Lachlan Brown
Let’s be real—how you start your morning sets the tone for your entire day. If you wake up feeling groggy, stressed, or unmotivated, chances are, that energy will carry through.
But here’s the good news: becoming your best self isn’t about radical reinvention overnight. Often, it’s as simple as dropping the bad habits that hold you back.
And trust me, I’ve been there. In my early days of running this site, I wasn’t exactly a beacon of productive mornings. I hit snooze, scrolled mindlessly, and let my mornings get hijacked by negativity.
Now? I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that ditching certain morning habits can completely transform how you show up for yourself.
Let’s break down seven things you need to stop doing if you want to become the best version of yourself.
1. Hitting the snooze button
I get it—those extra nine minutes feel like a gift. But here’s the reality: hitting snooze doesn’t actually help you feel more rested. In fact, it does the opposite.
As experts have noted, “hitting the snooze button will probably make you feel foggy and more tired,” and it can even mess with your body’s internal clock.
Instead, try setting your alarm for the latest possible time you can wake up and commit to getting up immediately. Your future self will thank you.
2. Diving into negative news right away
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up? If your answer involves checking the news, you might want to rethink that habit.
Studies have shown that consuming negative news for just 14 minutes can increase symptoms of anxiety and depression. That means that before you’ve even had your first cup of coffee, you’re already setting a stressful tone for your day.
This doesn’t mean you should ignore world events altogether. But consider waiting until later in the day to catch up—and starting your morning with something that uplifts rather than drains you.
3. Overlooking mindful moments
In our rush to start the day, it’s easy to overlook moments of mindfulness. But skipping these moments could be costing you more than you think.
As noted by the American Psychological Association, mindfulness practices come with a host of benefits, including reduced rumination, lower stress levels, and even boosts to working memory.
That means you’ll not only feel better—you’ll also think more clearly.
You don’t need to spend an hour meditating to experience these benefits. I’ve found that even taking a few mindful breaths before checking my phone or drinking coffee slowly and with intention can shift my mindset.
4. Getting up at different times every day (especially on weekends)
We all love a weekend sleep-in, but inconsistent wake-up times can mess with your body’s natural rhythm.
“The reason you want to get up around the same time every day is because the body functions best when it runs consistently on a rhythm,” Dr. Jade Wu told Self.com.
Your body’s internal clock thrives on consistency. When you wake up at vastly different times throughout the week, you’re constantly resetting that clock—making it harder to wake up refreshed and energized.
The fix? Try to wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Your sleep quality (and energy levels) will improve.
5. Doomscrolling
We’ve all been there—grabbing our phones first thing in the morning, scrolling through social media, and falling into a digital black hole.
However, as noted by The Guardian, researchers have found that spending excessive time consuming negative news is linked to feelings of existential anxiety, distrust, and despair. Not exactly the mindset you want to start your day with.
Instead, set a rule: no scrolling for the first 30 minutes of your day. Use that time for something more intentional—reading, stretching, or just enjoying your morning in peace.
6. Neglecting to prioritize your day
Ever notice how days without a plan tend to slip away? That’s because when you don’t take control of your schedule, someone else will.
As Greg McKeown wisely put it in Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less:
“Remember that if you don’t prioritize your life, someone else will.”
Before diving into work or errands, take five minutes to set your priorities. What absolutely needs to get done today? What can wait?
By identifying your key tasks first thing, you’re more likely to stay focused and productive.
7. Rushing through your morning
Last but not least, mornings aren’t just about getting from your bed to your desk as quickly as possible.
When you rush through your morning, you send a message to yourself that you don’t have time to be present, to check in, or to set the tone for your day.
Instead of racing through your routine, try slowing down—even if just a little. Take a deep breath before you get out of bed. Savor your coffee instead of gulping it down. Build in a moment of stillness before the chaos begins.
Final words
Your mornings don’t need to be perfect, but they do set the foundation for the rest of your day.
By letting go of these seven habits, you’ll create space for more clarity, focus, and peace—setting yourself up to become the best version of yourself.
If you’re serious about improving your mornings, start by picking one habit to drop this week. Then, see how it transforms your day.
Here’s to better mornings and an even better you!
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