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So, I am typically a morning person. At least I have to be 5 days out of the week for my job. But since you are here, (first off, hello!! ☀️) then chances are, you are most likely not a morning person. I get it! There are definitely days where I do NOT feel like getting up for any reason! I could honestly keep hitting snooze for hours and be perfectly content. However, I often find that when I do oversleep I feel more groggy, sluggish, and less productive throughout the day. Does anyone else feel the same? That is why it is important for me to find a happy balance! I decided to create a routine that will not only motivate me to wake up early but it will also allow me to have a positive morning and wake up in a good mood!

 

A big thing to keep in mind is that you don’t need to overthink it!

 

A morning routine should be happy, peaceful, and calming! If you are new to waking up early, then start small! Don’t wake up feeling like you have to tackle a huge list of tasks in a couple of hours to make your morning “effective” and “worth it.”

Starting off small, taking your time, and being more mindful can really make mornings so much better! Try these simple tricks and see if they help you have a positive morning and wake up in a good mood!

 

 

 

1. First things first: It all starts with sleeping well 

 

 

This one is a given, but I feel like it has to be mentioned! Because what good is a healthy morning routine without a healthy night routine? To have a healthy, productive, and positive morning, you have to give yourself something to work with! So, it all starts with sleep. Sleeping well involves getting enough sleep and getting quality sleep.

On average, most adults function and feel their best when they get around 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Of course, those who strength train, are fighting a sickness/cold, or recovering from an injury, may need more sleep than the average person. Developing the habit of going to bed earlier and sleeping well is the #1 way to begin investing in yourself and in your health. And it is the key component to mental, emotional, and physical health as well as longevity and your overall well-being.

 

Be prepared 

 

Of course, quality sleep is the initial step to cultivate a positive morning, but, to set yourself up for even more success, practice preparing your clothes, meals, work, homework, etc. before you go to bed at night! That way, you can wake up knowing that everything is ready to go, and you can take your time investing in yourself this morning!

Another thing that I find to be extremely helpful is to clean up your room, workspace, and/or living space before you go to bed as well. Waking up to a clean bedroom will not only make you feel more productive, but you will also feel a lot less stressed! Do you ever notice that the busier and more cluttered your space is, the more cluttered and overwhelmed your mind is? Me too!

Take the time each night to tidy up your space. It will save you a lot of time and stress in the morning. And, waking up to a clean room is always a good and happy feeling!

 

 

2. Wake up to a different kind of alarm

 

 

Happy Song 

 

I have recently noticed that waking up to a different, happy song each morning has greatly improved my overall mood! Instead of a loud alarm that is the same annoying sound every morning. Nobody likes to wake up that way! In my opinion, a basic, loud alarm is the perfect initial ingredient for a bad mood. It just sets a negative tone to the start of the day.

I also realized that when the same alarm sound would go off every morning, I began to get very used to the noise as I was asleep. So, there would be countless times where I would not hear my alarm and unfortunately wake up very late. Not good when you are a 5 am fitness instructor!

After switching my alarm to an upbeat song to wake me instead, I instantly saw a major change in my mood and happiness in the morning!

 

Sunrise Simulating Alarm Clock

 

It is very important to remember that when the alarm does go off, do not hit the snooze button! It disrupts your sleep schedule and it can actually cause more harm than good to your body. Fragmented sleep causes you to feel more tired, sluggish, and less productive. Not to mention, it is worse for your overall mood and cognitive function.

 

How to stop hitting the snooze button:

 

To stop yourself from hitting the snooze button, set your phone or alarm clock somewhere far enough away from your bed so that you physically have to get up and walk to the alarm to shut it off each morning. The act of actually getting out of bed the moment you hear the alarm (your happy song) go off will make it so much easier for you to stay awake! 

Another tip for waking up in a better mood is to use a sunrise-simulating alarm clock. Since our body’s circadian rhythm is affected by sunlight, using a sunrise-simulating alarm clock simply eases you awake. That way you wake up gradually and more refreshed! This alarm clock puts off a warm-glow light, that will turn on about thirty minutes before your set alarm and gradually brighten like a sunrise. Basically, the slow exposure to this light will help bring you into a lighter sleep stage, making it easier for you to wake up when your alarm goes off.

 

Related Post: “9 Healthy Morning Habits You Need to Try!”

