People always talk about which side you get out of bed onĀ as a factor for deciding whether you have a bad, good or great day.
And while yes, sleep and what you do in your bed is essential to feeling refreshed and full of energy, for me, what I do immediately after getting up is just as important to a great day. My morning routine used to suckĀ – it was all about getting as much sleep as possible and then running to work with a piece of toast in one hand and a coffee in the other. This was kind of cause and effect because I was going to bed late which set me back completely. But as many of you will have read, last year I decided it was time to become a morning person. You can read about that here. Most of the things I talked about in that post covered the concept of how to plan your evening so that getting up was easier. And all of those things have genuinely helped me. But while investing in your evenings (i.e. sleep) is essential to feeling good, so is designing your mornings so they are inspiring and put you in good steadĀ to combat what the day is sure to throw at you! As work life has intensified lately, mornings have become even more sacred.Ā If I start the day without my routine, these days I feel like crawling under the desk and crying by 2pm. Seriously.
5 Steps for Creating the Perfect Morning Routine
1. Make Time
Feeling like I can take time to wake up and enjoy the early hours has utterly changed my outlook on not just the morning but the whole day. I guess I covered it in my last post but jumping out of bed and rushing to work definitely doesn’t help you calibrate for what the day will throw in your face. The key here is to set your sleeping rhythms so that you wake up earlier naturally (or with a nudge of some music or alarm), and just force yourself initially to get up. There’s not much of a way around this other than to go to bed earlier.Ā Those few extra hours (or even just 30 mins!) will set you up for a great day.
2.Ban Work
This can be a hard one, but try not to view your mornings as an extension of your work day, no matter how busy you are. This goes for everyone from students to freelancers to professionals. Think of them as special and just for you. Avoid checking emails, looking at Instagram or anything that could have your brain forced into work mode. Better yet, start a 8pm – 8am screen ban so that you can shut the world out completely.
3. Get moving
Nothing is better than getting the blood flowing first thing in the morning. If you get the chance, do something that helps you sweat so that you can wake yourself up and kick start your metabolism. I often try booking myselfĀ in for a class that IĀ can’t get out of – it’s aĀ great way to lock yourself into a morning routine, and if that can’t happen even just a bit of stretching will help you feel great. My regime changes all the time but no matter how much I just wanna stay in bed, my outlook is a zillion times better when I’ve sweated a bit in the morning. And yes, before you groan at the thought – relaxing on the couch with a book every few days is great too. š
4. Feed your body
MakingĀ breakfast and having time to actually sit down and eat it is a probably not something many of us get to do that often. In the past when I was rushing to work breakfast was the last thing on my mind and I often found myself eating Starbucks banana bread on the bus… Not a great way to start the day! Making a good breakfast takes a bit of prep because you need to make sure you have the right ingredients in the fridge the night before – these days I’m all about poached eggs and wilted spinach – but it’s so worth it. Even something at *basic* as avocado on toast is a great start to the day.
5. Just add water
I know everyone talks about lemon water, but IMO I struggle to think it makes much difference whether it has lemon, seaweed, cucumber or crushed Himalayan wild flowersĀ in it – for me it’s the water part that’s going to make you feel good.
6. Feed your soul
In my last life post we talked about mindfulness, and the morning is the best time to have a crack at meditation and set yourself up for an anxiety free day. My mum has done light meditation every morning for years, and I truly think it helped her keep work and life related stresses at bay. This is somethingĀ I’m yet to master but hoping I can by the end of the year. Onwards and upwards!
What do you do to start the day right? Any other ideas for how I can improve my mornings?
very motivating post! thank you for sharing great content — as always.
http://huemorist.blogspot.com
OMG!! i love these inspiration!! sooo cool! :))
xoxo
http://www.stylesolution.cz
I completely agree with you on waking up early and giving yourself time. I always feel so much better about my day when I wake up around 6/7am and I feel so much more productive!
http://www.abigailalicex.com
Nice guide!:-)
Love this post! I have been meaning to add some oompf to my morning routine however I find it so hard to do so! I have to leave home at about 7:15 every morning so the only thing I do is eat breakfast! Definitely going to try and squeeze some more meaningful things into my morning.
