8 Simple Habits for a Calm Morning

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Mornings can be chaotic…even for a morning person. The alarm blares, your mind races, and before you know it, you’re rushing out the door.

So, it shouldn’t be a surprise when you feel frazzled like what just happened by 9 am. However, the morning sets the tone for your entire day.

You need a way to bring calmness to the morning. Because when you own your morning, you start to own your day. Here are some simple habits that can help you get started on the path to calmness first thing in the morning.

1. Wake up 15 Minutes Earlier (And Maybe Go to Bed 15 Minutes Earlier)

Fifteen minutes are like gold in the morning. That little bit of time gives you breathing room before the day starts.

You don’t have to get up at 5 am. Just create a buffer and wake up 15 minutes before you normally would.

This small window lets you ease into the morning instead of rushing. You can enjoy some coffee or a silent moment with yourself.

No more running around trying to find your keys. You now have time to plan and prepare for the day. If waking up a little early is too much, try going to bed earlier. It’s the same concept–give your body the rest-wake cycle it needs.

2. Wake up at the Same Time Every Day

Consistency is key. Waking up at the same time every day trains your body’s internal clock. It helps you feel more alert and less groggy.

As your body gets into a rhythm with a regular wake time, you’ll naturally start to wake up around the same time without an alarm. it’s actually one less thing to worry about.

3. Avoid Looking at the Phone for 30 Minutes

Nothing is more important than taking care of you. Try avoiding the phone trap by ignoring it for the first 30 minutes of your day.

No emails, notifications, or social media. That stuff can wait. Instead, use this time to get in control of your day and set a calm mindset.

You can brush your teeth and wash your face, read, or meditate. Anything but look at your phone.

4. Make Your Bed

I love this habit and I personally found it life changing. In the book Make Your Bed, Admiral William H. McRaven talks about the big impact this one simple task can have on your day. He says it is your first accomplishment of the day, a win before you even leave your room.

This simple habit creates a sense of order and makes everything a little more manageable. When your bed is made, and your room is tidy, your mind is less cluttered too. No matter what comes at you, you’re slightly more ready when your bed is made than when it isn’t.

5. Drink a Glass of Water First Thing (Infused With Fresh Fruit if You Can)

Your body can get dehydrated overnight. So, drinking water first thing wakes up your system. It also boosts your metabolism and helps you feel more awake.

I like to add lemon to the water for an added twang and its detoxing properties. Water is an easy way to ramp up the morning without relying on coffee or caffeine. You’re sure to feel more focused and be able to think clearly.

6. Stretch or Do Some Light Movement

You don’t need a full workout to start the day. A few stretches in as little as two to three minutes can make a difference. Movement gets your blood flowing and releases tension.

Setting aside time for your mind to relax through gentle stretching helps you make time for self-care. You’ll feel more energized and ready to take on the challenges of the day as soon as you’re done. Plus, it just might boost your mood.

7. Set a Small Intention for the Day

Set a small intention for the day to act as your guide. It’s a mini-goal that shapes everything you need to get done.

It can be something as simple as stay positive where the intention to stay positive keeps you grounded and in control. Every task on the to-do list is met with positivity.

8. Plan Your Day the Night Before

Mornings are smoother when you already know what’s coming. Spend a few minutes the night before planning your next day. Write down your top three tasks and anything you need to remember. Maybe pick out your clothes and figure out what you’re going to eat.

Planning makes everything a little better. You’ll find that your mind stays clearer and you have less stress. Gone will be the days of scrambling to figure out what you’re supposed to do or being overwhelmed and unsure where to start.

Featured Image Credit: Gladskikh Tatiana/Shutterstock.