The internet seems obsessed with morning routines, and for good reason.
It’s easy to dismiss the hype, but the truth is, a well-structured morning routine can unlock your full potential, setting the tone for the rest of your day.
But let’s face it: Have you really crafted your ideal morning ritual, or are you still wrestling with the snooze button?
We often hear about the power of a good morning routine, but it’s much more than a wellness trend.
If you want to achieve your goals, increase productivity, and build positive habits, a thoughtful morning routine is essential.
James Clear puts it well:
“25,000 times you get to open your eyes, face the day, and decide what to do next. I don’t know about you, but I’ve let a lot of those mornings slip by…. Most unproductive or unhealthy behaviors are the result of slow, gradual choices that add up to bad habits. A wasted morning here. An unproductive morning there. The good news is that exceptional results are also the result of consistent daily choices.“
– YOU GET 25,000 MORNINGS AS AN ADULT: HERE ARE 8 WAYS TO NOT WASTE THEM | JAMES CLEAR
So, how do you create a morning routine that works for you? It’s simpler than you might think.
With a few key components, your mornings can set the stage for greater success in all areas of life. Here’s how you can start building a morning routine that ensures you win the day.
These are the 5 Key Components for Creating a Morning Routine for Success
When you’re ready to create your morning routine, incorporate the following five key components to make your morning routine work for you.
1. Set a Consistent Wake Up Time to Begin Your Morning
Plan Your Wake & Sleep Times
Before you decide what goes into your morning routine, you first need to determine when you’re going to start.
Set your day up for success by choosing a time that works best for you to wake up each morning. Make sure that includes 7-8 hours of sleep!
If you have the luxury of waking on your own time, I would highly recommend you set that time to occur when the sun rises to allow natural light to wake you (about 6:30a in the spring).
Break the Snooze Button Habit
We’ve all been there – just five more minutes, right? But pressing snooze doesn’t benefit you.
Studies show it disrupts your sleep cycle and leaves you groggy. There is absolutely ZERO benefit to pressing snooze and not getting up right away!
Instead, commit to waking up with your first alarm and avoid checking your phone or emails right away. Those tasks can wait until you’ve established your morning routine.
That includes your nasty habit of checking email or Twitter first thing! You are lying to yourself at best, sabotaging yourself at worst, continuing to do this.
So do yourself and potentially your partner a favor and for once and for all, kick your bad snooze habit.
2. Make the First Thoughts and Words to Yourself in the Morning Positive
I’ve found the most effective way to kick off each day is with a bit of positive self-talk.
If you find yourself waking up with negative thoughts, you’re not alone. But you can train your mind to start on a positive note by incorporating self-talk and affirmations.
Self-talk might include affirmations or repeating mantras, expressing gratitude, meditation, setting intentions, and my personal favorite, verbally recommitting to goals and asking empowering questions.
This can include:
- Gratitude: “What am I grateful for today?”
- Affirmations: “I am capable of achieving my goals.”
- Visualization: “What am I excited about in the day ahead?”
- Goal setting: “What can I focus on today to bring me closer to my goals?”
Asking yourself empowering questions primes your brain for success.
Pro note: in addition to self-talk, I will take a moment to visualize myself achieving my goals and tasks of the day.
3. Prioritize Hygiene and Self Care
While basic hygiene is non-negotiable, think of it as more than just brushing your teeth. Use this time to get into the right headspace for the day.
Some ideas to enhance your self care routine:
- Listen to podcasts: Tune into a motivational speaker or an inspiring podcast to get your mind thinking in the right direction.
- Create a soothing playlist: Music can set a peaceful or energized mood for the day.
For more practical self care tips, read: 7 Steps tp Building Self Care Into Your Daily Routine.
By making your hygiene routine more intentional, you’re creating a mental reset that prepares you for whatever the day may bring.
4. Fuel Your Body with a Nutritious Breakfast
A healthy breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is choosing something nutritious that fuels your body and brain for the day ahead.
Some options to consider:
- Protein-packed smoothies: Quick, easy, and customizable.
- Whole foods: Eggs, toast, fruit, and yogurt provide a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and fiber to keep you satisfied.
- Light snacks pre-workout: If you exercise in the morning, opt for something small, like a banana or a protein bar, to keep you going without feeling weighed down.
On mornings before I workout, I consume about a half banana or Lara bar to get me through a 30-60 minute workout. Something easy to digest, so it doesn’t sit in my stomach.
Afterward, I eat something more like a protein-packed smoothie, or if timing allows, I eat a whole, healthy breakfast. Eggs, toast, and yogurt with fruit, yum!
Breakfast is not just about food – it’s a ritual. If you enjoy coffee or tea, make it part of your morning routine, something you look forward to each day.
5. Move to Wake Up Your Mind and Your Body
The word “movement” here is intentional. You don’t need an intense workout session every morning to reap the benefits of exercise.
Simply moving your body can help wake up your mind, improve circulation, and set a positive tone for the day.
And let’s be honest, you stopped doing high-intensity workouts once you stopped going to your post-collegiate lacrosse and soccer leagues. (But man, if still do, you go! Good for you!).
Consider these options:
- Stretching or yoga: A gentle way to wake up your muscles.
- Walking: A walk outside not only gets your body moving but also allows you to connect with nature. Bonus points if you take your dog!
- Short home workout: If you’re feeling more energized, a 20-30 minute home workout can be an efficient way to get your blood pumping.
Movement is less about achieving fitness goals and more about getting your body and mind ready to tackle the day.
Still unsure what your morning routine will incorporate? Check out my single mom morning routine for more ideas!
Build a Morning Routine that Works for You
It’s important to remember that your morning routine should be as unique as you are.
You don’t have to follow a rigid schedule or make drastic changes overnight. Start by incorporating these five components and adjust based on what works best for your lifestyle.
Here’s the key: consistency. Like any good habit, your routine will stick when practiced consistently over time.
You may need to tweak things as life changes – whether it’s adjusting for a new job, children, or other responsibilities – but the foundation remains the same.
Successful Leaders and Their Morning Routines
- Arianna Huffington: Her mornings start with gratitude, meditation, and a nutrient-rich breakfast.
- Tim Ferriss: Focuses on morning journaling, a short exercise routine, and tea.
These leaders attribute their productivity and success to being intentional about how they start their day. And you can, too.
Final Thoughts
Don’t feel discouraged if your morning routine doesn’t feel perfect right away. The beauty of establishing this habit is that it can evolve with you. Start with what feels right, give it a few days, and then make adjustments.
Eventually, you’ll have a morning routine that sticks and supports you in becoming a more productive, healthier version of yourself—before you even step out the door.
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