Avanti
xxx
Avantigarde.wordpress.com
great tips
http://www.killthemwithchic.com
I am definitely going to take this advice! Such a great post
http://simonaroxanahuidiu.blogspot.ro
Nice tips.. I love to just start the day lighting a candle and do some stretch…also nothing better than a big glass of water and sit for about 15 minutes to meditate or relax with a cup of tea!!
As always nice post!!
Keep Inspiring š
MilƩ
milerubio.com
Love this. I do a lot of these already but the 8pm-8am screen ban is a wonderful idea… definitely going to give that a go!
Ekaete x
http://www.bonviveurbelle.com
A great list!
Making time in the morning is a priority for me. I’ve always been someone who needs to have a leisurely pace in the morning as opposed to getting up and all things are go, go, go.
Great tips — hydrating is so important in the morning!
http://hashtagliz.com
These are all such good tips. I might start trying my hand at a bit of meditation in the morning – I’ve never given that a go before š
Samantha from ohsamanthalouise.wordpress.com
I recently started reading Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way and it has enormously helped me establish a better morning routine. I was just like you beforeāstaying up late, trying to get as much sleep as possible the next morning, and I felt terrible all day. I’ve started waking up no later than 6:30, write in my journal, do 30 minutes of yoga, prepare and eat breakfast, then get ready for work. My evening routine, however, could be better. Still working on that. But you are completely right about having a regular morning routine. It really helps the psyche.
Thanks for the tips! I definitely need to start adding some of these to my morning, they’re my worst nightmare at the moment
x
http://www.siobhanrothwell.wordpress.com
When I wake up early, although I’d much rather sleep in for a few more hours and leave my place at the skin of my teeth, I find that I have better days when I have better mornings where I’ve allowed myself to indulge in routines such as yourself. When I’m not in a rush to leave, I feel much saner. Great post!
I agree – morning routines are so important in setting the mood for the whole day š
It makes such a difference, but it’s really hard to get used to, especially with trying to maintain a work life balance, but I’m determined <3
Thank you for sharing!
xo, elizabeth t.
https://clothestoyouuu.wordpress.com/
Useful and motivational tips.
Stacy from http://www.stacyco.com
really useful post! I actually now love waking up in the morning, especially when I plan my next day ahead properly! hope you have a good weekend!xx
Erika | Just That DIY
I just love to start a good day with avocado! Gives me so much energy :))
X Charlotte from Come as Carrot
Great post. š
I have a blog too – http://bymybedside.com
Please check it out lovelies xxxx
[…] On creating the perfect morning routine… […]
I think making time is such an important thing – if you’re rushing then you will panic and be stressed all day.
Lizzie Dripping
I’m always looking for a way to improve my morning constitutional, so naturally, I was drawn to your title.. Question. (Maybe I’m reading too quickly) 5 steps for creating the perfect morning routine with 6 points? Which are the 5 you have in mind? TY
This was the greatest post, I love morning routine posts, but this one was really spot on!
Wonderful advices ! Thanks to you, I am going to try to change my way of start my day.
I am totally guilty of sleeping too late and then waking up with a jolt, followed by waking the kids up for school and running around like a headless chicken…which leaves me exhausted by 11am. 100% going to use these tips! (And also start sleeping earlier, I promise).
I agree, as long as your not a Mom…
Such great advice and insight! Shared with my family… We are going to walk this path. Thank you!
Hi! Thank you for your post! I’m actually trying to become a morning person lately (I don’t really have a choice), but I find this to be extremely difficult for me:/ But the few times that I’ve managed to get up early, refresh myself, prepare breakfast, etc. it’s been totally worth it! I really hope to be able to do it more and more often in the future:)
Great advice. I used to this and felt great. Bad habit of brewing coffee and watching news now and feel sad, angry and lethargic!!! Thanks.
Very helpful thanks for the post. š
Willie
http://www.SparksNStyle.com
Love this post, such a good positive attitude to getting up in the morning. And I completely agree with having “me” time in the morning and by the way advocado is my new go to food š
lafatadimoda.wordpress.com
Love this post. So true and motivating at the same time
Totally Agree with this, i call it ‘the morning ritual’. Love your website UI btw.
