10 Tips for Building Your Perfect Morning Routine

If you're not naturally a morning person, getting your day off to a good start can be a real challenge.  You wake up groggy and scramble to get ready, only to find yourself running late as you rush out of the house.  The day is thrown off, and you're left feeling scattered, off-balance, and out-of-sorts.
 
Your morning sets the tone for the rest of the day.  If you feel calm, relaxed and energized, that's a huge asset in dealing with whatever the day throws at you.

What does the the perfect morning routine look like?  It's different for everyone; you need to find what works for you personally.  Here are 10 tips to play around with, so you can experiment and build a morning routine that's perfect for you!

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1. Nail down your night-time routine.

It's hard to have a good morning when you're dragging yourself around half-asleep.  Nailing down your night-time routine and getting a good night's sleep is essential in laying the foundation for a good morning.
 

2. Prepare as much as you can the night before.

Preparing as much as you can the night before will free up precious time in the morning.  Take this a step further by simplifying your environment, e.g.  keep daily-use items within easy reach.
 

3. Pause and take a few deep breaths before getting out of bed.

If you're not a morning person, the transition into your day can be jarring.  A few deep breaths while you're still in bed will give your body and mind a chance to wake up gradually.  Just make sure to sit up first, so you don't go back to sleep!
 

4. Read or listen to something uplifting.

Focusing your mind on something uplifting is a great way to start the day off right.  It could be a collection of inspirational sayings, or an encouraging podcast.
 

5. Meditate.

Time spent meditating quiets your mind and benefits your physical, emotional, and spiritual health for the rest of the day.  It also sharpens you mentally, by improving cognition and working memory.
 

6. Exercise.

Whether you prefer to do some light stretching or a 10-minute workout routine, getting your body in motion first thing in the morning will loosen you up and boost your energy for the rest of the day.


7. Don't check email or visit social media sites right away.

Email and social media can easily become distractions and time wasters — not what you need first thing in the morning. 
 

8. Skip the news first thing in the day.

A barrage of news first thing in the morning is mentally taxing and can lead to information overload.  Hold off on reading or listening to the news until later in the day.
 

9. Get out for some fresh air.
Whether you go out for a walk, or sit out on your backyard patio or balcony to sip a cup of tea, the fresh air will wake you up and energize you.  If you're able to catch the sunrise, even better! 
 

10. Add something special to your environment.
Maybe it's some fresh flowers on display, or your favourite music playing in the background, or some luxurious towels to dry off with after you shower.  Whatever you choose, adding something special or beautiful to your environment will awaken your senses and make your morning more enjoyable.
 

Bonus tip: 
A glass of room temperature water, with the juice of half a lemon added, is a great way to start the day.  It's energizing, good for your digestive system, supports liver health, and it will leave you feeling bright and alert.