During 2021, one of my goals was to build a morning routine that made me feel energized and ready for the day. It was definitely a trial and error process, with trying out new habits and realizing that some just weren’t for me. But after a while, I picked out a few habits that have been beneficial and life-changing for me. Here they are below!
Make my bed
I remember my mom used to always tell me to make my bed and I never understood why. As I grew older and started to build this habit into my routine, I think I’ve come to understand why. I get a sense of accomplishment right when after I wake up and I feel more at peace when my space is tidy. Making my bed also makes me want to ruin it less and it allows me to sit on top of the covers with my ‘outside’ clothes.
Changing out of my pajamas
When I started working from home during the pandemic, I was really reluctant to change out of my pajamas. I mean, they were my comfy clothes, and saves me time during my morning, so why would I? But as I began to stay in my PJ’s more, I started to realize how this habit affected my mindset. To me, pajamas are meant for being cozy and sleepy. But those are not the feelings I wanted to have during the day, especially when I’m working a 9-5. I found that even if I changed into a loungewear set or a pair of leggings and a sweater, I felt more energized. Having a set of clothes as my sleepy clothes and the rest as ones to get things done made such a difference in my mindset.
Drink water
Now I know this isn’t a shocker, but drinking water in the morning is not only great for your physical health, but for your mental state as well. Physically, your body is dehydrated when you wake up, so drinking water can replenish your body. Mentally, I generally feel more refreshed after drinking a glass of water. Then, I feel like I’m ready to take on the day.
Put on sunscreen
Sunscreen has been a huge topic lately, since people have been focusing more on their skincare. Sunscreen is crucial to put on everyday, even if you’re not going outside or being exposed to direct sunlight. UV rays can still penetrate through windows and damage your skin even while you’re inside your home. That’s why wearing sunscreen every morning is so important. Make sure you get one with a high SPF to ensure you’re actually protecting your skin. I like using the Biore Watery Essence one!
Meditate
Meditating is something that I’m still working on as a daily habit in my routine. To me, meditation and breath work is sort of like a workout for your mind. Being mindful has been life-changing because it grounds my mind to be present in the moment. It helps me relax and lessen my stress and not freak out in my thoughts. It definitely is a challenge at first. Focusing on your breathe and trying not to focus too much on all your other thoughts is hard, but it’s been very helpful.
Journal
On a similar note, journalling is something else that I’m trying to get better at. Journalling is something that helps ground our minds to be more mindful and grateful for our lives. I love doing the 5 minute journal on my iPad to get some quick thoughts onto paper (or a screen). It’s helpful to take a few minutes in your day to remember why you’re grateful for your life and makes you approach life a bit more positively. I know some people like to do morning pages, where you can just free-write anything for a certain amount of pages or time. Whatever method works for you, I think it’s really helpful to write down your thoughts in the morning.
Move my body or stretch
On workdays, this is one habit that usually gets lost until lunchtime. But on the days that I do get around to doing it in the morning, I feel so much better. I think that when you get your blood flowing in the morning and warm up your body with some movement, you feel energized for the rest of the day. I like to stick with more low impact movements, such as pilates, yoga or a walk, but if you have the energy for it, kick it up a notch with some circuit videos or a quick HIIT workout.
Make something to eat or drink that you love
Lastly, once you’ve done everything good for your mind and body, it’s time to nourish it. I always look forward to making my morning latte and breakfast. I think it’s so important to feed your body with food that’s good for you and that you enjoy. Whether that’s a drink or a meal, it’s a great way to end off your routine and to begin your day feeling happy and full.
Conclusion
And that was my morning habits that have changed my life! I have loved incorporating these habits into my (almost) daily routine and I hope you can take some of this and implement them into your life as well. Let me know if any of these were helpful by leaving me a comment, DM-ing me on Instagram or sending me an email!