This advice is great for a single person who lives alone without kids, husband or dogs! I am up at 5:15am most weekdays before my family, which includes teenage twins, a husband, and two dogs! I go to bed by 10pm most nights. I lay out my clothes for the next day before bed.
I need to try the ban work part of this. Because the first thing I do in the morning is check emails, ..lol.
But I do get up half an hour earlier, so my body can get into the mood of things & i def agree with the water portion of this post. I automatically feel thirsty whenever I get ou of my bed, be it 6 am or 3 a.m, so I always keep a bottle next to my bed.
http://www.nothingbutvelvet.com
I agree with the ‘ban work’ too!! If I check mail during my morning ritual i end up feeling derailed and overworked, so i installed inboxpause.com till well after 8AM. works amazingly!! I love that you also agree with the water portion! very rejuvenating.
[…] Sanne tipt 10 favoriete adresjes in Utrecht – Moeite met opstaan? Deze 5 tips voor de perfecte ochtendroutine helpen misschien wel! – Geen leestip maar een kijktip: de Laos-documentaire Banana Pancakes […]
is nice post… but i am not sure to can do all the things seems difficult…..
Working from home gives me a different problem as it’s so easy to let time slide when there’s no bus to catch etc! Will definitely be trying to be more focused. The screen ban sounds good (says she, tapping away at her phone before breakfast!) I’m off to make a high power smoothie and seize the day. Thanks for the inspiration x
This is such an inspiring post! I read so much about morning routines lately, yet I haven’t been able to adapt any of them. These steps are very simple and crucial in my opinion to get more quality out of life. The hardest part? Ban work from 8 pm – 8 am š
the bit on getting time for myself instead of just jumping out of bed is one thing i can work on, also i really have to appreciate bloggers like you, who are writing for others and not themselves/ about themselves, you helping others grow.
enjoy your week.
bless you.
xoxo
http://www.wanjiruwangethe.me.ke
Hi.
Thanks for this great article. I really try to make great breakfast every morning with yogurt, eggs and smoothie. It gives me new energy and make me feel more motivated to get up early in the morning, because I know, this great meal are waiting for me.
/ Eline from Denmark. (foodblogger)
Such a brilliant post, I definitely agree that it’s important to take some time out to start your day right for you, puts you in such a better mindset for the day ahead
Great suggestions
http://www.whatrajwants.blogspot.co.uk
I love this article! My routine consists of closing myself up in my home office, turning on my Scentsy burner, turning on the little water fountain my youngest got me for Mother’s Day, and putting on some soft classical music while I answer emails and read blogs š It’s a great and relaxing way to start my day!!
Thanks for the great article!!
Kim
http://www.lifeaftermonday.com
love these tips! read so many of these better morning posts but yours is truth! the whole work ban from 8PM-8AM is something i need to commit to! I’m giving it a try this week!
-annie
http://www.takeabiteblog.com
Wonderful post, SO true!
I’ve had a morning ritual for a little over a year now, after moving my home and business at the same time and wanting to prepare for my best life ever in my 50s. š I’ve actually created a playlist on my iPad for this, that’s designed to run 3 hours from 7am until I start work in my skincare salon at 10, and starts out with soft spa-like music, getting stronger and more upbeat until “I Love You, Goodbye” by Thomas Dolby finishes it off. I, too, wrote a blog post about this, as a way of suggesting how to get in a big chunk of your daily intake of water so you don’t have to worry about it as much for the rest of the day. š
http://acnewhisperer.blogspot.com/2014/08/is-there-connection-between-water.html
š
Nice post ! And good tips š
Great tips! They will be really helpful as I have to get back into my work routine since school is back in session. It will be difficult to wake up earlier than 6am, but I can see the future benefits!
http://www.velee.weebly.com
Great tips and I completely agree with the 8pm to 8am work ban as trying not to extend the work day is always something I struggle with.
Kim
http://www.buddhachicandbuttercream.com
Absolutely!
I love mornings, and I’m passionate about how much a good morning routine can make your days better. (I write about it here: http://www.sarahevelyn.co.za/7-steps-to-radically-better-mornings/).
Thanks for this post!
