We’re ready to dive into a potentially contentious subject for those that aren’t ‘morning people’ – but let’s talk about how your morning can shape your day!

It’s a time when your entire body and mind are in peak condition. After a good night’s rest, this window is the best time to make big decisions and complete important tasks. Which is why what we do in the morning can make or break how we sail through the day.

What is the first thing we do when we wake up? 

Most of us have allowed technology to seep into our routine where we reach for our phone as soon as we wake up. 

The problem is that by doing so, we are unwittingly priming our brains for distraction. Seeing or reading something negative first thing in the morning can trigger your stress levels and kick your brain into overdrive.

Do you often find it more difficult these days to focus on one thing at a time? After scrolling on social media or reading the news, a lot of us are in a frantic rush to get ready and get out the door each morning.

As the saying goes, “Either you run the day, or the day runs you.”

Why create a morning routine?

Having a morning routine can help you prioritize better, manage your time more effectively, and be more productive. You begin your day with confidence, focus and a positive attitude. 

Once you get into a rhythm, you'll find that you feel happier and better equipped to do what you need to and handle the rest of your day. 

The key to an ideal morning routine is to  cultivate good habits. It’s all about nurturing self-discipline, which can be challenging at first but with time will help reduce your stress and sharpen your focus.

Start the night before

To have a stress-free morning, take steps the night before to lighten your load and make the things you need to do more convenient.

• Set your clothes out for the next morning.
• Prepare breakfast in advance which you can just heat up in the morning.
• If you take lunch to work or need to pack lunch for kids, try packing it the night before.
• Before you go to bed, jot down your “to-do” list for the next day, with your specific goals. It’s a good idea to keep it to just five items. Prioritize each point so you know what you want to tackle first. Place it where you can see it. 
• Have an early dinner
• Reduce screen time by at least 30 minutes before bedtime
• Set a sleep schedule and stick to it, and try to aim for at least 7 hours or more. By keeping to a regular sleep pattern, you’re training your mind and body to wind down and wake up naturally. 

After a good night’s sleep, it’s time to start your morning routine. While it might mean waking up earlier than you have before - give yourself 30 minutes of space and quiet if you can.

What you can do to set your morning right!

Practice gratitude

Research shows that practicing gratitude can decrease pain, enhance empathy and reduce stress. Each morning, spend a few minutes expressing thanks for all of the blessings in your life. If you enjoy writing, why not try a gratitude journal? It's a great way to start your day.

Open your windows and soak in the morning sunlight

It has been proven that this activity increases your energy levels and helps the body produce endorphins – the feel good hormones. 

Drink a glass or two of water

Our bodies are dehydrated after sleeping all night. By hydrating, you can boost your metabolism by up to 30%!

Meditate or do yoga

Spending 5 minutes of your time meditating each morning improves focus, increases self-esteem, confidence and calms the mind. You can also practice 5 counts of an inhale/exhale deep breathing exercise.

Stretch your body or go for a walk

Before you jump into a long day of work, make sure you start exercising or stretching. This will get your heart pumping and boost your energy levels.

Make your bed

It may sound trivial, but beginning the day by making your bed can set you up feeling ready to take personal responsibility for your tasks. Making your bed is a simple way to start the day off on the right foot. 

Review your to-do list

Now it’s time to think about what the day holds. Read the items you've listed the night before and complete them in the same order. There is something so satisfying about crossing off tasks on your list! It really cultivates a sense of accomplishment.

How you start each morning has a positive or negative impact on the rest of your day. Having no routine at all sounds liberating, but it’s so much more draining mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Incorporating simple, doable lifestyle changes will allow you to control your schedule, rather than your schedule controlling you. You'll be happier, confident and better equipped to chase away those morning blues!

And our favorite way to start the day...in a pair of Dooeys! Put some pep in your step for a great day in these stylish and supportive house shoes.