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It is no secret that mornings tend to set the tone for the rest of the day. I mean it’s not automatic, but it’s a lot more likely you’ll have a great day if your morning starts off with a positive attitude than with a negative one. Making time daily for a mindful morning routine will not only get you on the right track to a good start to the day, it will also leave you feeling much more motivated, energized and in good spirits.
For years I neglected my mornings in favor of the snooze button. And the funny thing was that those 5/15 minutes never left me feeling more rested– in fact, it was quite the opposite! I was always late, hysterically irritable and my most polished look always amounted to some sort of messy topknot and sweatsuit.
In time, I finally realized that my morning habits were actually conditioning my negative thoughts, well duuuh! Right from the time I woke up I was inadvertently programming my day to run on frustration and poor time management.
With just a few simple adjustments, I managed to completely turn my mornings around. With my new mindful morning routine, I was able to create a space of peace each morning that allowed me to start my day intentionally.
In this post I outline 15 morning rituals that I started to implement into my mornings (*not necessarily ALL fifteen of them each day!*). With daily practice over the span of a few months, I found myself not only more focused and fulfilled but more confident and energized.
Post Contents
What is a Mindful Morning Routine?
So, before we actually get into the morning rituals you can implement for positive energy, it’s important we first discuss exactly what a morning routine is.
A morning routine is a structured daily plan of what your AM consists of. From the moment you wake up to the moment you start working or leave for the office, it is a guide of things that you can do to help set your focus and start your day on a positive note.
A mindful morning routine works on filling you up before you get started on your must-do tasks and duties of the day. It makes space for mindfulness and the things that make you feel good – a sort of moment of comfort. You are forced to slow down and acknowledge your presence, which helps to establish a positive outlook that sets the tone for the rest of the day.
Every person is different, and we all have different schedules and inclinations. Different rituals might be less or more important to you than to others. Test out what makes you feel good and what brings you joy – you don’t necessarily have to do all of these or even any of these.
Whichever rituals you do choose to include in your mindful morning routine, what is important is that you’re left feeling with a sense of empowerment. You should feel energized, confident, and maybe even eager to commence your F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C- day.
So, without further ado, let’s get to it!
Mindful Morning Routine – 15 Rituals to Have a Positive Day
The following morning rituals for positive energy are things you can do daily to get a good start to the day. Some act as a guide to help you find direction and focus to the day. Others encourage you to shift your mindset to a place of joy. What they all do is prepare you and your environment for a new positive space for growth.
1. Wake up to a clean and tidy home
So, first thing’s first… DE-clutter! I mean while it is true that for many people cleanliness and organization is not a top priority, you would be shocked to see the correlation between tidiness and mental health. Numerous studies in fact show that a cluttered environment can lead to a cluttered mind.
I mean in my case that’s completely true. The amount of unfolded laundry or unwashed dishes in my home at any given time directly reflects my emotional state at that time.
Mountains of Clothes = Foggy & Chaotic Thoughts, AKA Scatterbrained.
Folded Laundry = A Clear/Focused Mind.
It’s amazing how by just folding those 5 shirts and 2 pants I feel so much more structure!
Waking up to a tidy and orderly environment invites a fresh start to the day and allows for greater clarity and focus. By just spending an extra 20 minutes in the evenings loading the dishwasher or folding the laundry you set yourself up to a successful new beginning the next day.
2. Prepare your outfit and meal the night before
How many times have you heard that the best morning routine is one that already begins the previous night? Well, it’s true!
Have your outfit picked, your lunch packed, and your trash at the door. Avoid unnecessary stress and do these things the night before when you are more alert. This allows you to save a good 20 minutes the next day that you can put to better use in your other mindful morning routine rituals.
Plus, it’s basically a known fact that in the mornings you will always end up choosing the first outfit after trying on 3742832832 different ones anyway, am I right lol?!
3. Get some fresh air and open the windows
Wake up and say GOOD MORNING to the universe!
