Morning Routines Set the Tone for the Entire Day

by Chris Banescu –
The way we start our morning can have a profound effect on the rest of the day. Morning routines set the tone for each day. How we spend those first few morning hours form the foundation of the entire day.

Establishing mindful morning routines can foster a sense of calm, control, and purpose. They reduce unnecessary stress and improve our mood. Mornings are the best times to get substantive, meaningful, and creative work done. Intentional morning routines enhance our ability to focus, increase productivity, and boost our resilience throughout the day. Healthy routines also create a positive mindset, help us build “deep-work” habits, and support our well-being.

Unfortunately, many of us become distracted from the moment we wake up. We reach for our smartphone, turn on the TV, or power up our computer, and are swept up in a torrent of trivial activities, mindless scrolling, and constant diversions. We read the news, check social media, watch videos, play games, or text and email about frivolous matters.

We squander our precious morning time on insignificant issues. We tire our well-rested mind with endless streams of news, information, or entertainment. We waste our energy on irrelevant things, while we ignore the most meaningful and important aspects of our lives. We worry about things we cannot control, and neglect the things we can control. We focus on what doesn’t matter, and lose our focus on what truly matters.

Creating great morning routines doesn’t happen by chance. We have to be deliberate and focused on building and implementing them. We have to be disciplined and resolute on gradually developing and maintaining them.

Suggestions for Creating a Mindful Morning Routine
Here are some practical recommendations to help you get started. Create your own routine by incorporating as many of these healthy habits as your current situation allows. The best morning routine is the one that fits your lifestyle and is consistently practiced.

• Wake up earlier – Giving yourself extra time in the morning helps you get a head start and avoid being rushed. Waking up 30 minutes earlier allows you to ease into the day in a mindful manner.
• Wake up at a consistent time – This helps regulate your circadian rhythm and allows you to wake up feeling rested and refreshed. Likewise, going to bed at a consistent time and getting at least 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep, will make this easier to accomplish.
• Drink water and stretch – Drink water to rehydrate your body and help your metabolism. Stretch for a few minutes to loosen up your muscles and increase blood flow. Stretching releases tension, clears your mind, and energizes your body for the tasks ahead.
• Embrace silence and practice mindfulness – Avoid noise and distractions. Find a quiet space and sit in silence for a few minutes and meditate. Say your morning prayers, meditate, or sit in stillness. Even 5-10 minutes of mindfulness calms your mind and soul, brings a sense of peace, and promotes a positive mindset.
• Practice gratitude – Take a few moments and reflect on what you can grateful for. Be thankful for everything in your life that’s good and the blessings God has already bestowed upon you. Gratitude shifts your focus away from what’s wrong with your life and reminds you of the things you should be thankful for and appreciate.
• Limit morning screen time – Resist the urge to immediately check your phone, turn on the TV, power up your computer, and check social media or the news. Unless you’re a business owner and have critical work to complete or are dealing with an emergency, stay away from the Internet and practice mindfulness and plan your day.
• Focus and prioritize – Focus on what you would like to accomplish during the day. Identify and prioritize your most important goals to ensure you work on what’s most meaningful and important to your personal or professional life. Work on those things first, while your mind is rested and fresh.

If you’re not used to mindful morning routines, start slowly and gradually adopt a few of the suggestions provided above. Be flexible and adjust as you progress. Add more practices as you become comfortable with the ones you’ve already implemented successfully.

Don’t get discouraged if you’re not successful at first. If you stumble or stop, don’t give up. Start again. Revise your expectations, make adjustments, and try again. Consistency is key in successfully establishing a healthy morning routine. Discipline will help you be consistent. Give yourself a few weeks (even a few months, if necessary) to develop this habit and reap the benefits it delivers.

(Photo credit Pixabay)