How you Start your Day Matters!
“Win the morning, win the day.”
Why a Morning Routine Can Improve Your Energy, Focus, and Well-Being
A consistent morning routine has become one of the most valuable wellness habits in my life. Not because it makes me more productive every minute of the day, but because it helps me start my mornings with intention, reduce stress, and create a stronger foundation for both my work and personal life.
How My Morning Routine Started
I first began practicing a morning routine during the pandemic when I was searching for stability in a world that felt increasingly uncertain. What started as 20 minutes of daily yoga eventually evolved into a collection of healthy morning habits that continue to support my energy, focus, and well-being today.
Having a regular morning routine gives me a sense of control over my day. It allows me to start from a calm, but energized place and gives me the capacity to handle more of whatever is coming my way.
Here are several reasons why a morning routine can be a valuable addition to your day:
1. Morning Routines Create Intentionality
A morning routine helps you start your day with purpose rather than reacting to external demands (like emails or social media). This intentional start can shape your mindset and priorities for the entire day.
2. Morning Routines Improve Productivity
By dedicating time to essential tasks like planning, exercising, or meditating, you can increase efficiency and focus. For me, having a structured start to my day translates into a more productivity, and even more critically, ensures I’m focused on the right things.
3. Morning Routines Help Reduce Stress
Knowing what to expect in the morning can minimize decision fatigue and stress. Also, incorporating activities like mindfulness and/or exercise helps start into the day in a calm, but energized way.
4. Morning Routines Support Mental and Physical Health
Activities like exercise, hydration, and a healthy breakfast supports your body, while journaling or practicing gratitude fosters a positive mental state. A combination of these can set you up for success.
My Current Morning Routine
My personal morning routine is always a bit of a work in process, but these days it mostly consists of the following:
Cup of chai tea
Journaling
Create & prioritize to do list (mark top 3 items for the day)
Eat a high protein snack
Head to the gym (weightlifting 3x/week and yoga 1x/week)
When I’m back from the gym, I start on my #1 task
Create Before You Consume
My morning routine does NOT include reading the news or checking social media. I find I’m way happier and more productive if I complete my morning routine before going online. (OK, I do cheat on this a lot, but my mental health is always better when I don’t look!) I heard a great quote recently that emphasizes this point: “create before you consume.” If I can get my own day started off right before engaging with “consuming,” I’m way ahead!
Building a Morning Routine That Works for You
One thing to keep in mind about a personal morning routine, it’s personal! So make sure yours works for you. Some things other people include in their routines are meditation, spending time outside, drinking water, taking a cold shower (no thanks!), and going on a morning walk.
What does this look like for you? It can be as long or short as you need! If you don’t have a regular morning routine, consider starting small and adding one thing at a time as it becomes a habit.
Read here to learn more about the powerful habit of journaling!
