How About Making Your Morning a Li’ll More Mindful?

Hey there, morning warriors! Time to wake up and seize the day…or at least try to. My ideal morning routine is basically living in a fairy tale. I imagine waking up naturally with the sun, sipping on black coffee (or warm lemon water with magic collagen), meditating for 20 serene minutes(well, I try to…), and then blasting the room with lavender essential oils before diving into a 10-step skincare routine. Oh, and let’s not forget to squeeze in a Pilates workout. Can you taste the serenity?

But let’s get real folks. The chances of me actually executing even half of these things on a daily basis is about as likely as woodland creatures helping me get dressed, Snow White-style. Does your morning always feel like a fire drill? I feel you. Between trying to feed yourself, practicing self-care, and being on time, it’s no wonder we can’t always achieve our ideal morning routine. 

But listen up! Mornings are a critical time to kickstart your success and reduce stress for the rest of the day. So, check out these 12 simple hacks that will make your mornings go smoother than peanut butter on bread (which, by the way, is a great breakfast idea).

Set out everything you need the night before

Are mornings a source of stress in your life? Well, friend, we’ve got the secret sauce to help you start your day off on the right foot. It all begins the night before. That’s right, take a few minutes before hitting the hay to prep for a hassle-free morning. Choose your outfit or workout gear, gather your work essentials, and make sure your laptop is juiced up and ready to go. 

Don’t forget your planner, pen, and blue-light glasses because we know you’re too cool for eye strain. And if you’re feeling fancy, meal prep breakfast by freezing some smoothie ingredients or pre-chopping some veggies for an omelet. Oh, and don’t forget to tidy up your space before getting some shut-eye so you can wake up to a clean slate. With these tips, you’ll be a morning superstar in no time!

No Phone!!! For at least 30 Minutes…

Are you addicted to your morning phone scroll? I know I am! But did you know that we waste a whopping 180 hours a year on this mindless habit? Beyonce has just as many hours in a day, but she’s not spending it scrolling like us (or so we think).

But wait, there’s more! Checking your phone within the first 30 minutes of the day can put your mind in FOMO or work mode. So ditch the phone for the first 30 minutes and do something that makes you feel good instead. Trust me, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to tackle your to-do list after. Plus, it’s your time to shine before email takes over. Time to break up with your morning phone routine!

Wake up 15 minutes earlier for “you time”

Wake up and take 15 extra minutes for yourself in the morning – it’s like hitting the snooze button on stress! Mornings can feel like a marathon, but with just a little extra time, you can start your day feeling calm and collected. Even if you’ve got a hectic schedule with work (or kids, pets), taking a few minutes to yourself will help you feel more organized and centered all day long. Maybe you’ll want to meditate, slather on some luxurious skincare, or simply sip on a cup of coffee without distractions. Trust me, those added zzz’s are overrated compared to the energized and peaceful start to your day!

Invest in an automated coffee maker

Welcome to 2023, where Zoom meetings and Instagram scrolling have taken over our world. But hold up, folks! Before you hit “uninstall” on all of your apps, let’s talk about how technology can actually be a buddy to our mental health. Let’s start with the basics: coffee. Ah, the life-giving elixir that gets us going in the mornings. 

How about this…you wake up, stretch, and take 15 minutes for some much-needed “me time.” Then, like magic, your coffee maker goes off on a timer, and voila! A steaming hot cup of Joe is waiting for you in the kitchen. No more groggy, half-awake trips to the coffee maker. Just pure, heavenly satisfaction. Invest in a spiffy coffee maker that you can program to make your mornings a breeze. Trust us, it’ll be the best decision you make all day.

Start your day with Gratitude

Hey, do you know who’s talking about gratitude these days? Harvard Medical School and Oprah! And they’re not the only ones. Gratitude is seriously powerful stuff. It’s been proven to make your relationships better, boost your happiness, and make your stress go bye-bye. When you start your day with gratitude, you’re basically saying “Bring it on, stress – I can handle you!” 

One way to get in on the gratitude game is to write down five things you’re thankful for each morning. Or you could try listening to a meditation that focuses on gratitude. My personal fave is to start my day with a big ol’ “thank you” for being alive – it’s seriously changed my life! Trust me, starting your day with a dose of gratitude is the perfect way to kick things off with a positive vibe.

