Our morning routine sets the tone for the rest of the day. If you get it wrong, you’ll have a miserable day.
Many of us engage in habits that unknowingly sabotage our mornings and our entire day. From repeatedly hitting the snooze button to skipping breakfast, these seemingly harmless actions we take without thinking about them can create a chain reaction of negativity.
To help you break free from these detrimental morning routines, here are 20 common habits that can ruin your day from the moment you wake up, along with tips to overcome them.
Snoozing Your Alarm
Waking up to the sound of your alarm can be jarring, but repeatedly hitting the snooze button can disrupt your sleep cycle, leaving you groggy and disoriented.
Instead of snoozing, try placing your alarm clock or phone across the room so you have to get out of bed to turn it off physically (trust me, this works!). Also, establish a consistent sleep schedule to ensure you get enough rest each night.
Pro tip: Don’t go to bed at 2 am on the weekends, and expect your Monday morning to be productive!
Checking Your Phone Immediately
Many of us are guilty of reaching for our phones as soon as we wake up, scrolling through social media or emails before even getting out of bed. However, starting your day with screen time can increase stress levels and diminish productivity.
Instead, try incorporating a few minutes of mindfulness or stretching into your morning routine before checking your phone.
Skipping Breakfast
Breakfast is often hailed as the most important meal of the day, yet many people skip it due to lack of time or appetite. However, skipping breakfast can lead to decreased energy levels and poor daily concentration.
Breakfast is often considered the most important meal because it jumpstarts your metabolism, providing the energy needed to kickstart your day’s activities. It replenishes your body’s glucose levels after a night of fasting, helping you stay focused and alert throughout the morning.
Make it a habit to eat a nutritious breakfast each morning, even if it’s something small like fruit or yogurt.
Rushing Through Your Morning Routine
Trying to cram too many tasks into your morning routine can leave you feeling overwhelmed and stressed before the day has even begun.
Instead of rushing, try waking up a few minutes earlier to allow ample time to complete your morning routine without feeling rushed. Prioritize tasks and allocate time to do them.
Taking the time to calmly and methodically go through your morning routine sets a positive tone for the rest of your day, promoting productivity and a sense of control.
Neglecting Hydration
Drinking morning water helps kickstart your metabolism, allowing your body to function more efficiently throughout the day. It also helps to rehydrate your body after a night of sleep, preventing dehydration and promoting clearer thinking.
Additionally, drinking water in the morning can help flush out toxins from your system, contributing to overall better health and well-being.
Keep a glass or bottle of water by your bedside, and make it a habit to drink a full glass upon waking up to rehydrate your body and boost your energy levels.
Skipping Exercise
Exercise is beneficial for physical health and mental well-being.
Skipping your morning workout can leave you feeling lethargic and unmotivated throughout the day. Even just a short burst of exercise, such as a quick walk or yoga session, can help invigorate your body and mind, setting a positive tone for the day ahead.
Waffling About Outfit Choice
Standing in front of your closet for extended periods, agonizing over what to wear, can waste valuable time and contribute to morning stress.
Plan your outfits the night before to streamline your morning routine, or create a capsule wardrobe of versatile pieces that can easily be mixed and matched.
Having more options is not always better.
Neglecting Personal Hygiene
Skipping basic personal hygiene tasks, such as brushing your teeth or washing your face, can leave you feeling unkempt and less confident throughout the day. Make it a priority to take care of your personal hygiene each morning to feel refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead.
Engaging in Negative Self-Talk
Starting your day with negative thoughts or self-criticism can set a pessimistic tone for the rest of the day. Practice positive affirmations or gratitude exercises to develop a more optimistic mindset and boost your overall mood and confidence levels.
This is especially important first thing in the morning!
Multitasking While Getting Ready
Trying to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously while getting ready can increase stress and decrease efficiency. Our brains struggle with multitasking because they’re not designed to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. When we switch between tasks, our attention becomes divided, leading to decreased efficiency and increased errors.
Essentially, trying to multitask overwhelms our cognitive abilities, making us less productive overall.
Focus on one task at a time, whether getting dressed, preparing breakfast, or packing your bag, to ensure that each task is completed thoroughly and efficiently.
Skipping Meditation or Mindfulness Practices
Morning meditation is important because it sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. Taking just a few minutes in the morning to sit quietly and focus your mind can help reduce stress and anxiety. It lets you start your day with a clear and calm mind, making it easier to handle whatever challenges.
Meditation in the morning can also improve your concentration and productivity throughout the day, helping you to stay focused on your tasks.
Taking a few moments to practice meditation or mindfulness can help calm your mind and center your thoughts before starting your day. Incorporate mindfulness exercises into your morning routine to reduce stress and promote inner peace and clarity.
Neglecting to Make Your Bed
Making your bed in the morning might seem like a small task, but it sets a positive tone for the rest of your day.
When you make your bed, you start your day with a sense of accomplishment, even if it’s just a small one. It helps to create a tidy and organized space, reducing stress and making you feel more in control of your surroundings. Additionally, coming home to a neatly made bed can be comforting, promoting relaxation and better sleep at night.
A neatly made bed can create a sense of order and accomplishment, setting a positive tone for the rest of your day.
Focusing on Negative News or Media
Watching the news first thing in the morning can negatively affect your day. When you start your day by consuming news, especially if it’s filled with negative stories, it can set a tone of stress and worry for the rest of your day.
Additionally, some news stories can be disturbing or upsetting, which isn’t the best way to kickstart your day. It’s important to prioritize your mental well-being, and starting your morning with something more positive or relaxing can lead to a better overall outlook on the day ahead.
Instead, start your day with uplifting or inspiring content, such as motivational podcasts or affirmations, to cultivate a more positive outlook.
Procrastinating Important Tasks
Putting off important tasks until later in the day can create unnecessary stress and anxiety. Tackle your most challenging tasks first thing in the morning when your mind is fresh, and your energy levels are high to set a productive tone for the rest of the day.
Skipping Morning Reflection or Goal Setting
Taking a few moments each morning to reflect on your goals and intentions for the day can help you stay focused and motivated. Set aside time for journaling or goal setting to clarify your priorities and set a positive direction for your day.
Neglecting to Express Gratitude
Cultivating an attitude of gratitude can significantly impact your overall happiness and well-being. Take a moment each morning to express gratitude for the blessings in your life, whether through journaling, prayer, or simply reflecting on them.
Allowing Negative People or Situations to Influence Your Mood
Surrounding yourself with negativity first thing in the morning can set a toxic tone for the rest of the day. Limit your exposure to negative people or situations, and instead, seek out positive influences that uplift and inspire you.
Skipping a Morning Stretch or Warm-Up
Starting your day with a gentle stretch or warm-up can help wake up your body and prepare you for the day ahead. Incorporate a few minutes of stretching or light exercise into your morning routine to improve circulation and flexibility.
Overloading on Caffeine
While a morning cup of coffee can provide a much-needed energy boost, caffeine overload can lead to jitteriness and crashes later in the day. Limit caffeine intake and opt for alternatives like herbal tea or water to stay hydrated and energized without the negative side effects.
Dwelling on Past Mistakes or Regrets
Focusing on past mistakes or regrets can weigh heavily on your mind and hinder your ability to move forward. Practice self-compassion and forgiveness, acknowledging that everyone makes mistakes. Focus instead on the present moment and how you can learn and grow from past experiences.