Today I’m sharing a guest post about how to create a successful morning routine. ☀️ I’m very much a morning person – even though there were days and periods of time during my life that I found myself doing the most work in the evening, I have always treasured and felt much better getting up early and getting things done in the morning.

Some of my favourite things to do are outlined in this article – getting exercise in (I like to exercise in the morning), and looking at what I need to do for the day, for example. I particularly like the one about making your bed, which is something I used to do daily (but can change once you have a partner, haha!). I hope you enjoy this article, as it’s something really in line what I enjoy sharing! 🌱

It does not matter if you are an early bird that catches the worm or the classic night owl, we all have to start our day at some point or another! It’s very important to start your day on the right note, and it is completely up to you whether you have an amazing day or one that falls flat. Many CEO’s and successful entrepreneurs touch on how they start their day, and what typically works for them. While we don’t have to go to their extreme, below are some basic tips to set you up for a fruitful start.

Try meditation

Instead of unlocking your phone when you wake up, try unlocking your mind! In this age of technology, it is all to common for individuals to start their day with a scroll through their favorite social media app. This can actually prolong your body from fully waking up. Choose how you spend your time wisely, and opt for a more profitable activity. 

TIP: Set two alarms for yourself that are 15 minutes apart. When the first one goes off, clear your mind and focus on your breathing, but do not get out of bed. Some people choose to focus on things they are grateful for or simply take this time to think of a happy moment. By the time the second alarm goes off, you’ll feel ready to get out of your bed and start your day.

Stay organized

Tidying up has been proven to be quite energizing. While you clean, you are actively putting yourself in a “getting stuff done” mindset. This can trickle over to help you achieve your responsibilities for the rest of the day. If you don’t have time to declutter in the morning, simply keeping an organized room regularly will decrease any anxiety you may have while getting ready. It’s smart to invest in practical storage containers, so you know where everything is kept throughout your room. Eliminating any extra and unnecessary stress from your morning routine is crucial to create a successful start!

Make a to-do list

Set intentions to hold yourself to for the day. Focus on one or two main goals you would like to accomplish during your day, and make sure they are realistic! Many successful entrepreneurs suggest “eating your frog” first. If your job was to eat a frog, it would be smart to do it at the beginning of the day! Meaning, tackle your most demanding task first and then work towards your smaller one as the day goes on. Your day will feel like a breeze after. Many also create their list the night before. This allows them to wake up with purpose, and know exactly where to pick up from the previous day.

Take a shower

Preferably a cold one! Cold showers actually have plenty of health benefits. One of them being, an improved movement of circulation. If you have trouble waking up in the morning, the shower will jolt your circulation enough to fight fatigue. This shock in the morning can be more effective than coffee. Naturally, it can be tough to wrap your head around the act of stepping into cold water right after waking up. Luckily, there are ways to ease your body into the process. Try alternating between warm and cold water throughout the shower. Start with warm and gradually switch to cold, and back again. With the consistent changes, you’ll be wide awake!

Make your bed

What an easy accomplishment to start your day! You’ll leave your room feeling resolved, therefore, setting the tone for the rest of your day. This will gradually have a snowball effect on the rest of your duties you have laid out for yourself. This also goes hand in hand with keeping your room decluttered, therefore giving you a peace of mind as you leave your bedroom!

Get moving

Get up and stretch your muscles. Exercising before breakfast is an extremely healthy way to begin your morning, along with numerous benefits. Whether you decide on a nice morning jog, or an intense HIIT workout, you will start your morning with endorphins that can provide clarity, lasting the rest of the day. You will find yourself in a better mood, and more productive. If you have trouble getting up to immediately start moving, start simple and commit to 10 jumping jacks before your first sip of coffee!

I’d love to hear your tips and how you start each day, comment below with your advice!

Guest post written by Rebecca T.