Start your day right with a solid morning routine.

Human’s love routine. Our bodies love it, and our brains love it. Generally, we can get a lot more out of our days if we build a routine that is consistent and that we can follow. Our bodies follow patterns and rhythms internally to help us function, and our brains work to strengthen neural pathways the more we do the same thing over and over. Bodies and brains thrive on routines. So what better way to set yourself up for success than to start your day strong with a good routine for your morning?

So how do I set a morning routine, so I can start my day well? Excellent question! Here are some things to keep in mind when setting your morning routine.

Get up at the same time every day.

Your body will thank you! Our sleep routines are controlled in our bodies by something called our circadian rhythm. This is the pattern that our bodies follow for regular release of our sleep hormones. This will help with avoiding daytime sleepiness and getting the most out of your day.

A part of this will mean picking a wake time that works for you, on weekdays and on the weekends. All of our bodies will have slightly different set points, and biologically, our bodies are most inclined to wake up around the time the sun will come up. Work out what this time is for you, and stick to it. There is no rule that says you can only be successful by waking up at 4am. Listen to what your body and mind are telling you, and find the time that works best for you.

Have a healthy, balanced breakfast

Breakfast is the meal designed to break your fast from the night before. It kickstarts your glucose levels for the day, to boost your energy, focus and brainpower so you can start your day well. It is also important to choose breakfast foods that are full of essential vitamins, minerals and are high in long lasting energy sources.

Plan out your day

Planning out what you are going to do with your day first thing in the morning will help you adjust to what you have ahead of you, and make sure you are getting done the things that are important to you. Think about what your most productive time of the day is, and make sure to put the most important tasks, or the tasks that require the most brainpower in that window.

Move your body

Move your body in a way that feels right for you. Whether that’s a high intensity, sweaty gym session, a yoga class or a walk, find something that feels right for you and getting moving. It is well established in the science that movement works wonders for our mental health, and has been shown to be as effective as an antidepressant medication (SSRI) for the treatment of mild to moderate depression. It also releases a bunch of chemicals in your brain that reduce your stress levels, improve your mood and will even help with that regular sleep routine you are working on.

Get dressed

This one seems obvious, but with working from home becoming more common place after Covid, it’s easy to start work with your pj’s on or wearing your cosy napping clothes. Our brains make associations between all kinds of things, including the clothes we wear. When we put on our work clothes, our brain realises it’s time to work!

We hope these tips help to set you up for a successful day. Get in touch for more support on how to be the best version of you!