Creating a routine with simple morning habits is key to transforming your day. You may be tempted to sleep until the last minute, but doing so will have you rushing, causing stress. Setting your own pace can avoid this unnecessary rush and start your day on your terms.
That was me before I created a routine with simple morning habits. I slept in until I had enough time to get ready and head to work. I dreaded getting up and doing the same thing daily, waiting for the weekend.
Now, I have a morning routine that I look forward to every morning. So, as much as you may be tempted to try someone else’s morning routine, ensure it works for you. Create simple morning habits that will transform your day and that YOU will enjoy.
Doing so will help you stick to your morning routine instead of losing interest and not having a routine at all.
Tips for creating a morning routine that will last
You must start the night before to ensure you can create a routine with simple morning habits. Your nighttime routine can include a ten-minute reset of the living room and kitchen.
Go around the living room, putting everything back where it belongs and tidying up the space.
The same goes for the kitchen. Wash all the dishes, put them away, and wipe down the kitchen counters and dining table. By doing these resets, you will wake up to a clean and tidy space, and your future self will thank you.
Make sure you always get enough sleep. By now, you should know how many hours of sleep you need to function during the day. If you do not know how many hours you need, start tracking your sleep and figure it out.
I love to sleep and feel rested, so I know I need eight hours. On the weekends, I sleep nine hours, and I still sleep early the night before to wake up early and be productive.
Related post 5 Benefits of a Morning Routine Plus 10 Simple Ideas to Start Now
Ten simple morning habits to transform your day
- Wake up early
Waking up earlier before everyone else in the household is one simple morning habit you should implement. Doing so will give you time to do things slowly rather than in a rush. It will also give you time to create a slow morning routine you enjoy that puts you first rather than tending to everyone else.
At first, this can be as little as thirty minutes, but I suggest doing one hour to two hours. I can feel the difference on the days I choose to sleep in rather than waking up earlier to do my morning routine.
- Positive thoughts
As soon as you wake, avoid thinking of your to-do list and any negative thoughts. Instead, change your thoughts into “I get to ” rather than “I have to.” For instance, I get to wake up this morning and enjoy the day, I get to go to work and provide for my family, and I get to go out for a morning walk and enjoy the weather. Not everyone made it to today, and not everyone has a job and can provide for their family. Not everyone can take a morning walk outside due to health issues.
These positive thoughts will instantly transform your day.
- Move your body
Moving your body first thing in the morning will boost your energy. Depending on your morning routine, this can be done in five to thirty minutes. If you are short on time, do some morning stretches. If you have twenty to thirty minutes, go for a morning walk. Walking outdoors will improve your mood, boost your mental health, and help you maintain a healthy weight.
- Quiet time
Making time to have a little quiet time in the morning will instantly transform your day. You can choose to do plenty of things during your quiet time. If the weather permits, sit outside and enjoy the weather and the scenery. Enjoy a coffee and read a few pages from a book or journal. This quiet time can be as little as five minutes. Looking for a new book to read? I highly recommend Things That Matter: Overcoming Distractions to Pursue a More Meaningful Life by Joshua Becker
- Get ready for the day
This may only apply to those who work from home, stay-at-home moms, or are retirees who do not need to go into an office or workspace. As much as you may want to be in your pajamas or comfortable clothes all day, I suggest you get ready for the day. Take a shower, wear casual clothing, and do a simple makeup routine.
When you get out of the pajamas and look decent, you will be ready for the day and get more done. Not only will you get more done, but you will also feel better, boosting your energy.
As a stay-at-home, I notice that when I get out of my comfy clothes, I am more willing to get out of the house, which improves my mood.
- Before you consume, create
We all have a terrible habit of grabbing our phones when we wake up and check notifications. Instead, make it a habit to create something before you get distracted on your phone. These can include a new hobby, a side hustle, or a business. Making it a habit to create before you consume will make you one step closer to reaching a goal.
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- Simple breakfast
Taking the time to eat a healthy, simple breakfast every morning should be a priority. Many people are in a rush and skip the most important meal of the day. Eating a bowl of oatmeal with fresh fruits or scrambled eggs with vegetables is a quick, simple breakfast.
If you are short on time, you can meal prep breakfast. Egg and cheese muffins can be made on Sunday, and all you need to do is heat them in the microwave and are ready to eat.
- One small house task
Of course, no one wants to wake up early to do a house chore. However, doing one small house task in the morning will have you doing less later in the day. Depending on your time, you can put one load in the washer and let it run. Unload the dishwasher if you let it run in the evening. Do a quick five-minute reset around the house, putting things back where they belong. If you have no time, then make your bed. Taking the time to make your bed every morning will make your room look tidy.
- Be mindful
Being more mindful can be difficult since we all have things to do or are busy. However, being mindful throughout your day will transform your mood and your day. When brushing your teeth or skincare, be mindful and avoid listening to a podcast or YouTube video.
Drinking your cup of coffee, avoid scrolling on your phone. When talking to a loved one, stop what you are doing, take the time to look at them, and pay attention to what they are saying.
When caring for a loved one or a toddler, be mindful. Sit down with your toddler and play with them. Do activities that involve interacting with them, and avoid the screen.
10. Avoid your phone
This kind of goes with number six, but you should avoid your phone as much as you can in the mornings—before, during, and after your morning routine. Scrolling on your phone can get you overstimulated with ads, outfits of the day, and shopping hauls, making you want things you do not need but saw while scrolling.
The phone distracts you from being in the moment and enjoying your simple morning habits. I suggest turning your notifications off while you do your morning routine and if you can keep your phone in another room.
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Final thoughts
Applying these simple morning habits to your morning routine will transform your day. You can start with a few and gradually add more habits. Your morning routine can be as little as thirty minutes or up to two hours as long as it works for you. Creating a morning routine is essential, and once you find simple morning habits that you enjoy, it becomes easier to do them daily.
What does your morning routine look like? What simple morning habits do you do daily to make life easier?