MICHELLE KEENAN empowers people and organisations to achieve optimal well-being by providing customised wellness coaching programmes tailored to their unique goals.
We all know that chaotic mornings – the ones that start with hitting snooze one too many times, and end with a mad rush out the door 10 minutes behind schedule – can flow into the rest of the day and leave us feeling behind the 8-ball.
A few tweaks to your morning routine will set the tone for a more enjoyable, productive, energised day. Here are my top tips.
- Your morning starts the night before
Okay, this isn’t strictly part of your morning routine, but getting enough good quality sleep means you’re far more likely to wake up feeling clear-headed and rested, rather than groggy, slow, and wishing you’d gone to bed earlier! - Avoid your phone first thing
It’s tempting to dive into notifications, but this can trigger stress before you’ve even made it out of bed. Instead, give yourself the gift of 30 minutes of screen-free time to start your day. - Practice mindfulness
A few minutes of mindful awareness can help you start your day feeling calm and centred. One 2015 study found that meditating for just five minutes a day led to significant reductions in stress after only seven days. Find a short guided meditation to follow, or simply focus on your breath for a minute or two. - Move your body
Whether it’s a full workout, yoga, or even a few stretches, movement in the morning increases blood flow and releases endorphins. Studies show that morning exercise can enhance mood and cognitive performance throughout the day. It’s good for your body and your mind! - Get daylight exposure
Combine this with your movement by taking a walk outside. Exposure to early morning light helps set your body clock, which impacts energy, sleep quality, and overall wellbeing.
As with all new habits, consistency is key. You don’t need a two-hour ritual, just a few intentional habits that work for you.
