on this day” will have you begin each day on a high note and sets the tone for whatever follows.