Things I do to improve my morning routine
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© dreaming by dusk
Do you ever wake up in the morning and not feel motivated to start your day?
Didn’t feel like wanting to get out of bed, or you ran out of time, rushing out the door with too much on your mind?
Over many years, I’ve realized that how I dedicated time to different activities in my morning routine can set the mood for the whole day.
I started to practice new habits in the hopes of improving my morning routine – and therefore, the rest of my day as well.
give yourself an affirmation when you wake up
If you find yourself resting in bed, but not ready to toss the blanket aside, giving yourself a reason to get up is a good start.
It can be a goal, something to look forward to, or even a gentle reminder about something.
This is what I like to think to myself when I wake in the morning: If I don’t start my day now I will lose all the hours in the morning and half the day is gone.
It’s strange but I’ve noticed that after 12pm the day just flies by. If I am up and active between 7-11am, my day starts slower and it feels like I am making the most of my time.
create a playlist for in the background
The music that plays in the background as you go about finishing your morning routine. There are many ways you can use music to enhance your routine.
Classical composers and 1920s jazz hits can make your morning a little more elegant and charming. These songs are gentle and soft and bubbly in an old-fashioned way.
I especially like to listen to old jazz tunes when I cook my breakfast. When it’s just me by myself in the kitchen and I can hum along to it.
You might prefer indie folk/indie pop songs and instrumentals. Artists like Hozier, Vance Joy, Florence + The Machine and Hippo Campus. These have a way of making your morning routine cozy and rustic.
On the other hand, songs in the rock, pop rock and grunge genres may give your routine a devil-may-care attitude. You’re out of bed and brushing your teeth even though you don’t want to be. You hate Mondays and mornings but you’re doing it anyway.
One fun idea I’ve discovered is that listening to 90s-00s singers and girl bands can make you feel like you’re living out the epic intro scene to a classic teen flick like.
have a go-to breakfast meal (or 2)
Look in your pantry and find what is nutritious and easy to prepare. Have at least 2 breakfast meal ideas that you enjoy and can prepare in under 10 minutes or have prepared the night before like oatmeal.
This way there’s no indecision when it comes to preparing breakfast. Additionally, this will also work for you if you like to pack your own lunches. Meal prep the night before or create a list of at least 2 to 3 meals you can prepare quickly in the morning.
My all-time favourite breakfast meal is toast with almond butter, bananas slices and a dash of cinnamon sprinkled on top. Other days, it’s oatmeal with cinnamon and brown sugar. Occasionally, I might even make a mixed berry smoothie bowl with granola on top.
do a skincare routine
Always, always do the big three: cleanser, toner and moisturizer. Even throw in a little exfoliation if you feel the need. For me, it’s a form of self-care to feel like I am washing the entire 8 hours of sleep off my face first thing in the morning.
lay out clothes the night before
This habit eases some of the stress some of us face when getting dressed in the morning. It is less time-consuming and reduces indecisiveness. Doing this daily means you can spend 5 minutes in the morning focusing on your outfit rather than 20.
drink water as soon as you get out of bed
Keep a water bottle, glass or mug on your nightstand for when you wake. You’ve just spent eight hours in deep sleep, so proper hydration in the morning before coffee or any other beverage is good for you.
alternate between morning drinks
Mix it up. Have coffee on certain days and juice on alternate days. Brew a mug of green tea or English breakfast tea and blend the occasional healthy smoothie. This is just a fun way of breaking routine and trying something new every day.
watch something educational
This is especially if you like to watch something while you eat your breakfast. It should be something fun, enriching and informative. Such as a YouTube channel video, a docu-series, a cooking show, a news channel.
A while ago, I watched BBC animal docu-series while I ate in the morning. It was a nice change compared to cartoons or dramas. I learned more about different environments and animals (and nature cinematography is so peaceful to look at).
do something physical
It’s important not to move from a bed to immediately sitting in a chair at desk for the rest of the day. And while I’m not really big on gyms, there are small ways to add some physical exercise to your routine at home.
That playlist from before? Do some dancing. Want something more zen and mindful? Do some yoga. Feel like getting some fresh air? Go for a run or a walk in your neighborhood (bonus if your pet gets exercise too).
avoid social media
I know we all enjoy scrolling through various apps as soon as we wake up and turn off the alarm. This is something I am still trying to break out off.
It’s a habit that can make you lose track of time, get distracted, and throw off your entire routine. Dare I say it doesn’t really add any value to your start of the day. It is better to save this part for later, during a commute.
use and alarm and place it far from your bed
One thing that works is to set multiple alarms. Usually 30 minutes apart from each other.
Another is placing your phone or alarm clock not within arm’s reach. Try placing it on the other side of the room where you’re forced to physically get out of bed to turn it off.
You might also choose a song instead of an alarm tone. I find it works best when you choose a song you HATE. Hearing a song you hate first thing in the morning is the same as getting cold water splashed in your face.
