8 Simple Hacks for a Brighter Morning

Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, mornings are important. What you do first thing sets the tone for the rest of the day. Still, you may have a hard time starting the day off on the right foot. How your morning unfolds greatly depends on what habits you partake in during this time. So, what habits make a strong morning routine? Let’s take a closer look. Here are eight simple hacks for a brighter and more productive morning. 

1. Wake Up at the Same Time Every Morning.

It may feel nice to sleep in, but it is more beneficial to wake up at the same time every day because your body functions at its best when you follow a set schedule. According to Jade Wu, Ph.D., having a consistent sleep-wake schedule helps with important bodily functions like digestion and hormone regulation. To start, simply set an alarm clock for the earliest time you wake up. When the alarm goes off, resist the urge to hit the snooze button and get out of bed. Also, consider getting a traditional alarm clock so you don’t have to rely on your phone, which can interrupt sleep with noisy notifications. 

2. Drink a Glass of Water First Thing.

Drinking water is essential for good health. Water plays a key role in many bodily functions, including transporting nutrients to cells, getting rid of waste, protecting joints and organs, and maintaining body temperature. The amount of water you need in a day depends on factors such as age, sex, and weight. However, a general rule of thumb is 13 cups of water a day for men and 9 cups of water a day for women. Not drinking enough fluids can lead to thirst and fatigue. Thus, it is a great idea to start the morning off with a glass of water. Sticking to one small habit also builds a foundation for more healthy habits in the future. 

3. Avoid Social Media Right Away.

Social media is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it allows us to connect with friends and family in an instant. On the other, social media feeds are often littered with upsetting news. Some people even get addicted to seeking out reports of negative events. This phenomenon is so common that there is even a term for it: doomscrolling. Doomscrolling has become more common with the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only that, but it is all too easy to compare yourself to people who seem to be doing better than you. All of this often leaves people feeling more anxious and overwhelmed, especially first thing in the morning. For these reasons, it is wise to wait an hour or so before checking your feeds.

4. Get Dressed as Soon as Possible.

How you dress impacts your mood and mindset. As comfortable as your PJs are, if you continue wearing them all morning, you will feel groggy and sluggish, which can easily lead to you participating in less productive habits like scrolling through social media endlessly. Getting dressed signals to your brain that it’s time to start the day. Even if you have the day off or work from home, make it a priority to get clothes on as soon as possible. 

5. Eat a Healthy Breakfast.

A balanced breakfast helps you focus, keeps you energized throughout the day, and supports digestion. But what does an ideal breakfast look like? According to dietitian Regina Shvets, protein should be the main focus with additions of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats. A few great sources of protein include eggs, cottage cheese, low-fat milk, and yogurt. (Before buying yogurt, be sure to check the nutrition label for added sugars.) However, typical breakfast meats such as sausages, bacon, and ham are heavily processed and should only be eaten in moderation. 

6. Do Some Light Exercise.

Get up and moving with some stretching, yoga, or light exercise. Morning exercise is associated with health benefits like improved sleep and better focus throughout the day. There are also fewer distractions in the morning so you can focus on your workout. According to a 2019 study, working out early can also encourage you to make healthier food choices throughout the day. However, before exercise, it’s important to stabilize your blood sugar, so be sure to eat a light and nutritious breakfast first. 

7. Practice meditation. 

Meditation is beneficial for your health at any time of day. Even so, some experts recommend practicing in the morning because the early hours tend to be quiet, making it an ideal time for meditation practices. If you are new to meditation, set some time aside to meditate. Start with a small time goal of 5-10 minutes. There are a variety of different types of meditation you can try, including mindfulness meditation, visualization, and focused breathing. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find a type of meditation that is right for you. 

8. Keep a gratitude journal.

Gratitude is a profound sense of thankfulness for all the good things you have. As such, it is a powerful emotion to cultivate. Unlike traditional journaling, which can cover a wide variety of topics, gratitude journaling is all about focusing on the positive aspects of your life. Doing so during tough times can enhance mood and overall well-being. Practicing gratitude on a regular basis can also reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. One simple exercise to start is to write down three things you’re grateful for every morning. Be as specific as possible. For example, instead of writing general statements like “I’m grateful for my friends”, jot down something like “I’m grateful for the time I spent with my best friend today.” 

Your morning sets the foundation for the rest of the day and with these eight simple hacks, you can control how it unfolds. Whether it’s eating a healthy breakfast, practicing meditation or even keeping a gratitude journal, small changes lead to massive results over time. Start by incorporating one or two of these tips into your morning routine and adjust as needed until you find what works best for you. 

Image Credit: Dawid Zawiła at Unsplash, Bluewater Sweden at Unsplash, Jared Rice at Unsplash