Each day is a challenge. It’s an opportunity for you to do something new and different, to take on a project that will help your career or your family life, or just make the world a better place.
And every morning brings with it the chance for renewal. But not all mornings are created equal: some feel like they’ll never end!
So what if there were one simple thing, one way to start the day off right? What if you could wake up early tomorrow and have more time in the evening? Hint: it might be as simple as going to sleep earlier tonight!
Here are some things to try in the morning that will help make this day be more productive and amazing.
1. Wake Up Early, Consistently
Waking up early, if you have enough sleep, has many benefits, like improving your mental health, skin, and your overall health.
It boosts your levels of serotonin which will help make you happier and feel more refreshed.
It also helps you build better habits since you have more time for self-care in the morning.
I know it can be hard to get up–that’s why I make sure to get enough sleep each night so I don’t feel tired in the morning. It’s a great way to manage stress because you’re gathering the time you need to think and reflect on the day ahead before it starts.
It can also help to declutter your mind in the morning and clear away some worry because you’ll have more time to sort out what’s going on in your head before anything else comes at you.
2. Drink Water
Even though drinking water the first time in the morning will not increase its health benefits, it’s still a good habit to make sure you get enough water to keep your body hydrated.
To me, drinking water in the morning always feels refreshing. I always start by drinking water–sometimes with a lemon–before drinking coffee. It’s a great way to start feeling your best so you can be productive all day long!
3. Take a Sunbath
Sunbathing is one of the best ways to start your day feeling energized and healthy, and it can be done easily in the morning, especially when the weather is good.
Sunbathing in the morning will wake up your body, increase your vitamin D levels, and in return, you’ll have a stronger immune system! Plus, you get this awesome tan to show off to your friends!
When it’s winter, some areas like Texas, California, or Florida might still be warm enough to get sunbathe. But if it’s too cold, you may want to use the sunroom to avoid sunburn because snow is the ultimate reflector.
4. Exercise and stretch your body
It’s important to start your morning with exercise because it will help you feel better and more energetic throughout the day. It will also help you sleep better at night.
My favorite way to do this is with a morning sunbath. I love doing this because it wakes up my body and provides an opportunity to get some fresh air and sunshine first thing in the morning, which can be particularly beneficial if you’ve been working late or dealing with stress lately.
The best part about exercising is that you won’t feel guilty about not having time for yourself later on in the day because it’s already done before anything else happens.
The most important benefit of exercise is that it helps reduce stress levels and improve your mood by providing the ultimate sense of accomplishment.
5. Meditate or Pray
Meditation is one of the top self-care activities and it can be done in the morning before anything else happens. It’s a great way to start your day if you are someone who constantly has worries that keep you awake at night.
I personally find that meditation resets my thoughts and helps me to become more grounded so I can face the day ahead with positivity and clarity. Meditation also promotes relaxation, physical health, and mental well-being because it helps clear away stress and anxiety.
6. Make Your Bed
It sounds pointless, but making your bed every morning will help you wake up happier and more energized. Making your bed will also eliminate any anxiety, stress, or guilt you might have about having time to rest later in the day.
The best part about making your bed is that it will make you feel more accomplished and organized so you can start off your day feeling better for yourself.
7. Get Some Breakfast
It’s really important to have breakfast in the morning because it provides you with a much-needed energy boost that will last throughout the day. When I don’t eat breakfast, I usually feel tired or lethargic.
The key is to make sure your first meal is high-quality and loaded with fiber and protein so you’ll get the most out of your energy boost and stay energized for hours.
8. Make a Tea or Coffee
I love drinking coffee or tea in the morning because it gives me a boost of energy that I need to face my day.
Coffee or tea is often the second thing I drink in the morning because it’s what gets me out of bed and starts my day off on the right foot.
Plus, it gives me a great sense of satisfaction when I say “Hey! I had my first cup this morning!”
9. Plan Your Day
It’s really important to make a plan for the day beforehand because this way you know what needs to be done and when so you start off feeling more relaxed for the rest of it.
It also helps to clear your head so you can focus on just one thing rather than multiple things at once.
It will give you a much-needed energy boost and make you feel more satisfied once it’s done because of all the difficult tasks that you accomplished.
One way I plan my day is by making a list of tasks I need to complete in a physical notebook. This helps me get things done and stay on top of deadlines, which makes my day run a lot smoother.
It also eliminates any worry that might set in later as you realize that you didn’t plan anything.
10. Make A Gratitude List
Take a few minutes to go over the things that you are grateful for. It helps you focus on all of the things that have gone right in life, rather than focusing on the things that went wrong or weren’t completed.
I always feel so much better after taking this time to write down something that I am grateful for because it makes me feel good about myself. Lists of happiness in my life help me stay motivated and positive about each day.
11. Water Your Plants
Watering your plants in the morning not only keeps them looking healthy and lush but also helps you to start off your day with a positive mindset.
I like to water my plants while waiting for my tea or coffee to be warm enough to drink. It may sound simple, but for me, it’s a constant reminder that I have beautiful plants and flowers that need care and attention.
Watering plants also makes me feel satisfied because no matter how tough things might get during the day, I always have them at home that is waiting for me and need my love and care.
12. Play with Your Pet
Playing with your pet in the morning can help you to calm and relax, which is why this is always on my list of things to do for a productive day.
Playing with my pet is not only enjoyable, but it also gives me a sense of fulfillment when I see their happiness. And when they’re happy, I’m happy.
13. Read Good News
To start my day off on a positive note, I prefer to focus on good news rather than bad news when reading the news.
Obviously, there is no denying a negative fact as it exists in reality, but I do think the more exposure to misery and anxiety we get from all sources every day isn’t exactly healthy for us.
Most of the time the good news is about someone who has overcome adversity to accomplish something great or someone who is working hard for a worthy cause.
These stories not only make me feel happy and energized, but they remind me that there are people out there who are trying to do good in this world.
If you need a list of good news, here are some of my favorites:
14. Write A Journal
A lot of people say their morning routine makes them feel relaxed and rejuvenated because it connects them with what is important in life. This same sense of calm and peace can also come from writing in your morning journal.
Unlike other forms of writing, such as writing an article, the purpose of journaling is not to make you think, but rather it’s a way to allow your thoughts and emotions to pour out onto the paper.
15. Listen to Your Morning Playlist
Music is a wonderful tool that can help us manage our moods or even keep us focused when we need to be productive.
Music has the power to make it easier to go through hard times or send us into an elevated mood.
Listening to morning playlist in the morning can help you start off your day on a high note. It is also a great way to help you get pumped up and ready for the day.
16. Read a Book
Reading in the morning is a great way to start your day off right. It gives you something to look forward to and this can help you manage your stress levels.
Most people who read will say that they start reading in the morning, not only because it’s easier to find time during the morning and evening, but also because finishing a book first thing in the morning is rewarding and satisfying, which can prove to be therapeutic.
Listing out some ideas for books that may interest you could also help motivate you to get started on reading. If you haven’t started reading, then it’s time for you to start one!
17. Don’t Forget to Smile!
This is one that I think everyone can agree with since smiling helps boost your mood and energy levels. Even if you are not in the greatest of moods, I am sure you can agree that smiling helps improve your day.
One of the best parts about waking up is having a reason to smile and be happy; when this happens, it will just make your day better.
Smiling also makes others around us happier which can be infectious to those in our circles.