Picture this: Your alarm goes off, you wake up and hit snooze… maybe once, maybe twice and next thing you know you have 15 minutes to get up and get ready for the day. You rush your breakfast or take a breakfast bar to have on the go. You get to work or wherever you need to be for the day, feeling frazzled, exhausted, and wanting to go back to bed. Sound familiar? Well here’s 5 golden tips you can implement into your morning routine to start the day feeling refreshed and to set you up for success.

1. Your alarm matters

If you’re anything like us, you hate blaring alarms… alarm anxiety is real. So your alarm matters. Waking up to loud ringing triggers your fight or flight response immediately and you start your day with your nervous system already feeling dysregulated. Instead opt for a gentler sound where the volume slowly increases or maybe even a song you enjoy. If you are looking for an alarm clock, try out a sunrise clock which will slowly wake you up with light. You can even get some fancy clocks which also plays music or nature sounds. Not only does the type of alarm matter, but it’s also where you place it. If you tend to hit snooze, try placing it across the room so you have no choice but to get up out of bed.

2. Fuel your body

Time to regulate those cortisol levels! Skipping breakfast isn’t necessarily something that works for us as we need all the energy we can get. To avoid that energy crash later on in the day, a nourishing breakfast is key. Now we aren’t dieticians, but we would say having a balanced breakfast is super important to set you up for the day, so if you struggle to find the time in the morning, setting aside 10 or 15 minutes at the weekend to prep for the week or prepping breakfast the night before might be your saving grace.

3. Movement

Any type of movement in the morning is key. Wanting more energy throughout the day? Let’s get that blood flowing. Whether it’s a quick walk round the block, a full gym workout, or a calming yoga flow, find something that works for you with the time you have. A good tip is to have whatever equipment you will be using out… ever heard of out of sight out of mind? Get your weights or your yoga mat in the kitchen so when you’re making breakfast they are in sight. You could even get some goblet squats in whilst you wait for your morning coffee to brew. If it’s a walk or run you’d prefer, get your clothes out the night before and shoes by the door ready. Anything to challenge that negotiation in your head.

4. Fresh air and Natural Light

It can be difficult to get out in the morning especially in the UK weather but there’s actually so many ways you can expose yourself to some light. And the great thing about this tip is you can almost always do it alongside one of the other 5 tips, so you really can have your cake and eat it too! If your choice of movement in the morning involves a walk outside then that’s great, but staying inside… there are ways around this too. Try sitting by an open window whilst having your breakfast or morning brew. Try to go phone-less and really sit in the moment. When you get up in the morning, strip those curtains or blinds open, your body and brain will thank you for it. Exposure to natural light in the morning not only boosts your mood and brain function for the day, it also supports regulation of your sleep cycle.

5. Your mindset sets the tone

Hopefully by adding tips 1-4 into your morning routine will already have you feeling ready to take on whatever the day brings. But we understand not everyday will feel like that. That’s why taking 5 minutes to sit with yourself and frame your mindset for the day can make all the difference. You can do this by writing down your intentions for the day, setting out your to do list, and remembering 3 things to be grateful for, or 3 things you are looking forward to. Sometimes just writing out what’s in your mind and doing a massive brain dump can help you think more clearly. You might be thinking “when do I have time for that?” especially if you’re already feeling stressed or low. So that’s why it’s about finding ways you can do this even on the busiest of mornings. Top tips: Doing it when you first get up so you don’t forget, doing it whilst you have breakfast or whilst on your morning walk. Can’t find the time to get out paper and pen, get out your phone, turn on ‘do not disturb’ and type in your notes or journal app.

Every morning isn’t going to run smoothly even when adding in all 5 tips above. But have you ever regretted getting some fresh air in the morning, taking 5 minutes to yourself, fuelling your body, or getting up 5 minutes earlier? No we haven’t either. Your morning routine really does shape your day, so as long as you are doing what works for you then we love that for you besties. We are still trying to master our mornings ourselves and it’s always an ever changing process dependent on what’s happening in our lives ❤️ If you have any tips to mastering your morning routine, please share in the comments and let’s support each other!

Lots of love,

El and Bec x