Rise and Shine – A Morning Routine that Gets You Going

Not everyone is a morning person, but we all have to deal with the reality of mornings. Whether you’re an early bird or night owl, it’s crucial to the success of your day to start off on the right foot. A great way to set a positive tone for the day is to cultivate a morning routine. Everyone’s routine should be different, but there are four areas of focus to keep in mind when constructing a set of habits that will help you feel more excited to roll out of bed:

Mental – Try starting your day with at least one activity designed to serve your mental health. If you’re a type-A personality, this might look like designing a to-do list for the day. If you’re more spontaneous, that might mean taking a couple of minutes to come up with a goal or two for the day. However you operate, taking the time to attend to your mental space bright and early will help keep you on track – no matter what the day throws in your way.

Emotional – Tending to your emotional side most likely isn’t the first thing that pops into your head when you hear that dreaded alarm going off earlier than it should be allowed to. But reflecting on your feelings, emotions and relationships in a productive way will help maintain your emotional wellbeing throughout the course of the day and week. Some ways to start are through daily affirmations, morning journaling, or hugging your loved ones.

Spiritual – Depending on what you practice, this may or may not relate to a religion. The goal is to connect to anything that offers you a feeling of inspiration or higher connection to self and the world. Common practices include meditation or spending time surrounded by nature.

Physical – Lastly, try easing your body into each day with light stretches, yoga, or a morning walk. You’ll be straining your body throughout the day completing your usual tasks, so waking up and getting a gentle start on your own terms is an important step to having a great morning.