I totally agree to everything you said. Used to go to uni in the morning so that meant getting out of the house before 7:30 every morning which in turn meant a lot of running around. Now I am lucky enough to have all the time in the world I want in the morning so that’s made the biggest of differences on my skin, my hair, my mood and undeniably on my productivity.
Oana
http://www.greenvogueandglam.blogspot.com
Hilarious! Can you please send this post to my two children ages three and five? I am sure they will be more than happy to give me time in the morning to relax on the couch with a book.
i’m starting university soon after a long summer break so this post couldn’t have come at a better time! i have two weeks left before i leave and am currently working on establishing a good routine again. the biggest factor i found that has helped is number 4 and 5. for me, a good breakfast = good day. nothing like filling yourself up with goodness to feel energised for the day ahead!
Sarah
http://absolutelysarahx.blogspot.com
I’ve been trying to get my morning routine going for a few months, your post made me realize I need to do 2 things, sort out my evening routine and ban work in the morning. Will be trying the 8pm – 8am screen ban(which may be painful as I am slightly addicted to all my screens).Great post, thanks for the motivation.
This is just what I needed to read this morning! My am routine has become a mess!
Annie
http://www.somethingswellblog.com/
I love love love this post! It really is so important to reserve time for yourself every day- I’m going to give your no screens from 8PM-8AM a solid try! I’m very into the idea of making it a point to unplug for a little bit each day. Thanks for this!
Great tips!! Avocado on toast is delicious…or a halved avocado with an egg baked on top. So yummy š
<3-Brook
http://www.basicbrook.wordpress.com
I think starting your day off with meditation is such a great idea. It’s a practice I have yet to accomplish but it seems like those who take the time to make it happen are the ones who start and end their day calm.
http://www.throughmyowneyes.com
I love to wake up and read my Bible or find verses that apply to my life at the moment and meditate on them. Stretching and a brisk walk on the treadmill is wonderful too. Ideally I like to get up early enough to do all of these things so by the time the kids wake I can relax with a cup of coffee and enjoy our morning together.
[…] I always have a stack or oranges and lemons on the go.Ā Naturally, after all that being good (re: morning routines and 8pm – 8am phone ban), come the end of the week I’m ready to let my hair down. And […]
[…] always have a stack or oranges and lemons on the go. Naturally, after all that being good (re: morning routines and 8pm – 8am phone ban), come the end of the week I’m ready to let my hair down. And […]
Very helpful tips for freelancers, thanks!
very helpful tips for freelancers!
such a great post!! thank you so much for sharing this!
i should definitely follow the 8pm-8am screen ban – it would definitely relax me a bit!
xx
jade
https://ohjade.wordpress.com/
I LOVE this and I too have found that giving myself more time each morning makes me feel so much more in control of my day rather than have it run away with me. I’m going to try the 8-8pm screen ban too. Great idea!
Maybe have a short shower after the sport time in the morning, ir just to really awake us! I love the ideas you give, I wake up and in 30min I has to be in clase, so I am stressed every morning. I think I Will use this post a lot and start to have a good get up. Thanks and good morning everyone!!!
Xoxox,Vicky;)
I love waking up a little earlier in the morning. It not only gives me adequate time to get ready, but it allows me to take some time for myself to actually wake up. I hate the feeling of being rushed, so enjoying my time getting ready really helps me start my day on the right foot!
I can here my Mum’s voice in my head saying “Pack your bag the night before”. Of course she’s right, it definitely helps to have one less thing to think about in the morning.
Much love, Beanie x
http://www.blogofbeanie.co.uk
[…] day, I will become a morning person. Oh yes, I will! TheseĀ 5 steps for creating the perfect morning routineĀ may just get me […]
[…] 5 steps for creating the perfect morning routineĀ – I think we could all use some help in this department… […]
This post has officially made me want to get up earlier in the morning, so inspirational š
This post is a true inspiration. Can’t wait for tomorrow morning now! š
Love from Belgium,
Amal
helloitsamal.com
I would like to add quick suggestion:
ā¦instead of saying āI hate morningsā, start saying āI love morningsā (or even āI like morningsā).
Itās okay if you donāt actually love morning yet but it will start to change your thoughts about morning time all together (especially if you are realizing the other benefits of a productive morning).
Definitely inspired me to work on my morning routine! I WILL become a morning person ā
good tips to start your day…