Don’t hit that “snooze” button

Do you hit snooze every morning and dread getting out of bed? Well, it’s time to break the habit! Even though your bed is super cozy, hitting snooze has a negative impact on your circadian rhythm. This can cause grogginess, which lasts for hours, making you feel even worse than if you had just woken up.

And let’s face it, those few extra minutes of sleep you’ll get from snoozing aren’t worth it. Your body won’t be able to go through a full REM cycle in that short time, so you’ll feel just as tired. The solution? Try to hit the sack earlier and use an app like Sleep Cycle to wake you up during the lightest sleep phase. This way, you’ll feel less tempted to hit snooze and have a more rested morning. So, say goodbye to the “snooze” button and hello to a refreshing start to your day!

You’re not a Houseplant, Get Out …Get some sunlight!

Waking up to sunlight can do wonders for your daily routine. It signals your body to halt melatonin production, granting an instant energy boost (which may save you from needing a second cup of coffee). So, as soon as you awaken to a new day, open the blinds and turn on the lights to revitalize your body. The benefits don’t stop there. Try to soak up the sun as much as possible – take your furry companion for a walk or relish a coffee moment on your patio (SPF is essential, though). 

Brush… and Meditate

Mornings can be hectic and loaded with a long to-do list that may not leave time for self-care. But, instead of adding more tasks, make use of the habits you have already established! An excellent way to sneak in moments of calm is to incorporate meditation into your routine. While brushing your teeth, you can mentally repeat an affirmation or listen to a short meditation on apps like Headspace. 

You can also try meditation while making coffee or breakfast. Find what works for you and hone in on those moments of peace that we all need. Life is busy, but taking the time to care for ourselves is essential, and you can do it without feeling overwhelmed.

Get Wobbly… and Wiggly

Starting your day by getting your body moving can work wonders for your health and well-being. When you wake up in the morning, give yourself a chance to check in with your body – after all, it’s the one that knows you best! If you’re feeling energized, then go ahead and schedule a workout before you start your day. This way, you can reap the benefits of a morning workout including better focus, less stress, and more energy all day long.

On the other hand, if you feel like you need to wake up slowly, don’t pressure yourself into doing an intense workout. Instead, engage your body in calming ways such as a refreshing walk outside, or some revitalizing yoga stretches. These low-impact exercises can help you experience the same benefits as a morning workout but at a much gentler pace. Listen to your body and move it accordingly – it’s the best path to a healthier and happier you.

Make your own ‘Morning Mix’

Starting your day off on the right foot can be as simple as playing a killer playlist. Create a morning mix that includes songs that energize you, help you destress, or make you want to dance. Turn up the volume and enjoy your morning routine, whether it’s making breakfast, taking a stroll, or sipping coffee. Remember, the goal of life is to enjoy it, so start your day with a smile on your face and some tunes in your ears.

Prepare your Bed

Your mom was right about some things, and making your bed is one of them. In just a minute, you can set the tone for the entire day and feel accomplished. But if you’re still not convinced, let me tell you about Gretchen Rubin’s research for her book “The Happiness Project.” She found that making your bed each morning is a small change that can lead to happiness. In fact, it’s one of the most common changes that people make to feel happier! So don’t underestimate the power of starting your day with a simple task like making your bed. Small changes can have a big impact, and you deserve to start your day on the right foot.

Make a List… Schedule your Day Ahead!

Start your day with a calm and composed mindset. And nothing is more soothing than a well-planned schedule. In order to achieve that, you need to start your day with a to-do list and sort out your tasks in order of importance. And that’s just the beginning.

Planning out your meals and scheduling everything in blocks of time for the day can seem overwhelming at first, but it’s a surefire way to improve productivity. Whether it’s spending 30 minutes in the morning and afternoon answering emails or scheduling work blocks with breaks in between, it’s important to stay on track. And don’t forget to include some fun activities as well. You can plan to have dinner with your significant other or take some time out to play with the kids.

This meticulously planned schedule also does wonders for reducing decision fatigue and stress. By planning every little detail of your day, you can ensure that you have your day under control and that your day doesn’t run you.