Health and Happiness Coach

Own your morning, Elevate your Life. 

These words are taken directly from a book I am currently reading, and a life-changing one within the first couple of chapters (which is saying a lot).

If someone were to ask me, what is one healthy habit they could start tomorrow that would change their life forn the better, I would say, “Start a quality morning routine.”

What is a morning routine?

A morning routine is a set of habitsor activities  that you go through to start begin your day after waking up. These routines can vary significantly from one individual to another, but they often include tasks like waking up at a specific time, hydrating, exercising, showering, eating breakfast, and preparing for the day ahead. 

Why should I start a morning routine?

The importance of a morning routine lies in its potential to set a positive tone for the rest of the day and improve overall well-being. It’s easy to become overwhelmed in the morning when the first thing you do is open your email, social apps, or news resources.  

Here are some reasons why having a morning routine is important:

• Boosts Productivity: A structured morning routine helps you start the day with purpose and focus. By engaging in planned activities, you can set yourself up for a productive and efficient day.
• Reduces Stress: Having a routine reduces decision-making in the morning, which can be stressful. Knowing what to expect and having a sense of control can lead to a calmer and less anxious mindset.
• Enhances Mental Health: Morning routines can include activities like meditation or journaling, which promote mindfulness and self-reflection. These practices can positively impact mental health by reducing anxiety and increasing self-awareness.
• Improves Physical Health: Engaging in activities like exercise or stretching in the morning can improve blood circulation, boost metabolism, and increase energy levels throughout the day.
• Establishes Discipline and Consistency: Following a morning routine requires discipline and consistency. Building these habits can spill over into other aspects of your life, leading to better time management and discipline in general.
• Better Time Management: A well-structured morning routine can help you make the most of your time. By accomplishing important tasks early in the day, you can free up time for other activities later on.
• Cultivates Healthy Habits: Incorporating healthy habits like eating a nutritious breakfast or drinking water in the morning sets the tone for making better choices throughout the day.
• Improves Sleep Quality: A consistent morning routine can positively impact your sleep schedule. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day helps regulate your body’s internal clock.

How long should your morning routine be?

A morning routine varies from individual to individual and what habits or activities they’d like to consistently do to start their day on the right note. A morning routine could vary anywhere from 30 minutes to being 2-3 hours long. 

What time should I wake up for a morning routine?

This depends how long your morning routine takes and what time the rest of your day begins. The book, The 5am Club, talks about the importance of waking up at 5am. At 5 AM, when the world is quiet and distraction-free. When you first awake, your brain is typically in the theta state where your mind is in-between day dreaming and active brainwave state. Here, you are more creative, free flowing, and calm, which is why the distraction-free zone of 5am is important.

What should I do to have an effective morning routine?

Like mentioned previously, an effective morning routine varies from person-to-person, as well as could vary on a day-to-day basis, depending on the amount of time you may have.

Here are a few activities you could start your morning off with:

• Journaling or Morning Pages
• Yoga
• Meditation
• Coffee and Contemplation
• Dance for 3
• Workout
• Cold Plunge
• Take a walk
• Morning sun
• Breathe work
• Gratitude Practice
• Personal Development through books, podcasts, Youtube videos, and courses. 
• Hygienic Routine such as skin or hair care

How a morning routine can change my life?

We all know that life can be chaotic and if we dont stick with a routine, especially when youre busy or in constant motion, things can easily fall out of alignment. A solid morning routine allows for the mind to become clear and when you’re ready to be productive,  to go straight into what;s the most important thing to in your day. If you can win your morning it means that whatever happens throughout the rest of the day is a bit of an extra win for yourself!

Resources to dive deeper:

Books: The 5am Club

Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vX3atnwkXGY