How we start our morning sets the tone for how live our day. Which is why having a morning routine is key to not only feeling great, but to living a happy and healthy life. It allows us to take control of the day instead of letting the day control us. We get a fresh start, time to get into the right mindset and ultimately set ourselves up for success.

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So often we are rushing out of bed, then out the door, or we spend too much time scrolling social media or hop right onto our computers just to be bombarded by emails and reminded of the never-ending list of things we need to do. All of these are inherently stressful, meaning we set off a cascade of stress hormones right from the get-go. Then, we spend the rest of our days feeling as if there is no time, on edge, stressed, tired, and wired all at once – and often not being as productive as we wanted to be. How we start our day is how we live our day, and how we live our days is how we live our life.

Those things aren’t going anywhere, there will always be emails and to-do lists and people to please, but when we take the time to start the day with intention, and in the right mindset instead of tackling it without a plan or trying to distract ourselves, we accomplish more.

Here are five steps to establishing a morning routine:

  1. Set your wake-up time

This might require you to get up a little earlier, and avoid that snooze button, even though the temptation is strong. If you’re really tired in the morning, maybe it’s time to re-think your bedtime. If you are really, really tired in the morning (despite a good bedtime), you should come see one of our practitioners. This can be tough when the days get shorter, but make the promise to yourself, and don’t break that promise… and maybe consider getting those sunrise alarm clocks.

  1. Decide how long you need

Maybe you just want 10 minutes, maybe you need an hour. Decide on what is realistic to you. You may start with 10 minutes and realize you’d love to have more of this special time. Know that it is okay for this to change. Life will ebb and flow and so will your available time and priorities. Your morning routine should always be a priority, but that can look different month to month, or even day to day. The point is, that you do something.

  1. Put away distractions

This is your time. Not time to get your kids ready for school, not time to check emails, text a friend back or go online shopping. This is for you to focus on you, no distractions. Put the effort in to make this possible by get up earlier, asking family for what you need, or sneaking away to a quiet place. If you need technology for your routine, make sure your notifications are off, so you’re not tempted to check anything. It’s worth it!

  1. Decide how to spend your time

So, you got up, put your phone away, maybe made a cup of tea and now what? A morning routine can consist of different things, it can be one thing, or it can be many things. It can also change each day. Often the most productive people will include some form of planning, mindset work or meditation/deep breathing, and some movement.

Here’s some ideas to get you started:

  • Journaling – there are great resources online to look for daily journal prompts to get you started. This could be writing down your gratitude’s, intentions for the day or just what’s on your mind
  • Movement – you can head to the gym, or workout at home. This could look like going on a walk, or even doing some light stretched to get the blood flowing
  • Mindfulness work – this could be a formal meditation, or some deep breathing
  • Nature time – sitting and just enjoying the outdoors, watching the sunrise, or going on a walk
  • Planning – making a to-do list for the day, including the must-dos so you know what the priorities are. This can be done at the start of the month and week as well. This can also include scheduling to know exactly when you’re going to complete these tasks (and don’t forget to schedule in your morning routine time)
  • Hydrate – we are dehydrated when we wake up, so it’s important to get in some water or herbal tea before the day gets busy
  • Meal prep – take time to make yourself healthy meals for the day ahead, this will set you up for success all day long
  • Listen to something – this could be an audiobook, something inspiring or just some of your favourite music
  • Read – you can do some light reading, whether it’s inspirational, or the book you never seem to have time to get to (no, reading emails/texts do not count!)

  1. Do it every day but be flexible

This is where the tough love comes in. You just need to do it because no one else can do this for you. Be compassionate and realistic. This can be different each day. Some days you may have time to work out, meditate, shower, and sit outside to journal and enjoy your coffee. Other times you may just be writing a to-do list and taking 5 deep breaths – at least you did something. That is what matters – making the promise to yourself to slow down a little and take that time in the morning to start the day with intention.