How to Build an Energising Morning Routine

What you do upon waking up is incredibly important. Your morning rituals set the tone for the rest of the day, which is why you need to establish habits that start it right! Of course, the best routines may look a little bit different from person to person. But to help you create a morning routine that works, try these five habits that can help you begin your day on a positive note:

1. Make your bed

As it turns out, mums are right to make you fix your bed after sleeping in it. Psychology Today’s survey on bed-making shows that people who bother to tidy up their beds are generally happier, while those who don’t are the opposite. It’s tough to conclude with certainty whether bed-making has anything to do with it at all, but it can be explained by mess — or the absence of it. Clutter can be very distracting and stressful, which can lead to feeling unsatisfied with life. What’s more, fluffing your pillows and smoothing out the duvet covers can be a relaxing activity, and may be even a little meditative.

2. Move a little

… or a lot, depending on what your schedule looks like for the day. Exercise is one of the most naturally energising activities that can help boost your productivity. Getting the heart rate going with a workout releases endorphins, and these are called feel-good chemicals for a reason! Check out our list of 12 Exercise Moves You Can Do in Your Bedroom’ for simple workouts that don’t require any equipment at all.

3. Nourish your body

Studies show that skipping breakfast, the most important meal of the day, does the body more harm than good. It increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. So if you want to manage your weight, focus on eating nourishing food and increasing your physical activity instead of skipping meals.

That said, there’s plenty of healthy food items to include in your morning menu. Under 30 CEO’s list of energising breakfast foods highlights the need to consume a healthy mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fat. Eat foods like oats, eggs, whole grains, yoghurt, and of course, fruits and veggies.

4. Prioritise hygiene and skincare

Mornings are the best time to get yourself all cleaned up even if you don’t have plans of stepping outside. Aside from taking a quick rinse, you can also work on your skincare. In the same way you shop for food, try to look for skincare products that contain natural ingredients, like the increasingly popular Vitamin E cream for moisturising. Pretty Me’s review of AR Vitamin E Cream notes that the skin moisturiser is made with Vitamin E, beeswax, and other natural oils. These help treat several conditions like acne, dark spots, and under-eye circles. Though there’s nothing wrong with having blemishes, a clearer skin can help boost your self-confidence and, in turn, lead you to feel more invigorated.

5. Detox from social media

Many people instinctively reach for their phones when they wake up. Naturally, you’d want to check your messages and your social media feeds. But it’s no surprise that this isn’t the healthiest habit to have, especially in the morning. Bustle cites findings that this sets off a cycle of stress that can potentially ruin your day. You might end up responding to work emails while still in your pyjamas, or being exposed to news reports that haven’t been so pleasant lately. The blue light your phone emits might help wake you up, but sunlight is an even more effective alarm clock — and with no negative strings attached!

This post was written by one of our student writers, Robee Jane.