Learn more: Why sleep is important for stress relief, Time Management Tips to Reduce Stress
Build your Morning Routine
How you wake up
The key here is to wake up at the same time everyday. There are loads of apps out there that can help you discover what time of the morning is good for you to wake up (depending on your sleep cycle). There are also alarm clocks that wake you up slowly by replicating the sun rising.
Drink a glass of water
During the night we become dehydrated, so it can help wake up your brain and body by providing them with hydration to function properly. This is also a good way to get yourself sat up and feeling ready to start the day.
Limit distractions
A lot of people reach for their phone first thing in the morning, but this can make you stay in your bed for longer as you get distracted by notifications etc. If possible, it would be best to sleep with your phone outside of your bedroom, so that you’re never tempted to pick it up straight away. To maximise productivity, anything that distracts you easily that isn’t a productive use of time, should not be used during your morning routine.
Meditate
Meditation is one of the ways to give yourself time in the morning to think over what you want to get done that day, and how you are going to get it done to the best of your ability. My book A Pocket Guide to Stress is available on Amazon and is full of over 80 different mindfulness techniques. There are loads of free, short meditation sessions that can give you a chance to wake your body and mind and allow yourself to get motivated for the day ahead. Here are some great techniques you could try out: Best Mindfulness Techniques to Reduce Stress
Journal
Journaling is another way to get yourself motivated for the day. Write out your ambitions for the day and refer to any previous pages that could inspire you – such as a mood board. Learn more about how to get started with journaling here: Journaling for Stress Relief: How to Get Started
Breakfast
How you fuel yourself in the morning is vital to how your body and mind function throughout the day. It is a good idea to minimise sugar in the morning, as this causes a glucose spike which provides only a short boost of energy.
Exercise
If you have time in the morning (and if not then you can always make time!!) then some people find that sport can really help them boost their motivation and energy for the day. You could either try something mindful like yoga or stretching exercises, or you could aim towards a fitness goal that you may have and do something more hard hitting.
Affirmations/gratitude
This can be done in your journal, or if not then there are loads of apps that give you quick ways to feel gratitude and find affirmations that fit well into your current goals.
Preparing for the next day
Preparing well for the next morning/day means you will save time and feel less stressed. Some things you can do to prepare: reflect over the day and plan goals for tomorrow, pre-prepare breakfast, know what you’re going to wear and take with you if you’re leaving the house, move your phone out of your room before sleep.
Practise mindfulness
Journaling, going for a walk, listening to music, meditating can all be forms of mindfulness. Allowing you to destress after a long day and remember what is important in life. This can also help you clear your head so you sleep better.
Winding down
Read a book (nothing too tense), practise some yoga-type exercises, drink a hot beverage, have a warm shower etc. These can all help you calm down and decompress, preparing your body and mind for your sleep cycle.
References – some websites that may be useful
Morning Routines for Stress Relief
How to Create the Best Morning and Evening Routine for a Balanced Life
14 morning and evening routines that will set up each day for success
