5 Morning Routine Ideas for A Healthy Start

Some mornings, no matter how well you sleep, you wake up feeling sluggish. Perhaps you’re just not a “morning person” and getting out of bed is just agony. Inconsistent sleep, life’s stressors, and unhealthy habits can all contribute to how you feel when you first wake up.

But there’s good news: by making some small tweaks to your morning routine, you can set yourself up for a more productive, happier day. Here are five ways to upgrade your morning routine.

This blog may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may receive a small commission (at zero cost to you). Please see my disclaimer policy to learn more.

No Phone Zone

We all love our smartphones, but they can be a major distraction first thing in the morning. Checking social media, reading the news, or responding to work emails can leave you feeling frazzled before your day has even begun.

When you wake up, resist the urge to check your phone. Instead of reaching for your phone, try spending the first few minutes of your morning doing something calming, like reading a book or journaling. While there’s nothing wrong with catching up on what’s happening in the world, starting your day by consuming information can leave you feeling overwhelmed.

The easiest way to make sure you don’t reach for your phone as soon as you wake up is to keep it out of arm’s reach — don’t bring your phone to bed with you at night. Out of sight, out of mind!

Meditate or Do Some Light Stretching

After you’ve spent a few minutes disconnecting from your phone, take some time to connect with your body. Try meditating for a few minutes or doing some gentle stretches. If you have trouble clearing your mind, there are plenty of guided meditation apps that can help you get started.

Starting your day with a few minutes of mindfulness can help you feel more centered and less stressed. And if you’re not into meditation, doing some light stretching is another great way to wake up your body and mind.

Later on, a refreshing shower will also help you wake up and feel ready to start your day.

Set an Intention for the Day

After you’ve taken some time for yourself, it’s time to set an intention for the day. What do you hope to accomplish? How do you want to feel? Answering these questions can help you focus on what’s important and let go of anything that’s weighing you down.

If you’re struggling to come up with an intention, try using this format: “I will _____ so that _____.” For example, “I will be more patient with my kids so that they feel loved and supported.

Putting your intention into words can help to manifest it throughout the day. As you go about your day, keep your intention in mind and let it guide your actions.

Make Time for Breakfast

We’ve all heard the saying that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but it’s true! Eating breakfast has been linked with improved mental performance, better memory, and reduced cravings later in the day.

If you find yourself skipping breakfast because you’re short on time, try meal prepping the night before or keeping some easy breakfast options on hand, like hard-boiled eggs or oatmeal. A healthy breakfast will give you sustained energy and help you power through your day.

Get Some Fresh Air

Last but not least, getting some fresh air first thing in the morning can do wonders for how you feel the rest of the day. Spend a few minutes outside, take some deep breaths, and enjoy the quiet of the morning.

If you don’t have time for a leisurely stroll, try working in some activity into your morning routine. A brisk walk or light jog are both great ways to get your heart rate up and get a dose of fresh air.

The Bottom Line

Creating a morning routine can help you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to start your day. While there’s no perfect formula, try incorporating some of these suggestions into your own routine and see how it goes. With a little trial and error, you’ll find what works best for you.