Let’s be honest with each other, who’s genuinely a morning person? Who doesn’t enjoy sleeping under their plush weighted blanket in silence and wants to wake up at 7:00 am to a raging alarm clock!? I know, these so-called morning people do exist. However, I’m sure it’s safe to say that the majority of us are not morning people. We depend on a good morning routine to compel us to start our days.

I am amongst the majority, I initially had a very hard time leaving my bed. But, I will say that recently I’ve been making strides to structure a pleasant, yet productive morning routine. Now, my mornings have been more enjoyable. I’m going to share a list of do’s and don’ts in the morning to help you achieve an effective morning routine too. But, first, change your attitude. Think positive about your morning, then implement the following in your routine:

DON’T

Check social media or look at emails when you first wake up. I would say don’t look at your phone, but that’s unrealistic because it’s probably your alarm clock. So, if you have to grab your phone that’s fine. However, don’t go right to a social media page or your email account. This is not beneficial to your morning mental- let’s properly wake up first.

DO

Say a mantra. After awakening, take a few minutes to lay there and recite your current mantra for the day. If this leads to a short meditation let that happen also. This will help train your mind to have an optimistic attitude about the day no matter what chaos you may have lined up.

DON’T

Start getting ready for your day in the dark. Open your blinds and turn on the lights immediately after you leave your bed. Lighting is always beneficial to brightening your mood and boosting energy.

DO

Pamper yourself with a skincare routine and essential oils. Stick to your daily skincare routine in the morning. Also, use body oils that incorporate essential oils. Essential oils will relax your body and also boost your health for the day. Using an essential oil such as Eucalyptus in the morning clears airways, relieves allergy symptoms, and invigorates your mood. If you look good and feel good, you are destined to have a great day.

DON’T

Make an important decision. Making a serious decision within the first hour of waking up is not beneficial to your mental health. Don’t stress, remember you are still waking up. Ease your mind into decision making. Try eating breakfast first.  

DO

Eat a nice hearty and nutritious breakfast. Breakfast is the meal that will provide you with the most energy throughout the day. According to U.S News, these food items are the best options for a healthy breakfast: avocados, blueberries, buckwheat, eggs, ground seeds, Greek yogurt, steel-cut oats, and walnuts. 

DON’T

Eat too much sugar for breakfast. Doughnuts, croissants, and French toast (and maybe more doughnuts) are most enjoyable in the morning. However, take it easy and watch your sugar intake during breakfast. Too much sugar in the morning will result in a major energy crash in the afternoon.

Do

Switch up your morning routine. Aim to keep your morning routine cheery. To keep your routine from becoming predictable and losing its momentum, add new activities when needed. You can add yoga, quick morning reads or morning walks into your routine.

Being a morning person is not so bad after all. I hope this list leads you to a productive morning routine and endless good days.