Your morning routine can set the tone for your entire day. Luckily, by intentionally creating a morning routine that puts your physical and mental well-being at the forefront, you can make sure all of your mornings start off on the right foot.
Here are six things you should do after rising each day:
1. Practice a Morning Meditation or Reflection
Taking the time to sit quietly with your thoughts for a few moments each morning can help you feel more centered and at peace with the start of your day. Meditation has numerous mental and physical health benefits, and research suggests that even 10 minutes a day can make a significant difference.
2. Eat a Nutritious Breakfast
They don’t call it the most important meal of the day for no reason. Starting your day with a nutritious breakfast is good for your body and helps set the tone for a healthy day moving forward. Try a bowl of oatmeal with fruit or a vegetable omelet.
3. Take a Walk Outside
Fresh air and movement are two things guaranteed to lift your spirits almost instantly, so it only makes sense to make time for a brisk walk outside first thing in the morning. Even just a quick walk around the block can be great to get your blood pumping.
4. Read Something You Enjoy
Whether you enjoy sitting down with the newspaper, reading through a favorite book of poems or thumbing through the pages of a new novel, reading first thing in the morning is a great way to get your mind on track to tackle the demands of your day. Sitting down with something to read and your morning cup of coffee or tea is a relaxing way to get your day started.
5. Make a List for the Day
If you have a lot you want to accomplish on any given day, making a list of what has to get done can help you stay focused. Seeing in writing how you want to spend your time is a great way to stay on track — just take care to make your list manageable so you don’t feel overwhelmed first thing.
6. A Conversation with Someone You Love
Particularly if you live alone, touching base with someone you love first thing in the morning can help you feel connected. Whether you call a friend, send an email to one of your children, text with grandchildren or simply chat with the neighbor down the street, beginning your day with warm conversation helps set a positive tone.
Of course, how you choose to start your morning is ultimately up to you. If the items on this list don’t appeal to you, figure out what type of morning routine yields the happiest days. Perhaps you prefer watching the news first thing in the morning, or sitting down with a crossword puzzle. The key is finding what works for you, and then making it a habit.