Even if it’s freezing cold, try opening your windows at least 30 seconds. Breathe in that fresh air and get into contact with nature, or if you’re in the city, traffic lol! Although that might sound awful, even if it’s not a bird chirping but a bus passing by, listening to your surroundings can really help instill a sense of grounding.
I remember when I was living in my dingy apartment in the dodgy suburbs that I always found it a source of comfort to listen to the rest of the world wake up with me. Although I didn’t like my living situation or the area of town, I found much peace and a feeling of wholeness with the universe knowing that the people right outside were getting ready to get through the day just like me.
4. Don’t check your phone or emails
A solid mindful morning routine is all about replenishing your soul with positive energy BEFORE turning to your responsibilities for the day.
It is very easy to want to “check-in” with the rest of the world first thing in the morning. You most likely will check social media, glance at your work inbox, catch up on your group texts and read up on the morning news. But guess what? All of that is just feeding your soul with negative power.
Toxicity in the News and on Social Media
Reading the news especially, although you might think is the responsible and cultivated adult thing to do, is almost always dispiriting. War, poverty, murder or maybe you prefer some light gossip or Hollywood scandal? These snippets all set an attitude of hostility, distrust and belittlement. Do you really want to start your day by vibrating feelings that come from a place of hate?
Social media as well, the ultimate culprit of self-doubt and counterproductive comparison shifts your focus away from yourself and puts it on the outside world. The mindless scrolling leaves you feeling empty – the exact opposite of what being intentional does.
I’m not saying you have to boycott social media and the news altogether but avoid it first thing in the morning. Be intentional on what you read, how it makes you feel and how you respond to it- if it’s not bolstering your spirits and putting you in a space of self-empowerment than it’s not feeding your soul… remember, REPLENISH first!
I actually don’t even turn on my phone until I’ve completed my mindful morning routine. Use the Do Not Disturb function and allow incoming calls only from certain contacts if you’re afraid of being unreachable during an emergency. I set my phone to do this even during the day when I’m practicing self-care and don’t want any distractions.
Once you’ve fueled up for the day and taken care of yourself first, then and only then, will you have the right mindset to tend to tasks, responsibilities and everyone else besides yourself.
5. Start hydrating
Drinking water first thing in the morning is not only good for hydration but it immediately puts you on track to meeting your water intake for the day.
Even if it’s just a glass, knowing that you’ve tended to your health and wellness first thing, leaves you with a feeling of accomplishment and nourishment.
“One glass down and only seven more to go!”
6. Do something that makes you feel good
The best mindful morning routine includes doing something that fills you up and brings you comfort and warmth. The feeling should be similar to the one you might feel sitting by the fire and drinking a hot chocolate.
It can honestly be anything. Here are some ideas:
- Have pets? If you love spending time with your pet, then maybe you can dedicate 15 minutes to playing with your furry friend.
- Love your neighborhood? Go on a walk around the neighborhood and say hi to all the early risers you encounter.
- Like feeling cozy? It can be something as simple as just putting on your super fuzzy robe and flannel socks and having a moment with some uplifting music.
- Coffee or Tea fanatic? Sit next to a window and really enjoy and savor that slow cup of coffee.
Honestly it can be anything, as long as it’s something that puts a smile on your face!
In my case, it’s tea! I literally can’t wait to have my tea in the morning. I buy a whole bunch of flavors and keep them all together in a box. Every morning I randomly pick one out and let the day decide which flavor— cinnamon, vanilla, lemon ginger?
I even collect mugs from around the world to make the moment even more heartwarming. As I sip at my tea, I like to ponder on all the places I’ve traveled to and it really helps me get into a space of gratitude.
7. Practice gratitude
Speaking of gratitude, an attitude for gratitude is one of the strongest driving factors of leading a joyful and positive life. It is one of the most important rituals you can add to a mindful morning routine.
Taking five minutes each morning to reflect on what you are thankful for allows you to not only get perspective, but to start your day with a positive mindset.
