Rise and Shine? The ultimate beginner’s guide to a morning routine

You know that feeling when you hit snooze one too many times and suddenly you’re rushing through your morning, feeling frazzled before you even leave the house? Or maybe you find yourself mindlessly scrolling through your phone instead of using your precious morning hours to set intentions and prepare for the day ahead? Trust me, I get it. But having a consistent morning routine can be the solution to all those morning struggles. A well-structured morning routine can help you start your day off on the right foot, leaving you feeling energized, focused, and ready to tackle whatever the day may bring. Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, a stay-at-home parent, or anything in between, a morning routine could be a total lifesaver. Been there, done that.

What’s the fuss about a morning routine?

Having a consistent morning routine can greatly improve your productivity, overall well-being, and self-discipline. Personally, I have found that when I start my day with a set of specific actions, it sets me up for success throughout the day. It’s like magic. By taking time in the morning to focus on my own well-being and prioritize my tasks, I feel more energized and motivated to tackle the day ahead.

I also find that having a morning routine leads to making healthier choices throughout the day. Examples of things that can be incorporated into a morning routine include exercise, journaling, planning, reading, and eating a nutritious breakfast. Even by doing just one of these things, I feel that I’m able to start my day off on the right foot.

Also, if you make your plan for the day during your morning routine, you’ll be able to prioritize better and manage your time more effectively. When you know what you need to do and when, you are less likely to waste time on unnecessary tasks and more likely to focus on what is important. You can just use a notebook, or a journal, or sipping on your favorite hot beverage (I’m team tea btw, which side are you on?). By doing things that relax you at the start of your morning, you’ll feel more relaxed and centered.

Reading about morning routines is also a good idea. Feel inspired first before you start making your own, it helps! Books like The 5 AM Club, The Miracle Morning, and Good Morning, Good Life, are great books to start with.

Crafting your own morning routine – it’s a process!

Creating a morning routine that works for you can take some experimentation, but with a little bit of planning and flexibility, you can establish a routine that works for you and your needs. Here are some tips for creating a morning routine with elements that are essential:

1. Start small: It can be overwhelming to try to implement a whole new routine all at once. Start with one or two small changes, such as setting an alarm 15 minutes earlier or adding a quick stretching routine to your morning. This will boost your self confidence as well. Once those changes become habits, you can add more elements to your routine.
2. Be flexible: Everyone’s morning routine will look different, so don’t feel pressured to stick to a specific routine or plan. Be flexible and adjust your routine as needed.
3. Make it fun: If your morning routine feels like a chore, you’re less likely to stick to it. Try to incorporate activities that you enjoy, such as reading, preparing a breakfast you’re looking forward to eat, or going for a walk.
4. Prioritize self-care: Make sure to take care of yourself both physically and mentally in the morning. Prioritize getting enough sleep, eating a healthy breakfast, and taking time for activities like meditation or journaling.
5. Use a planner: A planner can be a useful tool for keeping track of your routine and making sure you stay on track. https://waytoplan.com/product/editable-daily-planner-printable-customizable-and/” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>your schedule and to-do list for the day

Ultimately, the key is to find a routine that works for you and that you can stick to. If you take the time to make a morning routine that makes you feel good, you’ll never want to skip it again.

Beating the Struggle

No matter how motivated you are to establish a morning routine, obstacles are bound to arise. Here are some common obstacles and strategies for overcoming them:

Lack of time

Feeling like you don’t have enough time in the morning is a major roadblock for a lot of people. To combat this, try setting your alarm a little earlier or simplifying your morning routine. Focus on the things that are most important to you, whether that’s reading or sipping on your coffee in peace. Cut out the less essential things, even if it’s just for a little while. It doesn’t matter if you spend 5 or 30 minutes on your morning routine, you’ll feel accomplished either way.

Rise and Grind? More Like Snooze and Whine

Waking up in the morning can be a real struggle for some people. To make it easier, try going to bed earlier, cutting out caffeine and screens before bedtime, and placing your alarm clock out of arm’s reach. To help you fall asleep earlier, establish a relaxing bedtime routine 30 minutes before you want to sleep, create a dark and quiet sleeping environment (earplugs are where it’s at), and stick to Sticking to it till it sticks

Sticking to a morning routine can be tough, but there are ways to make it more manageable. Set reminders, find an accountability partner, and reward yourself for sticking to the plan. It’s also helpful to evaluate your routine every so often and make adjustments as needed. But don’t forget to have some fun! Incorporate activities you enjoy and switch things up occasionally to keep it interesting. In the end, remember that a morning routine is a form of self-care. So, go easy on yourself and make it something enjoyable!

Motivation galore…?

Some people struggle to find the motivation to start a morning routine. But it’s important to remember that a morning routine isn’t just another task on your to-do list. It should be something that makes you feel great and energized.

One way to do this is by filling your morning routine with activities that you know will be good for you. Take some time to sit down and brainstorm all the things you could incorporate into your routine. Write down next to each one why you want to do it.

Setting specific, measurable goals for yourself and tracking your progress can also help keep you motivated. And if you ever need a boost of encouragement, take a look at your list of why you want to do this, or tell a loved one about your morning routine intentions.

Accountability can be a powerful tool when it comes to sticking to your morning routine. Having someone to check in with and keep you accountable can help you stay motivated and get back on track when you need it.

Overwhelm? Not today.

Starting a morning routine can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to do it all at once. If you find yourself easily overwhelmed (I’m in the same boat, are you rowing?), it’s best to start small and gradually add more elements to your routine. Remember, big changes often come from small steps. As previously mentioned, a morning routine is flexible and can be easily adjusted. There’s no need to stress out about it. Let’s keep it simple and relaxing, shall we?

By recognizing and addressing these obstacles, you can overcome them and establish a morning routine that works for you. Remember that consistency is key, and it’s okay to slip up and make mistakes. Keep trying and eventually, it will become a habit.

In conclusion, having a morning routine can provide many benefits, including increased productivity, better focus, improved mental and physical health, and a greater sense of well-being. By setting aside time for important tasks and self-care in the morning, people can start the day with a sense of structure and purpose, making it easier to tackle the challenges that come their way. It’s important to find what works best for you, and make it a habit to start your day with a routine that sets you up for success. Whether it’s exercise, meditation, journaling or any other activity, the key is to find a routine that makes you feel good, and stick to it. With time and consistency, you’ll find that a morning routine can make a huge difference in your life. I bet in the future you’ll be telling everyone about how great this morning routine thingy is 😉