Own Your Morning, Transform Your Day

A strong morning routine is more than just a set of tasks to check off before starting the day. It’s a powerful tool for setting the tone for the hours ahead. The way we begin our mornings has a profound impact on our productivity and mindset. Whether it’s taking a few moments for mindfulness or organizing our to-do list, a thoughtful morning routine can help you have a more focused and positive day.

Lynda Killoran, Licensed Therapist at Centerstone, says that there are seven elements of a solid morning routine that will help set you up for success throughout your day.

1. Wake up at the same time every day
   • This helps regulate your body’s natural alarm clock and helps keep you on a regular schedule.
2. Don’t hit the snooze button
   • Apply the 3-second rule when it comes to getting out of bed. If you get out of bed before counting to three, you are less likely to talk yourself into staying in bed longer.
3. Make your bed
   • “Making your bed puts your bed to rest, so to speak, making it easier for you to put that part of the day behind you,” Killoran adds.
4. Fuel your body
   • You don’t necessarily have to eat immediately after you wake up, but it’s always good to fuel your body at some point in the morning.
5. Do activities that tend to get interrupted during the day
   • For example, take advantage of the quiet morning hours to journal, meditate, or enjoy your coffee outside.
6. Movement
   • Whether you go for a bike ride, go to the gym, or do some light stretching at home, movement helps get your energy flowing and can be a beneficial way to start the day.
7. Set an agenda for the day
   • Setting intentions and goals for the day can help keep you on track to successfully complete them.

If you’re looking to develop or enhance your morning routine, remember it’s okay to start small. “Start with a 5% change, just one thing you can add to your existing routine or begin doing in the mornings that would make a small difference in your day,” Killoran says. You might start by making your bed or waking up just five minutes earlier. From there, continue building on your routine until it feels both satisfying and sustainable. Check in with yourself regularly to ensure it’s still working for you and make adjustments as needed.

A consistent morning routine can set us up for success in several important ways. It increases productivity by adding structure and intention to the start of the day. Having control over our mornings creates a sense of stability, which can be especially valuable when the rest of the day may be unpredictable. This sense of control also boosts our energy and confidence, helping us begin the day on a positive note.

Because our mornings shape the rest of our day, it’s also important to be mindful of what we should avoid. For instance, consider your news intake. While staying informed is important, consuming negative headlines first thing may feel overwhelming. Likewise, try not to begin your day with emotionally heavy tasks or difficult conversations, especially if they’re likely to be stressful. Save those for when you’re more mentally prepared.

Finding a routine that works for you can be a hard process, but it isn’t one you have to navigate alone. Centerstone’s highly trained therapists can help you determine your goals and support you as you figure out what steps you need to take to achieve them. Give us a call at 1-877-HOPE123 (1-877-467-3123) or visit our website to get connected to care today.