Things to be Grateful For
So, what type of things should you be practicing gratitude for? It doesn’t have to be an in-depth session of self-analyzation to pick out everything that you can possibly think of. It can be anything!
Maybe it’s super cold outside and you’re inside with your warm tea and you are thankful for the roof over your head. Or maybe it is something as simple as thank god cheerios exist…whatever the case, take that positive notion, focus in on it and savor that moment of comfort that makes you feel so fortunate.
By doing this first thing in the morning, you are filling up on positive energy and raising your vibration. These vibes will help keep your perspective in check throughout the rest of the day.
Having a little trouble recalling things you are grateful for? Download my FREE list of 25 Things to be grateful for!
8. Set your intentions for the day
One of the best ways to be mindful throughout the day is by setting intentions right away in the early morning.
What is an Intention?
An intention is a commitment to yourself stating how you wish to feel or what you wish to receive from the day. It’s the essence that you decide will give your day purpose or meaning.
It is more of a feeling or guideline rather than an actionable or measurable goal and it can relate to any facet of your life. Here are some examples:
“Today, I commit myself to channeling only happy thoughts”
“Today, I commit myself to staying focused and on top of my list of tasks”
“Today, I commit myself to supporting my partner the best that I can”
Intentions are great at keeping you in check with your ambitions and desires for the day – they act as a constant reminder as to what to prioritize and focus on. It takes just a few minutes each morning of filling out this blank…
“Today, I commit myself to [fill in the blank]”
Stick to one intention for the day— this makes it more likely you will be able to follow through!
9. Recite some morning affirmations for positive energy
By this day and age, I’m sure the term “manifestation” has come across your path a dozen times or so. And although it might sound like esoteric rubbish, the power that this practice holds can be quite astounding if done right.
To make it super simple, manifesting is like “faking it ‘til you make it.” It’s anticipating a moment, an experience or a feeling even if it hasn’t occurred yet. It’s embodying a feeling or an accomplishment that you wish to receive or that you are yet to achieve.
Affirmations are the tools we used for manifestation – they are the positive phrases we recite to ourselves that affirm our most wanted desires as having already been met.
For example, if you want to have a great day, envision yourself already having one. Anticipate that it will be a great day, smile even if you don’t feel like it and repeat to yourself “today is a great day” or “I am excited for this day.”
Reciting affirmations out loud and repeating them throughout the day will not only help rise your vibration but will keep you intentional on what to focus on. As your confidence is boosted a sort of chain reaction is instigated with positivity building on more positivity.
Here is one of my favorites:
The more you use them and repeat them the more your mindset and attitude will become a magnet for good vibes.
10. Plan something during the day to look forward to
Having something each day to look forward to helps drive motivation right from the time you wake up. It doesn’t have to be a big fancy dinner party or wild concert but can be something as simple as a post-workout bubble bath or cooking a new dinner recipe.
Planning and identifying “mundane” tasks as things to look forward to also allows you to shift perspective and find the extraordinary in the ordinary. It’s not something you habitually do between one task and another but instead is a fully intentional action that becomes cornerstone in that moment. You are fully present and consciously savoring each second.
For example, if you find showers or baths relaxing, give them a leading role. Don’t just unconsciously use them as a cleansing transition between your workout and your dinner. Instead, plan to intentionally relish in that moment of self-care and schedule it in your calendar.
Think of what essential oils you would like to experience, prepare a fun book or magazine, play an empowering playlist – BE FULLY PRESENT. I guarantee that if you frame your showers in this way you will already have one more element to be excited for as the day unfolds.
Finding and planning something to be excited about truly gives so much more color to your days. If it’s a fantastic new experience that’s great! If it’s something more routine, that’s fine as well- you’ll see that you’ll slowly learn to find the best of moments even in the most typical of days.
Try completing this statement every morning (add those exclamation marks, make it exhilarating!)
Today I am excited for [fill in the blank]!!!
11. Write in a journal
Each morning I like taking 10 minutes to write in my journal to gather my thoughts for the day.
