Do you ever hit snooze more times than you care to admit, stumble out the door bleary-eyed, and feel like you’re constantly playing catch-up all day? Yeah, me too. 

But what if there was a way to flip the script? To wake up feeling energized, focused, and ready to conquer your day? It is possible with a productive morning routine. 

I am not talking about crazy early wake-up calls and hours of hardcore exercise (unless that’s your jam). This is about creating a personalized routine that sets you up for success, boosts your well-being, and leaves you feeling like you’re actually in control of your day, not the other way around. 

Ditch the snooze button and get ready to design a morning routine that will transform your day. 

How to Build an Ideal Morning Routine?

A planned-out morning routine can be the game-changer you need to set your day up for success. But how do you design a routine that works for you and not against you? Here are some key steps to consider:

Know Yourself

Are you a lark, an owl, or somewhere in between? Knowing your chronotype, and your natural sleep-wake cycle is important. Larks tend to be energetic in the mornings, while owls hit their stride at night. Identify your peak energy hours and schedule demanding tasks accordingly. Try to ‘eat that frog’ when you feel the most productive. Forcing yourself to be a morning person if you are not will only lead to frustration. 

Learn more by asking yourself the following:

• Are you someone who thrives on routine or craves flexibility?
• Do you need silence to focus or get energized by background noise?

Some people love a structured morning with a to-do list, while others prefer a more relaxed approach. 

Prioritize Sleep

A well-rested you is a productive you. It might sound simple, but prioritizing sleep is needed for any effective morning routine. Here’s why sleep deserves the top spot on your morning routine priority list:

• Sharpened Mind: During sleep, your brain consolidates memories and information learned throughout the day. Skimping on sleep disrupts this process, making it harder to learn, retain information, and think clearly.

• Better Mood: Sleep deprivation is a recipe for irritability and negativity. A good night’s rest promotes emotional well-being and helps you approach your day with a positive and resilient mindset.

• Physical Powerhouse: Sleep is when your body repairs tissues and strengthens your immune system. Adequate sleep keeps you energized and helps you fight off illness, making you less likely to call in sick and disrupt your routine.

So, how much sleep do you actually need? The National Sleep Foundation recommends 7-8 hours of sleep for adults. However, this can vary slightly depending on individual needs.

Here are some tips to prioritize sleep and fuel your mornings:

• Set a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Go to bed and wake up at roughly the same time each day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
  
  
• Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Wind down before bed with calming activities like reading, taking a warm bath, or practicing relaxation techniques. Avoid screen time for at least an hour before sleep as the blue light emitted can disrupt sleep patterns.
  
  
• Optimize Your Sleep Environment: Make sure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet. Invest in blackout curtains, earplugs, and a comfortable mattress to create a sleep sanctuary.

Ditch the Snooze

Each time you hit snooze, you jolt yourself out of a light sleep stage and back into a deeper one. This fragmented sleep leaves you feeling more tired and disoriented when you finally do get up.

So, how do you break the snooze button habit? Here are some strategies:

• Set a Realistic Wake-Up Time: Don’t torture yourself with an alarm clock that screams you out of bed before you’re ready. Factor in the amount of sleep you need and set a time that allows you to wake up feeling refreshed.

• Place Your Alarm Strategically: Out of arm’s reach! This forces you to physically get out of bed to turn it off, making it less likely you’ll fall back asleep.

• Invest in a Sunrise Alarm Clock: These clocks gradually mimic the rising sun, easing you awake naturally and reducing the feeling of being jolted awake by a harsh alarm.

Be Kind to Yourself

A kind and understanding approach to your routine reduces the pressure to be perfect. This, in turn, lowers stress levels and allows you to focus on progress, not perfection.

How to Integrate Kindness into Your Routine:

• Start with Gratitude: Take a few minutes each morning to acknowledge the good things in your life, big or small. Gratitude fosters a positive mindset and sets the tone for a kind day.

• Positive Self-Talk: Replace negative self-criticism with encouraging affirmations. Instead of “I’ll never be a morning person,” tell yourself, “I’m getting better at creating a routine that works for me.”

• Embrace Flexibility: Life happens. There will be days when your routine goes out the window. Be kind to yourself and adjust as needed. Maybe a shorter workout or a quick meditation is all you need on those days.

• Leave Room for Self-Care: Schedule time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. Whether it’s reading a few pages of a book, taking a relaxing bath, or spending time in nature, prioritize activities that bring you joy.

Takeaway

There is no template to create a morning routine. Just do what suits you the best. But most importantly, remember to be kind to yourself throughout the process. Celebrate your wins and prioritize self-care. You have got this!