 

 

3. Hydrate and eat a healthy breakfast 

 

 

Hydrate

 

As you begin cooking your breakfast, rehydrate your body by filling up a water bottle the moment you walk into your kitchen! Drinking water first thing in the morning helps to boost your metabolism, flush out toxins, and aid in healthy digestion for the entire day. Hydrating first thing in the morning will also boost your mental clarity and energy!

 

 

Well-balanced, nutrient-dense breakfast

 

I find that when I begin my day with a well-balanced breakfast, my energy levels are higher, I am more focused, and my hunger is satisfied for a longer period of time. Stay away from processed, sugary breakfast foods (like cereal) which are loaded with refined carbohydrates that spike up your insulin levels.

Instead, stick to a well-balanced, healthy breakfast that is loaded with healthy (complex) carbohydrates such as fruit or whole-grain bread, lean protein such as egg whites, and healthy fats such as avocado or nuts. To go along with tip #1, if you do not have a lot of time to make your breakfast in the morning, try prepping it the night before. Such as overnight oats or a quick, coffee mug quiche! Click the link to download those recipes!

Whatever you enjoy and whatever works the best for YOU!

 

 

4. Create a morning playlist

 

 

Set a positive tone at the beginning of the day with an upbeat or relaxing playlist! Music really does have the power to change your mood! So starting off your day with a playlist that makes you happy can make a huge difference in your morning routine and your overall mood for the remainder of the day!

Listen to your playlist while making breakfast, drinking your coffee, on your commute to work, or while you are journaling. Which brings us to my next step! ☀️

 

 

5. Positive thinking

 

 

Simply setting aside a minimum of two minutes of positive thinking each morning can instantly improve your mood, energy levels, and mental clarity leading into your day. There are numerous ways to set yourself up for positive thinking!

You can even take the moment to do so while you’re eating your breakfast and drinking your coffee.

 

Here are a few examples:

 

• Visualize your day ahead.

Take a few minutes to visualize your ideal day and break down the steps you need to achieve your goal(s).

 

• Set positive and sustainable goals for the day.

 Write down and reflect on the most important tasks that you want to accomplish that given day.

 

• Absorb inspiration for personal development.

Read a chapter of a self-help book, listen to an uplifting podcast, listen to an inspirational sermon, or watch a motivational video on Youtube.

 

• Practice gratitude.

Simply write down 3 things you are grateful for at the moment. Or 3 things you are excited for.

 

• Meditate.

Practice simple meditation techniques to lower stress and anxiety levels, to connect to your body and surroundings, and to open up your mind for creativity and success as the day goes on.

 

• Positive, personal affirmations.

Make a written or mental list on the positive or affirming things about yourself! Think about how they’re helping you get where you’re going and why you love these certain characteristics that you possess.

 

I personally like to get my thoughts down on paper, where I can physically see them. It seriously feels so satisfying and light. I don’t know about you, but I emotionally, physically, and mentally feel lighter after getting all of my thoughts out and organized in writing. I feel as if there is a weight lifted off my shoulders, and I can actually breathe, visualize my day with abundant clarity, and tackle my morning to-do list ease and comfort.

 

 

6. Take some time to get ready

 

 

A huge benefit of waking up earlier and refreshed is that you can allow yourself time to get ready and go through a relaxing and restorative beauty ritual! Set aside sometime in the morning to pamper yourself and invest in your overall well-being. The phrase “the early bird gets the worm” definitely rings true in my opinion!

Some examples could include, dry brushing or exfoliating in the shower, applying moisturizer and SPF to your face and body, and following a healthy morning skincare routine. Other examples could include, taking the time to style your hair a different way, not rushing through your makeup routine, easy enough, using this time to be more thorough in oral hygiene.

For example, using this time to floss, safely whiten, or use healthy mouthwash. Because let’s be real, there are mornings where you forget to floss or finish up with mouthwash and brushing alone will have to do!

 

 

7. Do something that makes you feel productive

 

 

Whether that be exercising, clearing your email inbox, grocery shopping, working on a project, etc. Beginning your morning with a simple task that makes you feel accomplished tends to increase productivity and achievements throughout the entire day. The easy task of making your bed is always a great place to start. It will boost your mood and start your day on a positive note!

 

 

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I hope that you found these 7 tips helpful and that you take what you need to develop a positive morning routine that works for you and that wakes you up in a good mood! It can be hard waking up earlier, but trust me, it is so worth it! You will have more positivity in your life and you will start each day feeling great! ✨

What is your morning routine? 

Let me know in the comments!

xo, Cydney