Rise And Shine: How To Build A Morning Routine That Sets You Up for Success

When it comes to routines, we often underestimate the value of planning our mornings. Whether you’re a morning person or dread the sound of your alarm, having a structured morning routine can be the key to a successful day. You know the old adage: How you start is how you finish.

If you work from home or run a small business, you may know the feeling of floating through your day, just picking up tasks as you go. However, something as small as a morning routine can change the trajectory of your entire day. According to Forbes, not only can an established routine make for an easier day, but it can also reduce stress and improve productivity.

Everybody’s morning routine will differ, and yours will not be the same as your friends or coworkers. Still, there are some steps that everyone can benefit from.

Mornings are hard, and sometimes you feel like you could really use an extra 10 minutes of sleep. However, research suggests hitting snooze several times can make it harder to wake up and start your day. According to AmeriSleep, the sleep you get between alarms isn’t restorative and can interrupt your internal clock.

If you have difficulty getting up in the mornings, try getting up at the same time every day so your body can adjust to the new circadian rhythm. It should become easier and easier each day. Additionally, you can try placing your alarm on your dresser instead of your nightstand. This way, you must get up to turn off the alarm.

Your mind and body are one. What you do to one affects the other. Adding exercise to your morning routine is a great way to set yourself up for a successful day. Mompreneur Bianca Dottin says a 20-30 minute workout can help you wake up and get your blood flowing. Consider easy workouts like walking, stretching, or jump roping.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. You’ve probably heard it since you were a little kid, but it is still true. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) says that eating in the morning provides you more energy than waiting until lunch — and no, the iced caramel latte with foam does not count. Still, you don’t need to cook a breakfast for four either. A granola bar and fruit is an excellent way to start the day.

Once you’ve gained some energy from working out and breakfast, Dottin also suggests taking a few minutes to set your goals and intentions for the day. Using your phone, pen and paper, or an app (i.e., Structured or Todoist), write down everything you want to get done. Set meeting reminders and make a grocery list, but don’t forget to schedule lunch.

It’s one thing to say you’ll set a solid morning routine, and it’s another to do it. Much like planning your day, use your phone or an app to plan what you want to do in the mornings. Take a few minutes before bed to decide what you want your routine to look like. From brushing your teeth to taking your vitamins, write down the steps so you don’t forget anything.

As mentioned, no one’s morning routine will look the same as someone else’s, but these steps can help you get an easier start to your day. Personalize your routine with steps that help you be the best version of yourself, like drinking a bottle of water or saying affirmations in the mirror.

NAMI suggests the following steps to a great morning routine:

6:55-7:00 – Slowly wake up, and open your eyes.

7:00-7:15 – Open the curtains, put on energizing music and do some light stretching.

7:15-7:30 – Eat some fruit and almonds for breakfast.

7:30-8:00 – Read and drink tea or water to get the mind stimulated and the body hydrated.

8:00-8:30 – Shower (don’t forget to sing!) and get ready for work.

8:30-9:00 – Walk to work to get in some moderate exercise.

9:00-9:15 – Begin work with a planning session to strategize your day.