5 Steps to Build a Better Morning Routine

Have you ever thought about how you begin your day? Does it start with an alarm and maybe a snooze or two? Do you wake up happy and looking forward to the day, or do you dread getting out of bed? Many of us don't think that much about it. I always set my alarm the night before and then get up and get ready when the alarm goes off in the morning. But what if we become more intentional and actually set up a morning routine that makes us excited to get up and prepares us for our day?

The first order of business is to come up with a sleep schedule that works for you. Decide on what time you will be going to bed and when you will be waking up, and stick to it. Eight hours of sleep a night is what you should aim for. You want to allow yourself enough time in the morning to get up, get some self-care in, and get ready for the day without having to rush. By setting and sticking to your sleep schedule, you set your internal clock, or circadian rhythm, which helps your body get a better night's sleep.

Once you've got your sleep schedule in place, you want to think about what is important in the morning. I had a bad habit of waking up and spending my first 30 minutes scrolling through my phone. I told myself that I was allowing myself time to wake up completely, but really, it was just an excuse to hang out in bed a little longer. I'm proud to say that I have broken that bad habit since reading that it is the worst thing to do first thing when you wake up.

Now I immediately get out of bed when my alarm goes off, get a fresh glass of water, and start drinking while I am getting ready. If you are a coffee lover, you should get that drink of water in before you enjoy your coffee. It not only rehydrates you but also jump-starts your metabolism.

To help wake your body up, do some stretches. Ever noticed how good it feels to stretch in the morning when you wake up? Why not do it intentionally? You can do a quick yoga flow or a series of stretches that you decide on. The important thing is to stretch out all over; the arms, legs, back, shoulders, hands, and feet. This is way better for you (and feels much better) than eating up precious time by scrolling through your phone. Allow yourself 10-15 minutes for stretching.

While you are stretching, think about what you are grateful for. I am always grateful for waking up to another day of opportunities. I am grateful for my family. I am grateful for having an education and rich experiences in my life. I am grateful for my fur babies (Toby and Baby). Think about the things you are grateful for.

Next, think about things you want to accomplish during the day. Set some goals and think of ways to achieve those goals. Don't go crazy with this. Just set one or two. If you like to journal, maybe spend 5-10 minutes journaling about gratitude and daily goals. Make a plan on how you will be successful.

Another possible topic you could journal about (or think about...or say out loud) is daily affirmations. Positive affirmations help you clear your head of negativity, build confidence, and can even benefit your relationships, both personal and professional. Some common affirmations include the following:

• I am smart, strong, capable, and kind.

• I am worthy, grateful, and blessed.

• Today will be a great day.

Feel free to come up with your own, or to look for ones that resonate with you.

Complete your morning care routine with some self-care touches. I like to shower with my favorite scented body wash that wakes me up and makes me feel invigorated. I have lotion in the same scent that I apply after my shower. I really enjoy putting on a nice moisturizer before applying my make-up. Adding in those little touches adds up to make my morning enjoyable. Think about little things you like, and then make sure to add them to your routine. Be present during this time and notice how these things make you feel. Appreciate the opportunity to pamper yourself a little at the beginning of your day.

Last but not least, you need to eat something within an hour of waking up if possible. I know some people just aren't able to do this, but I challenge you to try it. I'm not saying you need a full breakfast spread, but try to eat something healthy and enjoyable to fuel your body after fasting through the night.

For about a year now, I have mainly had oatmeal for breakfast on weekdays. It was fast, easy, and comfortable, but I didn't really look forward to it. I am now on a sugar detox and a 30-day clean-eating challenge. For week 1, I only had boiled eggs and a banana for breakfast. I am close to starting week 2, where we can increase our variety. I'm actually looking forward to trying some new breakfast ideas!

In a later article, I will discuss healthy breakfast ideas. One breakfast idea I can't wait to try is an egg and black bean breakfast burrito. Another is a berry smoothie. Do you have any healthy breakfast recipes you'd like to share? I'd love to hear from you and have you share them in the comments.

So, by getting up on time, drinking a glass of water, getting some stretching in, thinking (or even writing) about what you are grateful for and what you plan to accomplish each day, and fueling your body with a healthy breakfast, you will be setting yourself up for a happy, healthy, productive day! I can't wait to hear about your successes!