I’ve always been a morning person. I love starting my day early, around 6 a.m. Early mornings allow me to enjoy some time by myself and start the day with intention. It’s a bonus that I get to watch the beautiful sunrise while sipping my delicious coffee. Having a solid morning routine is essential because it can boost happiness, reduce stress levels, and increase productivity. Your morning routine also sets the tone for the rest of your day.
Read on as I share my five tips to incorporate in your morning routine to help kick-start your day with happiness and intention.
Express gratitude
It’s no secret that cultivating a daily gratitude practice is strongly associated with reduced stress and anxiety levels, better sleep, stronger relationships, greater happiness, and self-awareness. I try to make it a daily habit to write down three things I’m grateful for in my Happiness Journal or tell my significant other my list if I’m not in the mood to journal that morning. It’s up to you to choose the number or method of expressing gratitude, but doing it first thing in the morning helps to set your day on the ‘right foot.’
Hug someone you love
There are many benefits to giving and receiving a hug. Hugging boosts oxytocin and serotonin hormones which make you feel loved and elevates your mood. A hug can also balance your nervous system, release tension, and lower your blood pressure. Starting a day by hugging someone you love makes you feel amazing and puts you in a cheerful mood for the day.
Get some morning sunlight
Exposure to sunlight after you wake up helps reinforce your circadian rhythms by suppressing melatonin secretion. Melatonin is the hormone that induces sleep. Try taking a short walk in the morning to soak up some sunlight or open your window within the first hour of waking up. Even if it’s overcast that morning, you’ll still get the benefits of morning sunlight exposing yourself to natural light. It’ll also make you feel more alert, awake and may make it easier for you to fall asleep later that night.
Drink a glass of water
Most of us wake up a bit dehydrated after a night’s sleep. Dehydration is known to cause fatigue, irritability, and confusion. Hydrating in the morning can positively impact cognitive performance, boost your mood, and even aid in weight loss. You’ll also feel more energized and awake.
Incorporate one small act of self-care
You owe it to yourself and those around you to be the best version of yourself by practicing self-care. All it takes is one small act of self-care each morning to work wonders for your mood and emotional resilience. Whether it’s taking a few minutes to meditate, practice yoga, or even take a bath, be sure to add some time for self-care to your morning routine.
I hope these tips inspire you to start your day early. Are you an early morning as I am? What is your favorite morning routine tip from this list? Let me by commenting below.
