This Morning Routine Will Improve Your Mood
Mornings set the tone for your entire day.
Yet, how often do we hit snooze, scramble to get ready, skip breakfast and rush out the door, only to feel frazzled and irritable by mid-morning? A thoughtfully crafted morning routine can change everything. By dedicating even 30 minutes to intentional habits, you can boost your mood, energy, and mental clarity for the rest of the day. Here’s how.
Wake up at the same time every day Consistency is key to regulating your body’s internal clock. Set your alarm for the same time every morning, even on weekends. This creates a sense of stability and helps your body naturally wake up feeling refreshed.
Pro Tip: Get a Circadian Rhythm Alarm Clock to gently wake you up in the morning with natural light.
Get out in the light (sun or not) ASAP Natural light is a powerful cue for your circadian rhythm, the internal clock that regulates your sleep-wake cycle. Getting sunlight within 30 minutes of waking up signals to your brain that it’s daytime, boosting your energy, mood and alertness.
Step outside for just 5-10 minutes, even if it’s cloudy. If you can’t get outside, sit by a window with plenty of natural light.
Hydrate before anything else Your body becomes dehydrated over night, which can make you feel sluggish and irritable. Start your day with a glass of warm water with lemon. It kickstarts your digestion, hydrates your cells, and provides a gentle dose of Vitamin C to wake up your body and brain.
Move your body Whether it’s stretching, yoga or a quick workout, movement releases endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones. Even 5-10 minutes of gentle exercise increases blood flow, improves mood, and primes your body for the day ahead.
Not in to heavy exercise in the morning? A simple sun salutation or walk around the block (getting that ight exposure) can do wonders.
Practice Mindfulness Taking just 5-10 minutes to meditate or focus on your breath, can reduce stress and anxiety and improve your mood. Apps like Calm or Headspace make it easy to start, even if you’ve never meditated before. Alternatively, a gratitude journal works wonders. Write down three things you’re grateful for to shift your mindset to a positive space.
Nourish your body Fuel yourself with a nutrient-dense breakfast. A balanced meal with protein, healthy fats, and fiber keeps blood sugar stable, which directly impacts the mood and energy levels. For instance, a smoothie with leafy greens, a vegan protein source, and some chia seeds can be quick and energizing.
Avoid sugary cereals or pastries, which might cause a midday energy crash.
Avoid Your Phone It’s tempting to check emails or scroll through social media first thing in the morning, but this can increase stress and overstimulate your brain before you’ve even started your day. Instead, dedicate your first hour to yourself- your emails and notifications can wait.
Set an Intention for the Day Take a moment to ask yourself: What is one thing I want to focus on today? Whether it’s being more patient, completing a specific task, or simply staying present, setting a daily intention helps you align your actions with your goals.
Why It Works - This morning routine engages both your mind and your body in a positive way. By stepping into sunlight, hydrating, moving your body, and focusing your mind, you signal to your brain that you are in control of your day. This not only boosts your mood but also builds momentum for tackling your to-do list with ease.
Remember, your morning doesn’t have to be perfect- it just has to be intentional. Try incorporating these steps into your routine and notice how much lighter and more energized you feel. The secret to a good day starts with a mindful morning.
Have a great day :)