You’ve probably heard influencers and celebrities rave about their 5 AM morning routines and how they make their lives so much better. There’s even a whole book about it! While waking up at dawn can sometimes seem drastic, there’s no denying – the way you start your morning determines how the rest of it will go.
But the key to success is developing a routine that works for your life specifically, and we’re here to help! Whether you’re a morning person or not, following the steps below will help you be more productive and joyful.
Don’t rush!
Sure, it may be tempting to sleep in, but make sure you give yourself enough time to mentally and physically get ready for your work. One way to do this is to set your alarm even a bit earlier than you think you need. This way, you’ll manage to complete your morning routine, plus you’ll have an opportunity to develop new habits (if you wish).
Give affirmations a go
Speaking or writing positive affirmations can work wonders for boosting your confidence, overcoming negativity, and even improving your relationships over time.
Feel free to create your own personal affirmations or give these examples a shot:
- I am intelligent, resilient, capable, and compassionate.
- I am deserving, appreciative, and filled with blessings.
- Today is going to be an amazing day!
Move your body
Engaging in morning exercise can be beneficial for maintaining a healthy sleep schedule and might also assist with weight loss (if that’s what you wish). In case you’re short on time for a full workout, consider incorporating a few stretches to gently prepare your muscles and joints for the day ahead.
Avoid making decisions
Give yourself a well-deserved mental break and aim to minimize the number of choices you have to make. For instance, plan your outfit the night before and decide on your breakfast beforehand. Although these might seem like small matters, these tiny decisions can add up and take a toll on our minds and overall well-being.
Figure out the best time to wake up
This is a privilege that isn’t accessible to everyone, especially those who have a 9-to-5 work routine. However, according to the Munich-based researcher Till Roenneberg, allowing yourself to wake up naturally by turning off your alarm could have positive effects on your health.
It turns out that morning alarms can sometimes end our sleep cycles too soon. This is because each of us has a unique chronotype, which makes us want to sleep at a specific time.
Make your bed
Making your bed is a simple task that can bring you a great sense of accomplishment. Plus, it has a wonderful ripple effect, boosting your motivation and making you more eager to tackle the rest of your tasks.
As an added bonus, studies show that making your bed increases your chances of having a restful night’s sleep by 19%.
End notes
If mornings aren’t your thing, don’t worry! You can take it slow and start with something small. Just choose one thing that personally motivates you, and it will help you focus and be more present in the morning.
