Cut out the time

Part of the reason why routines are so effective is because they are consistent. In Psychology, when you repeat a behavior, even for a short amount of time, you are strengthening and reinforcing that behavior. By creating a morning routine, you are able to reinforce the behaviors, or activities, that best prepares your mind for the day. So ask yourself what’s important for you to incorporate into your daily routine, and be realistic about the amount of time each step will take. Once you decide the timing of your morning routine, put yourself in the best position to wake up feeling rested by getting to sleep at a good time the night before. It’s recommended for most adults to get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep every night.

Set an Alarm and Avoid Snooze

Set an alarm for the same time every day. Yes, even on the days when you don’t have to do anything. When you get into the rhythm of getting up at the same time, your body will naturally adjust to that cycle and wake itself up – what’s a better feeling than beating the alarm by a few minutes. Now that you’re awake and you’ve cut that time out, stick to it. Pressing snooze can start as a couple minutes laying down, and turn into multiple snoozes real quick. So just do yourself the favor and nip that habit right out of your morning routine before it turns into a problem.

Do not Disturb

Many people are aware of the detrimental effect smartphones and social media can have on your mind, yet picking up the phone is the first and last thing many people do in the day. If you use your phone as a clock, consider getting a wall clock so you don’t have any reason to get distracted looking at the screen. Once you’ve made it through your morning routine, give yourself some time to catch up on anything you’ve missed. 

Drink a glass of cold water

Hydration is essential, and far too many people fall short of their daily water consumption. Start your day off strong by drinking a full glass first thing in the morning, and if you’re feeling really ambitious have a second glass before you leave the house. By incorporating a glass or two of water into your morning routine, you will be able to reinforce that habit in your brain making it feel easy to stay hydrated. 

Prepare a solid breakfast

Although many people skip the first meal of the day, a good nutritious breakfast fuels your body for the day. Do yourself a favor by making something that actually tastes good, and by leaving enough time to cook and eat (and clean) so you don’t feel tempted to skip out. Optimize your breakfast by incorporating high protein foods, carbohydrates, fiber, and healthy fats to fill your body with the nutrients needed to kickstart your day. 

Take a Natural Supplement

Even though a good solid breakfast will satisfy most of your nutritional needs, it can be beneficial to incorporate supplements as well. It can be as simple as incorporating a protein shake with vitamins, or an antioxidant rich smoothie with natural caffeine. You can also find quick ways to get your daily boost with CBD Gummies or a CBD Tincture. CBD and other natural supplements are great for your health, but also give a boost to your morning routine.

Take a Cold Shower

Taking a shower has many benefits; of course, to clean you. But also, showers can have a great impact on the mind. Between the soothing white noise, the warm water, and the aromatic scents of soaps and hair products. Long warm showers give us a comfortable environment to give us a break from the outside world. They give us the time to plan and mentally prepare for the day. Cold showers give us a pump of endorphins – the feel good hormones. For those who struggle to get up and get moving some mornings, a cold shower could be the kick start you’ve been looking for.

Journal or Sketch

Journaling is an easy addition into any morning routine. Whether you journal for 5 minutes or 30 minutes, getting that pen to paper forces your mind to be present and expressive. Far too often do we catch ourselves over consuming and under producing, so give yourself the opportunity to express yourself without the commentary of the outside world. Try checking out some journal prompts, writing about a memory from yesterday, or even making a to-do list for the day. 

Exercise

Exercise is essential to health, and not only physical health but mental health too. Even if you aren’t looking to lose weight or burn calories, daily exercise helps boost your metabolism and elevate your brain functioning. If you find yourself drowsy all throughout your morning, perhaps exercise is the missing piece of the puzzle. Find a local gym, go for a walk, or even opt for an at-home workout to get your workout routine in motion.