Developing a morning routine can help to set you up well for the day, minimise stress and anxiety, and help you to tackle anything that comes your way with a more balanced perspective.
Here are seven simple morning routines that can help you banish anxiety and start the day less overwhelmed.
By incorporating the following into my morning routine, I’ve found that my mornings and days run more smoothly. I also feel less anxious in the evening before the next day AND in the mornings.
Plan Your Day
A little preparation and planning can help, especially if you experience anxiety in the morning, as I do.
From planning your outfits and packing your bags in advance to meal prepping breakfast and lunch and familiarising yourself with your schedule, it will save you a lot of time.
You will also be more organised, feel less stressed, and have much more headspace to focus on your day ahead.
Set Your Intention for the Day
By setting your intention for the day, you consciously decide what your day will look like, including what you want to do, achieve, and feel.
For instance, if you are heading into a busy day, your intention may be to do so gracefully and calmly. Or if you have a day off to relax, you may intend to take things easy, get a massage, catch up with a friend for lunch, or have a nap in the afternoon.
Intention-setting can be incorporated into your morning meditation session. It can be as simple as focusing on your intent for the day or wrapping up your meditation session by setting your intention.
Savour the Moment
Before throwing yourself into the day, take a few moments to make yourself a cup of tea or coffee, breakfast, and sit down and enjoy it, minus the rushing around, indigestion and spilt milk over your clothes.
Spend time savouring a few quiet moments in the morning.
Be mindful as you go through your morning routine, focusing on chewing and tasting your food, sipping your drink of choice, brushing your teeth gently and slowly relaxing into the day ahead.
Get Moving
Incorporating movement into your morning routine can help to banish brain fog and kick-start your body into action.
In true Anna Wintour style, you could hit the courts for an early game of tennis. You could also hit the gym for a workout or the pavement for a run or do something more gentle such as some yoga or pilates.
I prefer heading out on a nature walk with my dog. This always sets my day up nicely, with the mix of activity, fresh air, nature and my crazy pooch.
Meditate
Did you know that meditating for as little as ten minutes each morning can help you to focus, ease your stress and calm your nerves?
So before starting the day, clear your mind of any negative or anxious thoughts by focusing on and connecting with your body and your breath.
Some awesome Apps, YouTube channels, and podcasts are available to guide you, especially if you have trouble focusing!
My favourite at the moment is Insight Timer. I use the free version, which is full of free guided meditations and courses. Aside from helping me to centre myself and get started at the beginning of the day, the app is my go-to for guided sleep meditations at the end of the day.
Spend Time With Your Pet
There’s something incredibly comforting about spending time with your pet; studies have shown that spending time with animals can decrease stress.
What better way to start the day than to set some time aside each morning to snuggle and play with them – both you and your pet will benefit as your stresses and anxieties melt away.
Without fail, I spend at least 10 minutes every morning kicking the ball for my pooch in our backyard. Even if I’m in a rush, I know it’s good for us.
Listen to a Relaxing And Uplifting Playlist
Music can be one of the best ways to help you get motivated for the day and can also help ease anxiety.
If you have a relaxing and uplifting playlist that you can listen to while you’re getting ready and on your way to work, you’ll feel relaxed and ready to tackle the work day by the time you arrive.
I have a go-to playlist for various moods (relaxing, rocking out, and in the mood for dance). I also have my go-to list of podcasts for the times I’m stuck in the daily commute and fancy something entertaining or informative.
Develop a morning routine that works for you
Whatever you incorporate into your morning routine, develop one that works for you and your life right now. This means it could look different in six months or in five years. That doesn’t matter. Your routine can change according to your life situation.
Have you tried any of these morning routines? What has and hasn’t worked for you? I’d love to hear your thoughts, tips and resources!
