10 Ways to Establish A Solid Morning Routine To Start Your Day Right

Do you have a set morning routine? Does it help your day run more smoothly and eliminate certain stressors in your life? Not everyone is a morning person. Some of us take an hour or two to be able to function coherently. However, if you establish a consistent routine in the morning and stick to it, you will find that you are able to function much better. There is nothing more satisfying than not having to rush around like a crazy person on your way out the door.

The thing you need to remember most and foremost is to love yourself. Self-love is critical to our survival. Truly, what can be more destructive than the absence of self-love?

Of course, properly taking care of your physical and mental health is a major key to how to be happy. Take care of yourself and rest when your body is telling you that you need to slow down.

Following are some helpful tips that can help you establish a productive morning routine to help you stay energized, focused, and organized!

1. Know Yourself

Source: Kaptenandson via Instagram You know by now whether you are a morning person or not. You can tell if you are Grumpy Gus or Susie Sunshine. If you are one of those people who can get up and get ready for work in half an hour with no fussing, then more power to you! If you are one of those people who like to take their time to get ready and give themselves time to gradually ease themselves into the day, then you know you need a little more time to get ready in the morning. You should set your alarm for an hour or two before you have to leave so that you have time to mentally prepare yourself for your day.

2. Get on a Set Sleep Schedule

Source: Liketoknow.it via Instagram Our bodies naturally adjust to our sleep schedule. And if you are constantly changing what time you go to sleep and wake up throughout your work week (and your weekend), it’s going to throw you off track. You should go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning. You can stay up a little later on the weekend and sleep in a little more, but no more than an hour or two comparing to your weekday schedule. And make sure you are getting six to eight hours of sleep a night. You will find you feel much more refreshed and energized when you are on a set sleep schedule.

3. Prepare as Much as You Can the Night Before

Source: Liketoknow.it via Instagram You can save yourself a huge chunk of time if you simply prepare the night before. Check the weather forecast and choose your outfit accordingly. Have your purse, briefcase, laptop etc. stay in the hallway, pack your lunch, make a to-do list for the next day. Simply taking a few moments to organize yourself the night before can save a lot of time and hassle in the morning. Also, if you prepare in advance, you are less likely to forget something.

4. Avoid Hitting the Snooze Button

Source: Marzena.marideko via Instagram Unless you are one of those people who wake up naturally without an alarm clock, you are probably guilty of hitting the snooze button on your alarm. Some of us hit it several times. It can really throw off your day.

As you awake, you are emerging from a deep sleep. However, after hitting the snooze button, if you should happen to actually drift back to sleep, you are in a much lighter sleep cycle which can actually make you feel more groggy.

So, make it a point to set your alarm and get up when it rings. If it helps, place your alarm clock across the room so that you have to physically get out of bed to turn it off.

Oh, and here’s a bonus tip. Make your bed as soon as you get up. If your bed is made up, you will be less tempted to crawl back under the covers.

5. Let the Sunshine In

Source: Marzena.marideko via Instagram As soon as you wake up, open your blinds or pull back your curtains and let the natural light in. Sunlight naturally energizes us and it also helps boost your mood!

6. Crank Up the Tunes

Source: Urbanoutfitters via Instagram Yes, it’s important to keep up with the latest news, but sometimes it can set the tone for the day. You can always check the headlines on your break or read the paper if you take the train or bus to work. Turn on the radio or make a playlist of cheerful, upbeat songs to put you in a good mood to start your day.

7. Stay off Your Smartphone or Tablet

Source: Tezzamb via Instagram Our first instinct when we wake up is to reach for our mobile device and check our texts, emails and social media sites. However, the next thing you know, an hour has gone by and you're late for work. Stay off your smartphone, laptop or tablet until you have completed the necessary tasks of your morning routine.

8. Drink a Glass of Cold Lemon Water

Source: Laurenkaysims via Instagram A glass of cold lemon water will help boost your energy levels both mentally and physically. Lemon water helps improve your digestion as well as how your body absorbs nutrients. You should do it as early as you can in your routine in the morning and wait half an hour before eating.

9. Exercise

Source: Sjanaelise via Instagram Exercising is beneficial for so many reasons, but it’s also a great way to start your day. As little as 10 minutes of exercise releases neurotransmitters in your brain that helps you stay focused and controls your impulses. Also, it jump-starts your metabolism for the day. If you aren’t into aerobics, simply do some stretching, Pilates or yoga. Find a workout routine that works for you and stick to it.

10. Eat a Healthy Breakfast

Source: Minimalistbaker via Instagram It can’t be stressed enough that a healthy breakfast is critical to start your day. It will stabilize your blood sugar and keep you energized throughout the day. Limit yourself to one cup of coffee and eat a healthy breakfast that includes protein and nutrients.

We hope that our advice will help you. Just follow these tips, and you will soon notice that you are much more productive during the day than you used to be.