On the other hand, those clever humans who create and stick to a morning routine report more clarity, flow, presence, and purpose in their lives overall. A morning routine creates space for things to go to plan and allows for a framework of ease where you can start getting things done before you even leave the house. Winner, winner, chicken… ahem, breakfast.
A morning routine can include just about anything that fits with your personal preference. The elements you choose should intentionally connect your body, mind, and spirit. Choose short, simple, activities that help you sharpen your focus, reduce stress, and remain centred. Ticking a few things off your list early in the day is encouraging and builds confidence.
Here’s a few things our team suggest you might like to add to your morning routine.
Drink Water
Hydration is often overlooked but plays a key role in supporting mental clarity. After a full night’s rest, your body is naturally dehydrated, which can lead to sluggishness or scatteredness. Start your morning by drinking a glass of water to rehydrate your body and kickstart your metabolism.
Do this before coffee for extra points.
Dehydration can lead to irritability, decreased attention, and even increased anxiety. By consciously choosing to hydrate first thing in the morning, you’re setting the stage for a vibrant day filled with clarity and focus. Proper hydration helps flush out toxins that accumulate overnight, revitalising your cells and preparing your mind for the day ahead.
Delay Screen Time
If possible, giving at least 90 minutes of screen-free time in the morning allows your mind to ease into the day naturally. Your mind is more relaxed and receptive when you wake up, and introducing screens too early can overload it with distractions.
Our first instinct in the morning is often to reach for our phones, check emails, or scroll through social media. However, this rush of information can overwhelm your brain before it’s had a chance to wake up fully. Studies have shown that the brain is more susceptible to digital overload when transitioning from sleep to wakefulness. By starting the day screen-free, you allow your mind to settle into a natural rhythm, making it easier to focus, prioritise and concentrate throughout the day.
Gentle Stretching
Incorporating gentle stretching into your morning routine can release tension and energise your body without jolting it into action. Spend a few minutes doing simple stretches or yoga poses to awaken your muscles and improve blood circulation. This movement not only prepares your body for the day ahead but also strengthens your connection to your physical self, promoting a sense of embodied self-awareness.
Mindful Breathing
The Yogis have been banging on about Pranayama for ages, and they’re not wrong. Pranayama is mindful breathing, and in yoga, there are different types of functional breaths that can be used to move stagnant energy out of the body and energise the tissues anew.
Taking a moment for any type of mindful breathing can make a significant difference. Even just 5-10 minutes of meditation or focused breathing can transform your mindset from scattered to centred, setting a positive tone for your day.
The simplest version of mindful breath is as follows: Focus on your breath, inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly. Keep your mind focussed on nothing but your breath for 20 cycles of inhalation/exhalation. It’s harder than it sounds! Over time, this practice helps quiet mental chatter and promotes a sense of peace, allowing you to approach your day with clarity and intention.
Walk on the Ground
If you have access to outdoor space, spend a moment standing barefoot on the grass or earth to connect with nature. If you live in an apartment, it’s 100% in your interests not to make this an excuse, but to make the trek downstairs and outside to where the earth is waiting to receive your little human feet. Someone suggested you could adapt this if you’re an apartment dweller by sitting on the floor and imagining your connection to the ground below, but we think that’s a bit slack.
Here’s why it’s such a brilliant morning practise: Studies show that direct contact with the earth can reduce inflammation, lower stress, and enhance mood by allowing electrons from the ground to flow into your body. Putting your (bare) feet on the ground nurtures a sense of tranquillity within your body and helps you feel more centred and balanced.
Other Suggestions
There are approximately one billion and 2 other things you could integrate into your morning routine to create a strong foundation for better mental clarity and emotional wellbeing.
Some we love are
A walk
Journalling
Spending 5 minutes making a schedule for your day
Eating one piece of fruit
Setting an intention
Prayer, or call it Gratitude if you’re not into that kinda thing
Starting your day with a few small chunks of positivity helps you start on the front foot feeling centered and energized and organised, and who among us doesn’t need a little more of that?