Morning routines for good mental health

Start your day fresh.

If the moment your eyes open your brain is flooding with the day’s to-do lists or you’re overwhelmed with the pressure for productivity, you need a good morning routine that enables a stillness in your mind.

Intentional in the way you begin the day is a great way to take charge of your enviroment, setting the baseline of your emotional and mental wellbeing, and ensuring your physical needs are met.

I am not a naturally awakened morning person, I am more akin to the walking dead, shuffling my feet and incoherent speech. My morning routine involves shuffling to the bathroom, showering, skincare routine and then staring out my bathroom window to the trees swaying in the breeze, breathing deep, and clearing my mind. After a few minutes of deep breathing I am grounded, and somewhat ready to start attending to my five children’s needs.

Finding time to meditate and journal dosen’t fit in my daily life, but I try to squeeze that in my weekend routines.

Finding what works for you will be individualised and some trial and error; finding a way to ground yourself, deep breathing and having a moment of gratitude is a great way to begin living every day.

Mindful Awakening:

• Gentle Alarm: Use a soft, melodic sound to wake up rather than a jarring alarm. 

• Deep Breathing: Spend a few moments focusing on your breath to ground yourself. 

• Hydration:

  • Drink Water: Start your day with a glass of water to rehydrate your body. 

• Movement:

  • Stretching or Yoga: Gentle stretching or a short yoga practice can help improve flexibility and reduce stiffness. 

  • Walk or Exercise: Get some physical activity, even a short walk, to boost your mood and energy levels. 

• Positive Mindset:

  • Gratitude: Write down or reflect on things you are grateful for. 

  • Affirmations: Start the day with positive affirmations to boost your self-esteem and confidence. 

  • Meditation or Prayer: Dedicate a few minutes to meditation or prayer to clear your mind and center yourself. 

  • Journaling: Reflect on your thoughts and feelings, or plan your day. 

• Other Helpful Practices:

  • Healthy Breakfast: Fuel your body with a nutritious breakfast. 

  • Plan your day: Review your to-do list and prioritize tasks to stay organized and productive. 

  • Read: Start your day with a book to stimulate your mind and reduce stress. 

  • Connect with loved ones: Reach out to family or friends to build social connections and feel supported. It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.