The early bird gets the worm, so they say! Anthony Ng, MD, DFAPA, medical director, Community Services, Northern Light Acadia Hospital, says, “Start your day with intention, because a healthy morning routine sets the tone for a productive and fulfilling day ahead.” We couldn’t agree more. If you feel like you're starting off your day chaotic and rushed, here are some takeaways to create your very own morning routine.
A perfect morning routine starts the night before:
The calmer and more organized you are before you climb into bed, the better your day will be. No matter how you slice it, leaving those supper dishes in the sink to “soak” overnight is never a good idea. Take the time to tidy up and make your space ready for the next day before you go to bed. Wash the dishes; pick up the odds and ends around your home; pull out anything you need first thing in the morning; pack your gym bag; make your lunch; and put your laptop, purse, and keys in their spot so you’re not frantically searching for them as you head out the door in the morning.
Wake up when it works for you: If you wake up too early without getting adequate rest, you'll feel groggy and miserable, which is not a great way to start your day. Set up a sustainable bedtime routine and wake up time that lets you catch a solid seven to nine hours of sleep.
Establish a tech-free zone: Don't check your phone first thing in the morning. Reducing screen time will help you start the day with a focused and intentional mindset.
Get some natural light right away: Sunlight is an important cue our bodies use to know when it's time to be asleep or awake. Toss open those curtains! If you wake up before the sun has risen, you can purchase an alarm clock that will mimic a sunrise.
Drink some water: Downing a glass of water first thing will help you feel more awake and energized—yes, before that first cup of coffee.
Make your bed: This simple act will help your self-esteem; it feels good to accomplish a simple task right away, and it can reinforce the idea that you deserve to live in a clean and tidy space.
Do some quick journaling: Scribble down whatever comes to mind. You don't even have to think about what you're writing, just get the ideas flowing.
Write a short to-do list: Jot down a list of the most important things you'd like to get done that day. List three or four major goals for the day.
Move or stretch: If you like working out first thing in the morning, excellent. Some people swear by a morning exercise to wake them up and energize them for the rest of the day. Stretching feels good and can be one more thing you do for yourself in the morning.
Don't overload your morning routine: Choose the morning habits that work best for you. Try to keep the list short so it doesn't feel like a burden. If your morning checklist is stressing you out before you even wake up, it's probably not sustainable.
So, here’s to a great night’s sleep and a perfect day forward!
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