A Morning Routine: Do You Have One and Why You Should

In this episode, Annie discusses what a morning routine is, why everyone should have one, and some suggestions for tasks to include in your morning routine so your day is happy and productive.

Transcript

Hello and welcome to Aspire and Achieve with Annie. I am Annie Lewellyn and today we are talking about having a morning routine and why it is so important to have one when it comes to your well-being.

Having a morning routine is a cornerstone of well-being, creating a structured and intentional start to each day. This ritualistic-type practice not only instills a sense of order and predictability but also promotes mental clarity and reduced stress. 

By incorporating activities like mindfulness, exercise, and self-care, a morning routine nurtures physical health and emotional resilience. It sets the tone for positivity, productivity, and goal achievement, fostering a proactive mindset that carries throughout the day. 

The consistency and purpose embedded in a morning routine contribute to improved sleep quality, reduced decision fatigue, and enhanced overall well-being. Ultimately, this intentional investment of time in yourself each morning becomes a powerful foundation for a balanced and fulfilling life.

Let’s talk about the benefits of having a morning routine:

1. Sets the Tone for the Day:

   - A morning routine establishes a positive tone for the day, influencing mood and productivity. 

2. Reduces Stress and Anxiety:

   - Engaging in calming activities in the morning can reduce stress and anxiety levels, setting a relaxed pace for the day ahead.

3. Boosts Productivity:

   - A structured morning routine helps prioritize tasks and focus on goals, leading to increased productivity throughout the day.

4. Enhances Mental Clarity and Focus:

   - Starting the day with activities like meditation or exercise can improve mental clarity and focus, priming the mind for optimal performance.

5. Improves Physical Health:

   - Incorporating exercise or healthy breakfast choices into your morning routine promotes physical well-being and sets a healthy precedent for the rest of the day.

6. Cultivates Self-Discipline:

   - Consistently following a morning routine cultivates self-discipline and reinforces positive habits, leading to long-term personal growth.

7. Increases Energy Levels:

   - By establishing a morning routine that includes activities like exercise or stretching, you can increase energy levels and combat fatigue throughout the day.

So now that you understand how beneficial having a morning routine is, and a general idea of what that includes,  let’s talk about some specific activities you can do each morning for creating a positive start to the day:

1. Wake Up Early:

   - Aim to wake up early to allow ample time for your morning routine without feeling rushed. 

One note here - early for me is 5 am. What is your best time? It may be 6am, or as late as 10am. Make the schedule to wake up based on your specific circumstances. 

I wake up at 5:30 am. That’s what works for me. However, I have a daughter that works late so her wake up time is 10:30 am. That’s what works for her.

2. Hydrate:

   - Start the day by drinking a glass of water to hydrate your body and kickstart your metabolism.

I’m not going to lecture you about how many glasses to drink during the day, but I will say that I do not enjoy water at all. 

I add a fruit or a burst of juice to it. No it’s not straight water, but I am still drinking water. Do what is best for you, just drink water in some way and as often as possible.

3. Mindfulness or Meditation:

   - Practice mindfulness or meditation to center yourself and set a positive intention for the day.

There are many apps for this. I have an app for my iphone called mindfulness that I love. I also use an app called Balance for meditation. 

I cannot meditate without guidance just yet so having an app to guide me is a lot of help. There are single meditations for relaxing, sleep, stress, and more so I can pick the appropriate meditation for my particular mood or purpose as I wish.

4. Exercise:

   - Engage in physical activity, whether it's a brisk walk, yoga, or a workout routine, to boost endorphins and energy levels.

Movement is crucial to more than just your brain! Get up, go for a walk, dance, join a gym, hop on one foot if you want. Just move that butt every hour or so! Especially if you work a desk job that requires sitting a lot.

5. Healthy Breakfast:

   - Fuel your body with a nutritious breakfast containing protein, fiber, and healthy fats to provide sustained energy throughout the morning.

This could be a protein shake, a specific diet, or something you have your doctor suggest. 

Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day, so make sure you include it in your morning routine.

6. Gratitude Practice:

   - Take a moment to reflect on things you're grateful for, fostering a positive mindset and appreciation for the day ahead.

You can find absolutely beautiful Gratitude Journals in local stores if you look! Get one and actually use it. 

It will seem tough to find things to be grateful for at first, but it will get easier with practice.

7. Plan Your Day:

   - Review your goals and prioritize tasks for the day, ensuring a focused and productive mindset.

If you know me, you know I am a planner! I have a daily planner and have had one for each year since 2010. I cannot live without my planner.

It holds me accountable, keeps a great record of what I have done, and serves as an invisible accountability partner. I plan my day the night before.

If you don't use a planner, at least write down your tasks for the day each morning.

8. Limit Screen Time:

   - Avoid checking emails or social media immediately upon waking to reduce distractions and preserve mental clarity.

For goodness sake. Just wake up and do beneficial tasks that start your day off happy and positive. 

Unless your email tells you daily you hit the lottery or some other money windfall, let it wait til later in the day! It's too easy to start looking at the phone and waste too much time on wasteless tasks. 

9. Create Rituals:

   - Establish personal rituals or activities that bring you joy and set a positive tone for the day, such as journaling, reading, or enjoying a cup of tea.

10. Practice Self-Care:

    - Incorporate self-care activities into your morning routine, such as skincare, grooming, or indulging in a favorite hobby.

By incorporating these suggestions into your morning routine, you can create a positive and empowering start to each day, setting the stage for success and well-being.

And there you have it, beautiful souls! Another episode of "Aspire and Achieve with Annie" wrapped in the embrace of inspiration and empowerment. I hope the words shared today have ignited a spark within you, propelling you forward on your journey of self-discovery and achievement.

Remember, life is a dance, and even in the rain, there's a rhythm waiting to be discovered. Join me every Monday as we continue this exploration into confidence, self-care, motivation, and the myriad paths to happiness and independence.

Thank you for tuning in. I appreciate each and every one of you who has embarked on this journey with me. 

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Until next week, keep dreaming, keep believing, and always remember: your potential is infinite!