I recently found myself in a slump. The days started blending together and I struggled to keep myself motivated. I realized that part of the problem was a lack of structure in my day. With the start of the new year, and new semester, I tried to make small changes to my morning routine to start my day on a better note. I have definitely noticed how impactful incorporating these healthy habits can be on my productivity and mood.
- Avoid Your Phone
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A habit I’ve struggled with for the longest time is staying in bed after my alarm has gone off to scroll through social media right when I wake up. I would spend at least half an hour checking texts, Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter to get updated on what I had missed. I recently decided to break the cycle and address what is an unfortunate addiction to my phone. I have started restricting my phone use for the first hour or two of my morning to allow myself to have a peaceful start to my day before getting flooded with information. I found this to be a great mindfulness practice because instead of being consumed by social media, I am able to focus on my priorities for the day.
- Eat a Healthy Breakfast
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Breakfast is by far my favorite meal of the day. When I’m in a rush, however, I do get lazy with it and reach for an easy bowl of cereal or granola bar. But this often leaves me feeling sluggish throughout the day. I have found that taking the time to make a healthy meal gives me a good energy boost to make it through the morning. My personal favorite is avocado toast with berries in the side.
- Plan Out Your Day
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Planning out my day is an absolute essential part of my morning routine. Especially as a student, having a visual of what I need to get done really helps to lower my stress levels. Making a daily schedule or to-do list in the morning is a great way to guide me through a hectic schedule and keep me on top of my priorities.
- Do a Relaxing Activity
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Mornings can feel really overwhelming, but taking the time to do a relaxing activity can help get you in the right headspace. Reading, listening to music or a podcast, journaling, and mediation are good ways to find time for yourself before starting the day. If you’re looking to save time, I find it helpful to do one of these activities while eating breakfast.
- Exercise
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Even if it is something as simple as stretching, exercising is a great way to find your energy and refresh yourself in the morning. I definitely struggle to fit this in on a regular basis, but I have noticed improvements in my mood and energy levels when I do. Yoga and pilates are my go-to workouts for the morning because they help to wake me up without overexerting myself.