Ava Sinclair
Lots of us struggle to feel pumped and ready to tackle the day. But did you know that what you do in the morning could be the problem?
We’ll discover 10 habits, explain why it might be messing with your mojo, and offer some tips on what to do instead.
Changing habits is tough, but stick with it and you could see big improvements. Your mornings might go from groggy to great!
Ready? Let’s dive in.
1) Hitting the snooze button
The alarm rings, and we hit the snooze button, hoping for just a few more minutes of sleep.
But did you know that hitting snooze can actually make you feel more tired?
When you hit snooze and drift back to sleep, your body starts a new sleep cycle that it won’t have time to finish. This can leave you feeling groggy and sluggish – the exact opposite of how you want to feel in the morning!
Instead, try setting your alarm for the time you actually need to get up. It might be tough at first, but over time, your body will adjust.
You’ll start your day feeling more refreshed and ready to go. Plus, you’ll avoid the stress of rushing around because you slept in too long!
2) Skipping breakfast
You’ve probably heard it a million times: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And it’s true! Skipping breakfast can leave you feeling low on energy and unable to focus.
When you wake up, your body needs fuel to kick-start your metabolism and get your brain in gear for the day ahead. That’s where a healthy breakfast comes in.
A good breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated. Something simple like a bowl of oatmeal, a piece of fruit, or a smoothie can work wonders. You’ll feel more alert, concentrate better, and avoid that mid-morning energy slump.
Don’t forget to make time for breakfast – your body (and your brain) will thank you!
3) Checking your phone immediately
Here’s something I learned the hard way: checking your phone first thing in the morning can start your day off on the wrong foot.
It used to be the first thing I did when I woke up. I’d grab my phone and immediately start scrolling through emails, social media, and news. Before I even got out of bed, I was already stressed and overwhelmed.
Then, I decided to make a change. I started leaving my phone in another room at night. Now, the first hour of my day is phone-free. And let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer.
Instead of starting the day with stress and information overload, I start it with peace and quiet.
I have time to wake up properly, think about my goals for the day, and just enjoy the morning. It sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.
Try to swap that morning phone check for something more peaceful. You might be surprised at how much better you feel!
4) Neglecting hydration
Did you know that your body can become dehydrated while you sleep?
That’s right, during those 6-8 hours of sleep, your body continues to lose water. This is why you might often wake up feeling thirsty.
Starting your day with a big glass of water (even before your coffee) can do wonders for your energy levels and overall health. Water fires up your metabolism, hydrates you, helps your body flush out toxins, gives your brain fuel, and may even make you eat less.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that drinking 500 ml of water boosts metabolic rate by 30 percent. Imagine starting your day with such a significant kick!
Skipping the morning hydration might seem inconsequential, but it’s one of the simplest and most efficient ways to give your body a much-needed morning boost.
5) Rushing through your morning
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush. We wake up, quickly get ready, and dash out the door without a moment to spare.
But constantly rushing through your morning can start your day off feeling stressed and anxious.
Instead, try waking up a little earlier to allow yourself some quiet time in the morning. Use this time to do something you love, whether it’s reading a book, listening to your favorite music, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee in peace.
These moments of quiet solitude in the morning can make a big difference in your mood for the rest of the day. They allow you to start your day on a calm and peaceful note, setting a positive tone for whatever comes next.
Keep in mind, life is not just about getting things done as quickly as possible. It’s also about taking time to enjoy the little moments.
Therefore, slow down, take a deep breath, and give yourself permission to enjoy your mornings.
You deserve it!
6) Skipping exercise
Morning exercise doesn’t have to be intense or long – even a quick 20-minute jog or a yoga session can do the trick. What I found was that starting my day with some physical activity boosted my mood and energy levels more than any cup of coffee ever could.
Now, I start every day with some form of exercise, and it’s been transformative.
Not only do I feel more awake and alert, but I also feel accomplished for having done something good for my body first thing in the morning.
Give morning exercise a shot! It might just turn out to be the best part of your day.
7) Ignoring your mental health
We get so focused on tasks like getting dressed, eating breakfast, and rushing off to work that we forget to check in with ourselves mentally. We ignore those feelings of stress or anxiety, pushing them aside because we’re ‘too busy’ to deal with them.
But here’s the thing: ignoring your mental health won’t make those feelings go away. In fact, it can make them worse.
Why don’t you take some time each morning to check in with yourself? How are you feeling? Are you stressed about something? Anxious? Sad?
Acknowledge these feelings, and give yourself permission to feel them. It’s okay not to be okay.
And if you need help, reach out to someone. You’re not alone, and there are resources available to help you through whatever you’re going through.
Bear in mind: taking care of your mental health isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength.
8) Not making your bed
Did you know that something as simple as making your bed in the morning can improve your mood and productivity? It might seem trivial, but it’s true!
According to a survey by the National Sleep Foundation, people who reported making their bed in the morning were 19% more likely to have a good night’s sleep compared to those who left their bed unmade.
Making your bed is a small task that takes only a minute or two, but it creates a sense of order and calm. It’s also the first task completed in the day, giving you a small sense of pride and encouraging you to accomplish more tasks throughout the day.
Instead of rushing out of your room, take a moment to make your bed. It’s a small act that can set a positive tone for the rest of your day!
9) Multitasking in the morning
I’ll be honest: I used to be a chronic multitasker. Every morning was a juggling act of breakfast, emails, news, and planning my day, all at once.
I thought I was being efficient, but in reality, I was just stressing myself out.
Then, I decided to try something different: doing one thing at a time. Instead of simultaneously eating breakfast and checking emails, I dedicated time solely for eating. Then moved on to reading emails. The difference was astounding.
Focusing on one task at a time allowed me to be fully present in what I was doing. It eliminated that constant feeling of rush and reduced my stress levels significantly.
We live in a world where multitasking is often praised, but the truth is that our brains aren’t wired to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
It might take some time to get used to, but trust me – it’s worth it!
10) Filling your mind with negativity
Let’s be real for a moment: the world can be a tough place. There’s a lot of negativity, and it’s all too easy to let that seep into our mornings.
We wake up, check the news, and immediately fill our minds with stories of conflict, disaster, and heartbreak. It’s no wonder we struggle to feel motivated!
Instead of starting your day with a dose of negativity, try filling your mind with positivity. Read an inspiring book, listen to your favorite upbeat music, or write down what you’re grateful for.
Remember, how you start your day sets the tone for the rest of it.
So make a conscious effort to start it on a positive note. It won’t make the world’s problems go away, but it might just give you the strength and motivation to face them head-on.
