Having a good day begins with having a great morning. Here are my ten favorite ways to have a better morning, set a positive tone for the day, and ensure I accomplish all that I need to without feeling drained. I hope these tips help you have a better morning too!
Above: Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island
Prepare for the Morning the Evening Before
Set out clothes for the following day, set the alarm, and make a to-do list about what must be done the next day. With it all written down, I find that I don’t stay awake, tossing and turning, as I think about what must be done the following day. Think of it as dumping your troubles, worries, and stressors out of your mind and onto a piece of paper (or your phone’s note app).
Above: Belmond Charleston Place in Charleston
Wake Up at the Same Time Every Morning
Waking up at the same time every morning, and going to sleep at the same time each night, has helped me maintain a more regular sleep schedule. It also helps me feel more well-rested and allows me to construct a better routine around the times I will sleep and wake.
Make The Bed
Such a small and straightforward act does wonders for the mind and the appearance of a room. When the bed is neat and tidy, it makes it easier to keep everything else neat, thereby reducing stress.
Above: Viceroy Hotel in Chicago
Eat Breakfast Before Drinking Caffeine
Caffeine stresses the body and can overwork the adrenals if consumed on an empty stomach. I significantly cut back on coffee and replaced it with green juice, but when I do drink coffee, I ensure I’ve already eaten a meal or at least something for my body to run on rather than running myself into the ground. I feel my energy levels are far more even when I do.
Straighten Up
Perhaps it’s because I am greatly bothered by disarray, but I find I am far more productive and far more at peace if I straighten up our home. Even ten minutes of putting away dishes, cleaning countertops, putting laundry in the washer machine, and making the bed does wonders for my mental health, and I find that any messes that do come about are significantly less imposing, as nothing is left to accumulate.
Above: Four Season Hotel in Seattle
Stretch, Go for a Walk, Move Your Body in Some Way
When I first wake up, I love to stretch for five minutes or so, and I’ve found that getting in some sort of movements like yoga, a morning walk, or a full workout on weekends really improves my mental clarity, focus, and makes me feel far more awake than coffee ever did.
Shower
A warm bath to start the day and wash away the night (or any exercise) can represent a fresh start and set the tone for the day. Take this opportunity to pamper yourself, even if it’s simply adding essential oils to your shower routine or taking an extra moment to take a few deep breaths, taking an extra moment to moisturize, and spending a bit of extra time on yourself.
Skincare Routine
This is another great opportunity to take some time for yourself. Be sure you’re using skincare products in the correct order for maximum benefits, give yourself a mini-morning facial, and don’t forget the sunscreen!
Above: Casa de la Marquesa in Querétaro, Mexico
Take Vitamins
Great health, long, healthy hair and better energy starts from within. While it isn’t always possible to get adequate nutrition from the food we eat, vitamins and nutritional supplements can help fill in the gaps, and taking them each morning becomes a simple habit. Look for vitamins that don’t contain fillers, and the purer the vitamin the better. I like Moon Juice supplements, Garden of Life, Ancient Nutrition, and Trace Minerals. If you don’t have much time in the mornings, this can be another thing you prep at night.
Set Priorities for the Day
Using the to-do list I create each night, I use it the next day to set my priorities. It does wonders for my productivity!
Above: Hay-Adams Hotel in Washington, D.C.
Ashley King says
I had no idea about coffee on an empty stomach and making a to do list at night is genius!
Courtney B says
Just what I needed to read today– thanks so much for sharing Annie!
Danielle F says
Oops guilty of the coffee on an empty stomach. I didn’t realize how bad this was! Will definitely be more mindful.