Morning routines can be a critical aspect of performing at a high level during the day.
Many people believe that morning routines are the key to unlocking our full potential for the rest of the day. There are many famous and successful people who swear by morning routines, including one my favorites, Tim Ferriss (The 4 Hour Workweek, Tribe Of Mentors, Tools Of Titans).
The idea behind practicing any routine is to develop healthy and sustainable habits that can serve as your foundation when life is challenging and stressful. Routines can act as a buffer between having a bad day and having an awful day. They keep us sane during the insanity.
WHAT DOES A MORNING ROUTINE LOOK LIKE?
Well, if you ask a thousand different people, you’ll get a thousand different answers. Most of it comes down to an individual’s personality and their environment.
Creating a morning routine can be stressful and overwhelming when you have so many choices.
But this is where it gets fun – you can experiment with variations of different routines.
There isn’t a “right or wrong” answer to putting together a morning routine that fits you and your lifestyle. But some activities seem to get better results than others. For example, starting to the day off by stimulating your mind in some fashion tends to work for most people.
So, where should you start?
I’ve simplified the process for you – I’ve dissected and incorporated dozens of morning activities over the years. Below are ten activities that work well for me, no matter how I construct my routine.
9 SIMPLE MORNING ROUTINES TO HELP STIMULATE YOUR MIND
PERFORM A LIGHT PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
This is something I learned by listening to the Tim Ferriss Podcast. Tim mentions how he does pushups as soon as he gets out of bed to get the blood flowing in his body. Any light exercise will help get your general circulation going, which has a positive influence on both nutrients and oxygen for the brain. Light exercise can be anything from jumping jacks, pushups, or a quick walk. Getting the heart pumping and sweat commencing is an easy way to clear your mind and release chemicals in your brain, such as endorphins, which give the body a positive feeling. I start with fourteen pushups, which seems to help jumpstart my body
MEDITATE, PRAY, PRACTICE YOGA
One of the most critical elements of starting your mornings off in a productive manner is being in a peaceful state of mind. If you begin each morning filled with worry, anxiety, or angst, it will undoubtedly hurt the rest of your day. That means you’ll be in a bothered mood, which hinders your productivity and increases the chance of confrontation, outbursts, and general apathy. Depending on your beliefs and personal mantra, any form of meditation, prayer, yoga, or mindfulness, which puts your mind at peace, will suffice in enhancing your mood.
GO OVER DAILY AFFIRMATIONS
Talking to yourself with positive daily affirmations such as “I am surrounded by love” or “I can achieve success” can have a positive effect on the brain. The reason is the power of neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new neural connections (aka, new thoughts, and new emotions based on those thoughts). In the simplest terms, the more positive or uplifting thoughts that form in your brain, the more your brain rewires itself into less negative thought patterns. This takes time, of course, but repeating daily affirmations (along with the feeling the emotion behind those affirmations) can help you avoid getting stuck in negative and fear-based thought patterns, thus enhancing the rest of your day.
LAUGH
This is one that we all take for granted. Even in the direst of situations, you can always find some humor for comic relief. From my experience, I would argue that laughing is as important as just about anything on this list. Put on a funny comedian or a comedy show you enjoy, or reread the joke your friend sent you via text, or think back on a ridiculous scenario or person in your life. Laughing also releases “feel good” brain chemicals such as endorphins and can have an immediate impact on your mood.
EAT A HEALTHY BREAKFAST
There are many different types of healthy foods that you could consume to start your day. What works for you will depend on your health and dietary needs and concerns. Always consult with a professional if you are not sure. Pairing carbs with protein can be an essential blend since the carbs give you energy and fuel your brain while the protein helps you feel full until your next meal. Find what works for you and try to stick to it. The healthier your body is and feels, the easier it will be to keep your mind in a state of wellbeing.
PRIORITIZE A TO-DO LIST
In a perfect world, I’d recommend doing this the night before, so it’s already done when you wake up. But we all can’t be perfect (wink, wink). Take a few moments to think of what you need to accomplish that day. I always ask myself, when I go to bed tonight, what three things will I have wanted to accomplish? This will give you a general game plan and foundation for your day and will lead you to make better decisions early in the morning, thus enhancing your state of mind.
LISTEN TO MUSIC
Music has many positive effects on the brain. In an article published by the University of Central Florida, neuroscientist Kiminobu Sugaya and highly renowned violinist Ayako Yonetani talk about those benefits in their class, “Music And The Brain.” Some of the benefits of listening to music include: changing your ability to perceive time, making you a better communicator, and boosting your immune system. It’s also a fun way to enhance your mood; that’s easy, free, and stimulating.
GET LOST IN A BOOK
Immersing yourself in an exciting book can take you to all sorts of fun places. I am more of a non-fiction nerd myself, but I think fiction can be just as potent because of its creative forces. The key is to put yourself in a different state of mind momentarily – a different reality. And when you’re immersed in a good book, that is precisely what you are doing.
PRACTICE APPRECIATION
This is something I have recently started adding to my morning routine. I wake up and immediately start thinking of things in my life that I am grateful for, such as family, friends, my job, passions, the food I eat, my bed, and even the clothes I have to wear. The feeling of appreciation instantly paints a happy mood on my morning canvas. And since I start my day off with appreciation, I am no longer worrying about the future or ruminating over the past.
IN REVIEW
Never underestimate the power of a quality morning routine. They can set you up for the rest of your day and help you stay focused and productive. Starting your day on the right note can be the difference between a good day and a bad day. I can’t stress that point enough. As soon as you roll out of bed, be mindful and aware of your mood, your habits, and your routines, and change them up accordingly to suit your best interest.
Latest posts by Brad Coreno (see all)
- 8 Proven Tips To Improve Your Communication Skills - April 29, 2022
- 5 Proven Ways To Manage Work-Related Anxiety - April 3, 2022
- 10 Steps To Develop A Growth Mindset - March 13, 2022