Ava Sinclair
Ever wake up feeling like a hot mess instead of fresh as a daisy?
You’re not alone.
It might be because of some things you’re doing right in the early hours.
But don’t fret.
Let’s find out ten things you might be doing every morning that are stealing away your peace.
And no, we’re not going to tell you to wake up when it’s still pitch dark or run a marathon before your first coffee.
We’re all about simple, doable changes here.
So, are you ready to switch things up a bit? Let’s dive in!
Who knows, your mornings might just get a whole lot better.
1) Checking your phone first thing
You might not realize it, but reaching for your phone as soon as you open your eyes could be causing you more harm than good. The influx of emails, notifications, and news can instantly put your mind into overdrive. It’s like inviting stress to your peaceful morning party.
Try to resist the urge to check your phone for the first hour or so after waking up. Instead, use this time to ease into your day calmly. Trust me, those emails can wait!
2) Skipping breakfast
Ever heard the saying, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day”? Well, it’s not just a catchy phrase. Skipping breakfast can leave you feeling sluggish and irritable. Your body needs fuel to function properly, and breakfast provides that much-needed energy to kick-start your day.
Instead of rushing out the door with an empty stomach, take a few minutes to have a healthy breakfast. Your body – and your peace of mind – will thank you for it!
3) Overloading your to-do list
I used to start my day by jotting down a long list of tasks I wanted to accomplish. I thought it would make me more productive. But in reality, it just left me feeling overwhelmed and anxious.
I’ve learned that it’s much more effective – and less stressful – to prioritize just two or three important tasks for the day. That way, I can focus my energy on those tasks without feeling stretched too thin. Trust me, less really is more when it comes to your daily to-do list!
4) Neglecting hydration
You might not realize this, but dehydration can actually cause mood swings and fatigue.
A fact many people don’t know is that after a long night of sleep, your body wakes up naturally dehydrated. That’s why a glass of water should be the first thing you reach for in the morning – even before coffee. Staying well-hydrated helps maintain your energy levels and keeps you feeling refreshed throughout the day.
Make it a habit to drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up, and keep sipping throughout the day. Your body will thank you!
5) Skipping self-care
In the rush of morning chores and responsibilities, it’s easy to forget about taking care of ourselves. But remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking a few moments for self-care in the morning can make a world of difference to your mood and inner peace.
Whether it’s doing a quick yoga routine, reading a chapter of a book, or simply enjoying your coffee in silence, find what makes you feel good and make it a part of your morning routine.
Because you matter, and you deserve a peaceful start to your day.
6) Rushing through the morning
I used to be guilty of this one. I’d jump out of bed and rush through my morning, trying to get as much done as possible. It felt like a race against time. But all it did was leave me feeling frazzled and stressed by the time I got to work.
I’ve learned that slowing down and giving myself enough time to get ready in the morning makes a huge difference. Now, I wake up a little earlier to avoid the rush, and it’s been a game-changer. The mornings are no longer a mad dash but a peaceful start to the day. And trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes of sleep I have to sacrifice!
7) Ignoring your feelings
Look, I get it. Mornings can be tough. Sometimes, you wake up feeling down or anxious, and it’s easier to just brush those feelings under the rug and get on with your day. But ignoring your feelings won’t make them go away. In fact, it can make them worse.
Give yourself permission to feel what you’re feeling. Acknowledge it, sit with it for a moment, maybe even jot it down in a journal. It doesn’t mean you have to solve everything right then and there. But acknowledging your feelings can help you start the day with a little more honesty and a little less weight on your shoulders.
8) Skipping physical activity
You might think you’re saving energy by skipping your morning workout, but an interesting fact is that exercise can actually boost your energy levels.
Regular physical activity improves blood flow and helps your body release chemicals that make you feel happier and more energetic. It doesn’t have to be a strenuous workout – even a short walk or some gentle stretches can do wonders.
Why not try to include some form of exercise in your morning routine? It’s a great way to wake up your body and mind and set a positive tone for the rest of the day!
9) Not making time for gratitude
I’ll admit, I used to skip this one a lot. In the hustle and bustle of the morning, who has time to sit down and think about what they’re grateful for? But then I realized that starting my day with a sense of gratitude changed my whole perspective.
Now, I make it a point to list at least three things I’m grateful for each morning. It takes just a couple of minutes but gives me a boost of positivity that carries me through the day. It’s a simple practice that reminds me of the good in my life and helps me find peace amidst the chaos. And trust me, it can do the same for you!
10) Being too hard on yourself
Let’s be real here. We all have those mornings where nothing seems to go right. You oversleep, spill your coffee, forget an important task – and it’s not even 9 am yet. On mornings like these, it’s easy to beat yourself up and let the negative self-talk take over. But here’s the thing – we’re all human. We all have off days. It doesn’t make you a failure; it makes you normal.
Next time you have a rough morning, go easy on yourself. Remember that it’s okay to make mistakes and that one bad morning doesn’t define your entire day or your worth. Give yourself some grace and remember: you’re doing the best you can, and that’s enough.
Final thoughts
So there you have it – 10 tiny tweaks to turn your first hour from a battlefield to a breath of fresh air. Remember, peace isn’t found by chasing it, but by cultivating it.
Start small, embrace the calm, and watch your inner peace rise with the sun.
Let the journey begin!
