Creating a morning routine is not focused on who can accomplish the most or check off more boxes than everyone else. Instead, it is about allowing yourself to begin your day with confidence, peace, and a positive attitude. Starting the day this way can allow us to effectively complete tasks and to handle things that come our way without constantly feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Walking through experiences in our day and actually observing ourselves completing tasks and feeling a sense of accomplishment helps to reinforce our sense of self-efficacy. Having a morning routine helps to set the stage for better prioritizing, more effective time-management, and greater productivity. All of this, in turn, is likely to have a positive impact on our self-efficacy.
Creating a Morning Routine
Once you snooze your alarm, leave your phone alone.
A lot of us get in the habit of feeling like we have to check our phones right when we wake up. In reality, though, those emails, texts, and social media feeds can probably (read: definitely) wait a little longer. Instead, take this time to do a 5-minute meditation, journal, or say some positive affirmations while the day is still calm.
Eat something that excites your taste buds.
We all have our favorite quick and easy breakfasts and go-to beverages in the morning — keep those close, but don’t be afraid to venture out. Swap your banana peanut butter toast for a delicious avocado toast. Steep some caffeinated earl grey tea instead of your usual cup of coffee. Get creative and mix it up a little!
Get you and your mood moving.
We are a fitness and wellbeing company, so it makes sense that we believe in moving your body. Exercising early on in the day sets the tone and helps you feel energized. It doesn’t have to involve uber-sweaty cardio (unless that’s what you love) — it can be a relaxing yoga session or a walk, too. Whatever feels good to you and your body is good for us!
Show your day some love.
Organize your schedule for the day and outline goals you want to accomplish. Be sure to be realistic about this! Having somewhat of a to-do list takes the excess focus off of what needs to be done and allows you to better allocate your time to complete your goals.
Give yourself enough time to get to work.
Whether you work from home or commute to the office, giving yourself enough time to mentally and physically show up for work is essential—especially if you don’t consider yourself a morning person.To do this, be intentional about when you wake up. In addition to making sure you get eight hours of sleep, set your alarm so you have enough time to complete your morning routine and develop productive new habits. Whatever time you choose to wake up at, remember to set aside enough time for personal activities so you don’t overwork yourself.
Take advantage of self care.
Self care is a routine you create to support your happiness and well being. This includes anything from a grooming routine, like a shower and a skincare regimen, to reading a book to relax.
What you define as self care will be unique to you, though you can generally look for things that make your body and mind feel good. Here are some ideas to create a self-care routine of your own:
- Take a hot shower or bath to relax.
- Apply a face mask to take care of your skin.
- Read a book you enjoy to get your brain ready to work.
Take advantage of self care to support a healthy work-life balance and reduce the risk of burnout.
Say positive affirmations
Affirmations help combat limiting beliefs about yourself and support a confident mindset. When said in the morning, positive affirmations can motivate you to do your best and believe in yourself throughout the day. Examples of common affirmations that you can try include:
- I am excited for the day.
- I am grateful for my job.
- I will have a successful week.
Say these positive affirmations to yourself out loud or write them in a journal each morning to cultivate a more positive outlook.