Waking up to your alarm at 6:30am. You reach for your phone to turn it off and see several notifications waiting for you. You tell yourself you’ll just check one message, but then you get sucked into responding to texts, checking emails and scrolling through social media. Before you know it, 30 minutes have passed and you feel anxious and drained before you’ve even gotten out of bed.
Can you relate to this hectic start to your day? Many of us start our mornings by getting lost in our phones, which can leave us feeling stressed and disconnected from ourselves. But what if there was a better way? What if you could start your day feeling calm and focused? That’s where a mindful morning routine comes in. We’ll share simple activities you can do before you check your phone. These activities can help you start your day on the right foot, so you feel more centred and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
Things to do every morning before you look at your phone
1. Stretch: Start your day by gently stretching your body. This helps improve flexibility, blood flow and energy levels. Spend a few minutes stretching your arms, legs and back to wake up your muscles.
2. Hydrate: After a night’s sleep, your body needs hydration. Drink a glass of water to rehydrate and kick-start your metabolism. Adding a squeeze of lemon can further boost hydration and provide a refreshing start to your day.
3. Meditate: Take a few minutes to sit quietly and meditate. Focus on your breath and let go of any thoughts or worries. Meditation can help calm the mind, reduce stress and increase mindfulness.
4. Express gratitude: Before getting out of bed, take a moment to think about what you’re grateful for. This can be anything from the people in your life to the opportunities you have. Practicing gratitude can shift your focus to the positive aspects of your life and set a positive tone for the day.
5. Visualise your day: Close your eyes and visualise how you want your day to unfold. Picture yourself accomplishing your goals, overcoming challenges with ease and feeling happy and fulfilled. This practice can help you set intentions and stay focused throughout the day.
6. Practice deep breathing: Take a few minutes to practice deep breathing exercises. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds and exhale slowly through your mouth. Deep breathing can help reduce stress, increase oxygen flow and improve focus.
7. Eat a nutritious breakfast: Fuel your body with a healthy breakfast. Include foods rich in fibre, protein and healthy fats to provide sustained energy throughout the morning. Avoid sugary cereals or pastries, as they can lead to energy crashes later in the day.
8. Write in a journal: Spend some time writing in a journal. You can write about your thoughts, feelings, or goals for the day. Journalling can help clarify your thoughts and feelings and provide a sense of catharsis.
9. Listen to music: Play your favourite music to uplift your mood and energize your morning. Music has the power to affect our emotions and can help set a positive tone for the day ahead.
10. Get some sunlight: Spend a few minutes outdoors to soak up some sunlight. Sunlight exposure can help regulate your body’s internal clock, boost your mood and increase vitamin D production.
11. Exercise: Incorporate some form of exercise into your morning routine. Whether it’s a quick workout, a brisk walk, or a bike ride, getting your body moving can boost your energy levels and improve your mood.
12. Connect with loved ones: Reach out to a friend or family member to say hello and start your day on a positive note. Connecting with loved ones can help strengthen your relationships and improve your overall well-being.
13. Practice a hobby: Spend some time doing something you enjoy, whether it’s painting, gardening, or playing an instrument. Engaging in hobbies can help reduce stress, boost creativity and increase happiness.
14. Declutter: Spend a few minutes tidying up your space. Clutter can contribute to feelings of stress and overwhelm, so taking the time to declutter can create a sense of calm and order. The Wellness Corner.
