10 Things To Do In The Morning Instead Of Scrolling On Your Phone.
Mornings often involve a rush of alarms, messages, and immediate responsibilities due to the rushed pace of modern life. However, the practice of cultivating a mindful morning offers a transformative alternative—a chance to start our day with intention, awareness, and self-care. By incorporating mindfulness into our mornings, we unlock a multitude of benefits that can profoundly impact our overall well-being. A mindful morning helps create an orderly and fruitful day by boosting attention, productivity, and emotional resilience, while also lowering stress and improving emotional resilience. Below, I will be sharing 10 ways you can kick-start your mornings in a mindful way that will help you stay productive and reduce stress for the rest of the day.
1. Digital detox!
Yes, you heard that right. You’ve probably heard this a million times already, but I’ll say it again. Instead of waking up to your phone first thing in the morning, which leads to distracting your mind and also sets the tone for distraction for the rest of the day, Create a designated "no-phone" zone in your morning routine. Avoid checking your phone or engaging in social media, at least until you have completed your morning rituals. This practice prevents external distractions and also fosters a sense of inner peace.
2. Drink at least 250 ml of water.
Drinking water first thing in the morning has a list of benefits. Drinking water in the morning helps replenish the fluids lost during sleep, rehydrating your body and starting your day refreshed. It further aids with digestion, boosts your metabolism, flushes out toxins, enhances cognitive function, energizes your body, and strengthens your immune system. You can also add honey, lemon, or Celtic salt to the water for additional benefits.
3. Practice gratitude.
Take a moment each morning to express gratitude for the blessings in your life. Reflect on things you’re grateful for, whether it’s the restful sleep you enjoyed, the relationships that bring you joy, or even waking up with a healthy body. The practice of gratitude sets a positive tone for the day and even cultivates a mindset of abundance.
4. Morning affirmations
Instead of waking up whining and complaining or saying negative things or things that would upset the rest of your day, begin your day by saying positive affirmations to yourself, be they aloud or silently. Affirmations are powerful statements that help reprogram your mindset and instill self-belief. Repeat phrases like "I can do this," "I will succeed today," or "I am worthy of happiness" to start your day on a confident note.
5. Mindful movement.
Engage in gentle stretching to awaken your body and mind. Pay attention to each movement and the sensations in your body. With stretching also includes mindful breathing. With each stretch, spend time focusing on your breathing and allow yourself to fully inhabit the present. This simple approach fosters tranquility and calmness and also enhances flexibility, circulation, and overall well-being.
6. Set out your intentions or goals for the day.
Even though I and many others prefer setting out a routine the night before, doing it first thing in the morning also has a positive effect on your day. Writing down your goals or setting intentions for the day and prioritizing 2 or 3 of your main tasks brings clarity, focus, and purpose to your actions.
7. Connect with nature:
Step outside for a few moments, Feel the fresh air on your skin, feel the morning sunlight, listen to the sounds of birds, listen to the sound of leaves, and observe the beauty around you. This connection with nature reduces stress levels and increases calmness and happiness.
8. Eating a healthy breakfast
DO NOT START YOUR DAY WITH COFFEE (that’s going to be a discussion on its own). Instead, kickstart your day off with a healthy breakfast packed with protein and fats. Eating a breakfast rich in protein and fat sustains your energy levels for a longer time, balances your blood sugar levels, and enhances satiety compared to eating a breakfast rich in carbs. Ditch that coffee and have a healthy morning breakfast.
9. Connect with your loved ones:
Starting your day off with your loved ones can greatly improve your mood for the rest of the day. Spending time and connecting with your family in the morning when you have energy and are in a good mood is way better than spending time with them at the end of the day when you’re probably exhausted and not in a good mood. Spending time this way will help you build a stronger relationship with your loved ones and also assist with your and your family’s emotional well-being.
10. Practice Mindful hygiene
By bringing conscious awareness to the way you wash your face, brush your teeth, and take a shower each day, mundane things can be done more mindfully. Take note of the smell, taste, and revitalizing effects they have on your body. With these habits, mundane and mindless morning habits become more mindful.
By incorporating these activities into your morning routine, you can establish a positive and intentional start to your day, helping you feel more focused, energized, and mentally prepared. By cultivating a mindful morning routine, we can optimize this precious time and infuse it with intention, mindfulness, and self-care. From nourishing our bodies with a healthy breakfast to engaging in activities that promote mental clarity and emotional well-being, each step we take towards a mindful morning brings us closer to a more fulfilled, happy, and purposeful life.
