What did your morning look like? Did you hit snooze a few times? Rolled over finally to scroll through your socials for a bit?
These seemingly mundane choices can make all the difference in how your day unfolds. Since you are here, it seems like you have understood the importance of finding your perfect morning routine, or at least one that leaves you feeling better.
Whether you’re a morning person or not, creating a routine that promotes wellness is essential to living a happier life. We’ve put together 8 steps for a good morning routine to create a ritual that works for you.
1. Get a good night’s sleep
First things first, the quality of our morning routine begins even before we wake up. Although 25% of all adults in the Netherlands report problems sleeping, 77% of the Dutch are getting the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep. So how can we not just sleep longer but also make sure we sleep better?
There are a few tips when it comes to getting quality rest, preparing you for a peaceful morning routine. These include:
- Take time to slow down. After dinner, try to put on some chill music, grab a book, and allow yourself to relax with a cup of tea from your favorite mug. We live busy lives and need to slow down.
- Go digital detox towards the evening. We all love a good Netflix series in the evening sometimes, BUT this will have a negative impact on the quality of your sleep. Ask yourself: Is this really better than a good night's sleep? Some nights, it might be a yes, but more and more, you’ll come to realise that it should be a no.
- It takes some time to fall asleep for many of us. If you are one with a busy mind, grab a journal for some brain dumping. It helps to plan these things in as you find your evening routine and perfect bedtime. Set the alarm for a reasonable time, and off to dreamland you go.
Each of these techniques can help you get the right amount of sleep every night and wake up fresh the next day.
2. The snooze will ruin your morning routine
Hitting the snooze button can not only influence your morning routine but also your entire day. While you may intend to only get five more minutes of sleep, hitting snooze can quickly become a half hour.
The secret ingredient here: habit. Many might have heard that it takes 21 days to form a habit, so here are a few tips for you to get past the snooze button in the next 3 weeks:
- Counting to five: When getting out of bed seems impossible, try to count to five. After five, make yourself get out of bed and begin your day.
- Keeping slippers and sweaters near your bed: One dreadful thing that keeps us in our warm, cozy bed is the cold beyond the sheets. Keep slippers and sweaters close for fewer excuses!
- Presetting your coffee machine or just promising yourself that this is the first thing you do: If you’re a coffee drinker, just the aroma can be enough to motivate you to get up. Preset your machine so the coffee is waiting for you when you wake up. Or, visualise your favorite coffee mug and let that thought carry you out of bed.
Getting rid of the snoozing habit can only be achieved by replacing it with another habit, so give it a shot!
3. Give yourself enough time to start the day
Whatever your days look like, we all have places to be and things to do. It is a huge help to know exactly when you need to leave the house, and then the backwards calculation starts. Here’s an example of a morning routine:
9.30 AM – Leave the house
8.45 AM – Shower and get ready
7.15 AM – Hit the gym (if you’re a morning person)
6.45 AM – Read, journal, or do whatever helps to sort the mind before starting the day
6.30 AM - Alarm goes off and it is time to prep the coffee
Keep in mind: just as unique as our days are, so are our morning routines. See what works for you, test, and adjust until it feels right.
4. Drink a full glass of water
Make sure to treat yourself to some proper hydration - your overall health and vitality will thank you, and your morning routine will be taken to the next level. Kickstart your day by prioritizing your water intake as soon as you wake up. By making it a habit to drink a full glass of water before reaching for your morning coffee or tea, you set the stage for increased focus and productivity. This approach not only helps you stay refreshed but also counteracts any potential dehydration caused by caffeinated beverages. Start your day off right by incorporating this simple yet effective hydration ritual into your morning routine.
5. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea from your favorite mug
Water? Check. Now? Time for the more enjoyable things in life.
Appreciating a delicious cup of coffee or tea as part of your morning routine can make starting your day more enjoyable and easier. As mentioned above, you might be giving yourself something to look forward to! Combine your morning drink with an opportunity to spend time with your housemates, family, pets, or a good book.
6. Prepare a healthy breakfast
Make your morning routine a little brighter and your day a bit smoother, by starting off with a wholesome breakfast that simply feels good. Whether it's a comforting bowl of oatmeal or a refreshing smoothie, choose ingredients that will give you that extra boost of happiness. And make sure to take out your nicest plates to make even the simplest breakfast feel special. If you're short on time, a little morning meal prep can go a long way toward keeping things stress-free. Just a few minutes of prep can help you breeze through the day feeling refreshed and ready for whatever comes your way!
7. Take advantage of self care for your morning routine
Building a morning routine focused on self-care is crucial for your happiness and well-being. It's all about finding what works for you, whether it's taking a comforting hot shower, treating your skin to a nourishing face mask, or delving into a good book. Prioritize activities that make you feel good inside and out. By incorporating simple practices like these into your routine, you're not just enhancing your day but also safeguarding against burnout. So, why not start with one of these basics:
- Enjoy a relaxing, hot shower or bath.
- Treat your skin to a soothing face mask.
- Grab a journal and brain dump all the thoughts floating in your mind
8. Say positive affirmations & Meditate
Making affirmations a part of your morning routine is a powerful way to challenge limiting beliefs and create confidence. Sharing positive affirmations at the start of your day can be a source of motivation, empowering you to tackle challenges with self-belief and enthusiasm. Here are some affirmations you can try:
- Self-love: "I am worthy of love and kindness, and I choose to treat myself with compassion."
- Confidence: "I trust in my abilities and believe in my capacity to overcome any obstacles that come my way."
- Abundance: "I am grateful for the abundance that surrounds me, and I attract prosperity and success into my life effortlessly."
- Positivity: "I embrace positivity and optimism, knowing that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and learning."
- Empowerment: "I am in control of my life, and I have the power to create the reality I desire through my thoughts, actions, and choices."
By vocalising or jotting down these affirmations each morning, you pave the way for a more optimistic perspective, setting the tone for a fulfilling day ahead. Bring them together with a simple breathing exercise, or simply be present in the moment as you repeat them to yourself.
Your morning routine plays a big role in how your day goes. It's important to make sure it sets you up for success, whether you're a morning person or not. Here's a short version of our ultimate morning routine: get good sleep, don't hit snooze, give yourself plenty of time in the morning, drink water, enjoy your morning drink, eat a good breakfast, take care of yourself, and start your day with positive thoughts. These simple steps help make your day brighter and more fulfilling.