Mornings can be a hectic and rushed time. This is especially true when you’re responsible for helping others get ready for their day and out the door on time. Starting your day out feeling frazzled, rushed, and overwhelmed isn’t good for anyone. A simple solution to make things a whole lot less stressful is to create a morning routine for yourself that you follow every day. Here are some examples of how a good morning routine can set the tone for a calm day.
What is a Morning Routine?
A morning routine is a series of actions you take every morning to help set the tone for your day. It’s a type of self-care that allows you to begin each day feeling energized, relaxed, and purposeful. Morning routines are personal and unique. They usually involve activities meant to start your day out calm and relaxed, such as writing in a journal, meditating, exercising, or creating a to-do list for the day. Whatever your morning routine consists of, the purpose is to help you feel prepared – and in charge of – your day.
Benefits of a Morning Routine
There are lots of great things that can be gained from establishing a morning routine. Having a routine allows you to set a positive tone for the day ahead of you. You can gain a sense of purpose and empowerment by engaging in a particular ritual each day because you are making proactive decisions on how to get things started and the activities you choose can aid in creating that mindset.
Taking time for yourself on a regular basis, particularly at the start of the day, will also help to improve your outlook and your coping skills. The sense of calm and control gained through your morning routine will carry over into the rest of your day, maintaining your mood as you encounter obstacles or other frustrations during your day. If you add things like a healthy breakfast and exercise to your new routine, you’ll also face the day more energized and ready to go.
Morning Routine Suggestions
Your morning routine should be tailored to activities that will benefit you the most. Here are some suggestions to get you started. Do some journaling. Writing about your thoughts and feelings can be quite cathartic and healing. Exercise or go for a leisurely stroll. The extent of the workout doesn’t matter. It’s moving your body that creates energy. Taking your movement outside can add calm and perspective.
Adding some routine to your evening, before going to bed can also help to bring some calm to your mornings. You could write down a tentative to-do list and schedule for the following day or lay out clothes or other items needed for the next day. This might seem a bit over-the-top, but it truly can help to release the tension of uncertainty by providing you with a framework for the day ahead.
These are just a few ideas. Add whatever resonates with your spirit. Plan to take about a half hour, more or less depending on your lifestyle. The key to reaping the benefits of a morning routine is to make it a regular practice. Before you know it, your mornings will no longer be rushed and overwhelming.