The idea of a morning routine might feel overwhelming, especially if you believe it requires an extra early wake up to work on numerous tasks before the day has even officially started. It might be enticing to scrap the morning routine and instead sleep until the last minute possible and rush out the door while eating breakfast on the go. This might get you more hours or minutes of sleep; however, it also sets the tone for the rest of your day. That rushed, scattered, disorganized feeling can be hard to shake; hence why a tailored morning routine can be extremely beneficial. Morning routines allow you to start your day in an intentional, productive, and organized way, which helps you feel more confident, focused, calm, and prepared for the rest of the day.
Morning routines don’t have to be lengthy and complicated to be beneficial, and they also don’t have to be the same as everyone else’s. To get the most out of a morning routine it should fit your lifestyle, feel doable, and focus on the things that help you feel calm, confident, and ready to take on the day.
When creating a morning routine, it can be helpful to start small, as this will minimize feeling overwhelmed while also fostering success. Choose 1 to 3 practices that feel doable and that you are confident you can achieve. This approach is beneficial because it is easier to stick to a routine when you feel a sense of accomplishment.
Consider what time feels reasonable to wake up and how much time you want to allot to your routine to avoid feeling rushed. The practice of being present and intentional first thing in the morning can foster a sense of calm, relaxation, and control that can be carried into the rest of the day. This might look like focusing on your breath, meditation, or grounding strategies. Other areas that might be valuable to consider are fuelling your body, hydration, hygiene, self-reflection, movement, and setting yourself up for success the night before. You could even try going for a morning stroll; nothing too strenuous, but fresh air can really make your mood better for the day ahead.
A healthy routine is built on flexibility, so evaluating and adjusting it along the way can help you find a good fit for your needs. A lthough suggestions of practices in a morning routine have been mentioned, it is possible that some or none of these will work for you and that is ok! Pick practices that feel important and beneficial for your life and your goals as this will have the biggest impact. If you are unsure what this might look like, connecting with friends and family or reaching out for counselling support can provide valuable insight.
Kaitlin Chapple, MA, RCC
Walmsley EFAP