Five Tips to Build a Morning Routine for Better Mental Wellness
Five Tips to Build a Morning Routine for Better Mental Wellness
Written by Lily Thrope
An important way to boost your mental wellness is by establishing a consistent morning routine. For many people who struggle with mornings or long days, this might sound like a difficult feat. However, by starting your day with intention and positivity, you may set the tone for the remainder of the day. By prioritizing your mental health from the minute you get up, you invest in a happier, healthier self.
While it may sound daunting, building a better morning routine does not have to be challenging. It can take a few simple changes to really make a difference. See below for five tips on building a better morning routine:
Maintain consistency.
While it can be very tempting to sleep until 10am on the weekends, try to wake up at a consistent time each day. Maintaining a consistent wake up time can help regulate your body and circadian rhythm, which is your body’s internal clock. This will ultimately ‘program’ your body for better sleep and easier wake-ups.
Mindful minute.
Even 60 seconds of intention can make a difference in your day. Upon waking up, take a minute to do a quick body scan or visualization exercise. Even repeating some simple affirmations can be helpful. Taking a moment before jumping straight into your day can be beneficial in reducing stress and increasing focus.
Move your body.
Once you finish your ‘mindful minute’, try to incorporate some physical activity into your morning routine; This doesn’t have to be anything too intense. A few simple stretches, a vinyasa flow or a quick walk is enough to boost your mood and energy levels.
Stay hydrated.
Upon waking, aim to have eight ounces (or more) of water. Hydrating yourself first thing in the morning can help with alertness, digestion, brain function and kidney function. Water can also ease joint pains and sore muscles. Some recommend drinking warm water with lemon first thing in the morning.
Set intentions.
Before diving into your daily tasks, set intentions for the day ahead. This might be creating a task list, reviewing your calendar or setting affirmations. Setting purpose into your day is a great way to be mindful and increase positivity.
Creating a new routine takes time and patience, and doesn’t happen overnight. Routines are built by consistency and repetition. Don’t worry about trying to use all these tips; start out with one or two, then gradually increase more into your routine. The key is to develop a regimen that works for you and helps you achieve your mental health goals. With consistency and devotion, you should see an increase in your mood, energy levels, and overall mental wellness.
If you are looking to learn better strategies to cope with stressful mornings or busy days, Thrope Therapy is here to support. If you are interested in meeting, schedule your free 15 minute consultation today. Let’s get started!
