Can a good morning routine help you start the day in a positive way?
What is the best way to start the day? Feeling rested, refreshed and motivated sounds great.
We don’t need to research to know that we feel better when we have had a good night’s sleep. The quality of the sleep is important. Did you have to get up a few times to use the bathroom or did you have trouble getting to sleep? Did you wake up a few times and not know why? Having babies and small children in the home we realise how important sleep is for them. They need to rest, recover and grow. If they have a good night’s sleep we all do.
So we do understand the importance of the quality of sleep. Even adults need it. Of course we do not need as much sleep as babies, we do however need deep sleep.
Some kids may push against having to go to bed and not understand the importance of it. As parents we may wish to just go off and nap as we battle to get everything done.
At this stage of your life you have come to know yourself and how much sleep you need. When you feel stressed and exhausted you cannot function as well. On the days that you achieved the goal of a wholesome healthy sleep you feel refreshed and invigorated.
We won’t go down the road of exhaustion and some illnesses and conditions where we feel tired all the time, no matter how much sleep we get.
I am not a doctor, I know personally that some people battle fatigue all the time.
Is sleep important for a positive morning routine?
During sleep, our bodies can repair and heal itself. Less energy is needed to function. Our brain is given a chance to process everything that happens during the day.
It can also improve our immune support as our bodies rest. The immune system is most active when we sleep.
Sleep has been known to help regulate our hormone levels and also improve our heart health.
The phrase “sleep on it” is commonly used.
If you have an important decision to make and are unsure of what to do, some may advise why not sleep on it and find out how you feel in the morning.
During sleep our brain has a chance to rest and this often allows us the chance to wake up and see things with a clear mind.
Being able to wake up and feel refreshed is priceless.
Some tips for your new morning schedule
Having some structure in your day is important. It can set you up for the whole day. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a productive day. It can help you focus on the positive and boost your mood.
Here are some ideas of how to set yourself up to a great start in your day.
Don't hit the snooze button
You are just procrastinating and the day is just starting
You set the alarm because you need to get up and begin your day. Be kind to yourself and just do it. Your body is in a negative state by hearing the alarm not once or twice but multiple times.
You know what has to be done this morning and being an adult it means that it is us who has to do it. Why hate yourself now.
Prepare yourself for the day with the intention of getting things done.
Start the habit of getting out of bed at the first alarm sound.
Hydrate yourself
Sleep is beneficial for the body and mind but it also needs water to function. What better way to start the day than by hydrating yourself.
It helps kickstart your metabolism and aids digestion. Don’t forget it also rehydrates your cells and is great for your skin as well.
Your whole body will thank you for doing this.
Some leave a bottle or glass of water by their bed so they have it ready in the morning. Adding a squeeze of lemon adds vitamin C and if you add a pinch of sea salt it acts as a natural electrolyte.
Staying hydrated throughout the day is very important.
Opening the curtains or blinds
Let in the natural light and sunshine. It will help your body realise it is now day and time to be up and about.
Some light meditation or yoga
If you practice one of these they can reduce stress and calm your mind.
Even if it is just sitting quietly and focusing on your breathing for a few minutes. Calming the body and mind.
Open the window and breathe in some fresh air to start the day. Of course this can be bad if you suffer allergies. Whatever works for you. .
Move your body
Not everybody has the time to squeeze in an hour of exercise in the morning or even half an hour. We all lead different lives .
There is always time to do some light stretches. Some simple movements to limber your muscles and enhance the blood flow. These basic moves can improve flexibility and balance.
Eat a healthy breakfast
This goes without saying. Starting the day with a healthy nutritious breakfast is a great boost to your energy levels and overall health.
Plan your day
Take a few minutes to go over what needs to be done today. That list you made last night. Did it have everything on it. Need to talk about things with other members of the family or home then now is the chance to coordinate the tasks or schedule.
Having everyone on the same page is important.
Limit technology use
Don’t get sucked into social media in the morning or scrolling aimlessly online. Focus on what needs to be done and be present for others in the family.
If you have children they are watching what you are doing so limiting technology is a simple way of showing the importance of the morning routine.
A parent's morning routine
This means that the whole morning routine is different depending on the ages of the children. Having a set routine will help everyone know the routine and things that are done.
Waking up and the bathroom routine. Getting breakfast and enjoying even a time together eating the food is priceless. A family bonding moment when things can be discussed about the day and any plans.
Tidy up your space
In a family routines matter as everyone has a chore to do and things can be cleared up efficiently. Having a tidy space to come back to helps focus your mind on getting other things done in the day.
Knowing that you come home to a tidy home is a positive boost to your mood.
If you live alone then it is all up to you. You can leave things in a mess but you will hate yourself later on in the day when you have to face the mess you left.
It does however mean that if you are in a rush and you have to go, you can decide to do it and know it will be done later on. Your choice to make and it affects only you.
Spend some time outdoors
Natural light is important and sunshine is vital. We all need some vitamin D in our lives.
If you have a garden then step outside with your morning coffee or tea and focus on your breathing for a few moments. Take in the beauty of nature and all that is around. Have a balcony then stand there and watch the world wake up. Ground yourself.
If you don’t have the time to go for a walk then spending a few minutes outside is a positive start to your day.
A dog in the home will definitely bring you outside and walking in the morning so that is a great way to get yourself moving.
The benefits of having a healthy morning routine
We all lead busy lives and each of us are in different situations. There is no one right or wrong morning routine. The important thing is to find the one that works best for you.
If you are noticing that you are waking up stressed and feel rushed as you are trying to get ready to head out the door then now is the time to think about your routine. What is not working for you and what is. Check out the suggestions above and consider trying out some of them or something new for yourself.
Anything to simplify your life and streamline your morning is a win for your whole day.
Feeling refreshed and motivated for the day ahead keeps your energy levels up and ready to tackle whatever the day may bring. .
