4 Tips for Better Mornings

In an ideal world, you would wake up feeling refreshed and ready to rise every day. The start to your morning affects the rest of the day; if you find yourself hitting snooze one too many times, it may be time to reevaluate your morning routine. Give yourself the opportunity to start your day with ease and confidence by utilizing the tips below.

Prep the Night Before

Taking 30 minutes to pack your lunch, iron your outfit and program your coffee pot the night before makes it easier to get going in the morning. Brainstorm what you’ll need to get out the door and plan accordingly. Your future self will thank you.

Don’t Hit the Snooze Button

It’s tempting not to, but hitting snooze leaves you feeling more tired than if you just get up with your first alarm. The type of sleep received after snoozing is often fragmented and light, which can lead to feeling more tired when you do get out of bed.

Try Moving

Getting active in the mornings has multiple benefits that you feel throughout the whole day. Working out increases endorphins and productivity, boosts metabolism, and helps you sleep better at night. Find what feels good to you – whether that’s hitting the gym, walking your dog or morning stretches – and observe the difference.

Give Yourself More Time

You never know what may come up in the morning. A sick child or spilled cereal can derail you from getting out the door. Allowing a buffer of about 30 minutes will keep you on schedule when life happens. Also, consider using the extra time for yourself. Read the paper, sip your coffee, meditate, journal or take your dog for a walk. Think about activities you would like to try and incorporate them into your mornings.

Routines can alleviate the stress of the morning rush and set you up for the whole day. But, what works for one person may not work for someone else, so find what helps you feel ready to take on the day. Try it for a couple weeks and adjust as necessary. Once you have your routine down, you won’t mind that morning alarm.