Each new day is a new beginning and how we start our morning can help set us up for having a positive and productive day.
Here are 12 super simple morning routine ideas for having a great start to your day with most of these practices taking less than 3 minutes!
Give these a try and see if any of these effective practices will become a favorite part of your mornings!
- Gratitude – Begin your day on a beautiful note with a daily gratitude practice. First thing after waking, grab a paper or a journal from your bedside table and write down 3 things/people/situations you’re grateful for. Whatever you show gratitude towards life brings you more of!
- Moment of meditation – A great way to help your mind get calm and focused for the day is to incorporate a meditation practice into your morning. Sit still for even a few minutes, bringing your awareness from the thoughts in your mind into your body, by focusing on listening to your breathing or your heartbeat.
- Waiting before taking your phone – Right after waking up, your mind is in a very receptive state. I’d suggest using that time to bring into your awareness something uplifting and inspirational instead of the latest news, texts, and posts beeping on your phone. You’ll have time to respond to everything later in your day, so just postpone opening your phone in the morning for as long as possible.
- A glass of lemon and salt water – Drinking a glass of water with lemon and a pinch of quality salt can help rehydrate your body, aid digestion, and boost your metabolism. The perfect healthy way to start your day!
- Stretches – Whether it’s some gentle stretches or a few yoga poses, getting a light movement in the morning is a great way to wake up your body and improve circulation. Stretches are wonderful for improving flexibility, reducing any tension, and preparing your body for the day ahead.
- Visualization – Spend a few minutes visualizing your goals and dreams. Imagine yourself achieving them and feel the emotions coming up as if you’ve already accomplished them. Visualization techniques can boost your motivation and confidence.
- 1 minute of jumping – Kickstart your day with 1 minute of jumping. It’s so good for getting your body’s strength and defense up by improving lymph flow and the release of endorphins will instantly give you an energy boost needed for the day.
- Sun exposure – As for all living beings sunshine gives us energy and lifeforce as well as regulates our circadian(day-night) rhythm, improves our mood, and provides a natural source of vitamin D. Morning is the best time for this, since the UV index is not too high yet.
- Deep breathing – Starting your day with a deep breathing practice helps you to step into the new day with a centered, calm, and grounded presence. It’s also a good way to practice mindfulness. Take a few minutes to clear your mind and take 10 deep breaths, closely watching as the air flows in from your nose down to your expanding belly and back out.
- Smiling – If there is no chance or no time to do any of the other practices written here, then at least try this one! I promise it’ll brighten your morning. Right as you become aware of waking up, being in your bed, alive for another wonderful day – smile! Even if at first it might feel silly, this most simple practice can be a powerful mood booster, showing the universe that you’re ready to embrace the new day with a smiling face.
- Intention-setting – Take a moment to set 3 intentions for the day ahead. The intentions can be as simple as: “I fully enjoy my morning cup of coffee.”, to maybe helping to set your mind on a bigger goal you have or even: “Showing kindness to the people I meet today.” These conscious choices act as a guide for your actions and mindset for the day.
I strongly believe that we have the power to shift our own lives in a positive direction by consciously choosing thoughts and actions that bring forth the best version of us. I’m really hoping that this article has been inspirational and helpful to you and that you can find an idea from here to add to your morning routine to brighten and boost your day. Take that step towards a happier, healthier body, mind, and soul!
With Love,
G.