The journal I use includes sections on many of the rituals we have already talked about: intentions, affirmations, things you are grateful and excited for, etc. One section I particularly like talks about how you aim to make a positive difference that day.
I find that taking a moment each day to reflect on how I want to be of influence that day allows me to cultivate a better understanding not only of myself but of my relationships. How do I want to be a better daughter that day or how can I help a friend or my community in need? It can be even something as simple as today I will smile when I come across strangers.
Doing good and using your time to intentionally make a positive impact can be so rewarding. Not only does it make you feel good about yourself, but it puts you in a space of kindness which more often than not attracts more altruism and good will.
12. Make your bed
Get your day started on a roll by making the bed. As simple as it sounds, I mean honestly how many of us don’t make the bed each day?!
It takes literally 2 minutes and gives such a sense of productivity and accomplishment – a fresh start to a brand-new day. At 6am you’ll feel like you are already slaying the day.
13. Practice a skincare routine
Along with replenishing your mind, nourishing your skin first thing in the morning is vital. Aside from all the anti-ageing benefits you get from a consistent skincare routine, keeping your skin hydrated and protected helps establish a healthy glow.
But it goes beyond just a physical aspect. Knowing that you are taking time each morning for yourself and tending to your body’s needs first puts you in a mental space of well-being.
I like to really savor my skin routine in the morning and reflect on how only I am in control of my body. The fact that I seize the opportunity every day to care of my body makes me feel wealthy. Not necessarily economically but mentally. It feeds my millionaire mindset of growth and prosperity knowing that I alone am making it happen.
It might sound dumb, but anytime you demonstrate discipline or make time for your own welfare, be it soul, body or mind, you are in fact growing and working towards a better version of you.
A skincare routine can be anything as simple as just washing your face and applying SPF moisturizer (that’s all I do in addition to toner and Vitamin-C serum). Hold yourself accountable to it every day and you’ll soon see both physical results and a more determined spirit.
14. Have a big healthy breakfast
The most important meal of the day, you want to break your 6-8 hour fast in a wholesome and healthy way. A breakfast that is rich in protein and low in sugar is the best combination for an energy boost that is much needed first thing in the morning. A Starbucks coffee and muffin will only give you a quick sugar high to only leave you completely drained a mere half hour later.
If you’re not usually hungry in the morning leave this ritual as one of the last ones in your mindful morning routine. That way a good 20-30minutes will have gone by from the time you woke up giving you the time to work up an appetite.
Planning on working out in the morning? Check out some delicious pre- and post-workout snack and meals to prepare!
15. Move your body – workout, yoga, stretch
While the ideal scenario would be to exercise in the morning, I know it’s not realistic for everyone.
If you can indeed fit in a morning jog or gym session that is fantastic- your workouts are probably going to be more energetic and productive! If, however, you just don’t have the time in the morning to exercise, don’t fret – any 10-minute window of movement will do wonders for your body.
It can be gentle stretching coupled with breathing exercises or just a quick walk around the block. Anything that elongates and gets your body moving first thing in the morning not only will help you get a good start to the day, but it will help to relieve your body of tension (both physical and mental).
Mindful Morning Routine – Final Tips on How to Have a Positive Day
So, there it is ladies—15 morning rituals that you can pick and choose from to help slow down your mornings and start your day on a positive note.
For every person a mindful morning routine can consist of different components. By no means do you have to follow the same rituals each day. Some days you might want to focus more on cultivating a space of joy while others you might want to hone in on your productivity.
The bottom line is to identify a mindful morning routine that incorporates rituals that make YOU feel good. I guarantee that once your mornings sprout from a place of peace and gratitude the rest of your day as well will revel in harmony and high spirits.
If you have some more healthy morning rituals to suggest, please feel free to comment below. I love experimenting new things!
Until next time,
Ciao Belle!
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This blog post is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. Please read my full disclosure for further information.
Amalie Stormfeldt Helboe says
Could you make a site with different healthy recipes and desserts? You know, as you have with travel, fitness, and self-care.
I would absolutely love to see what kind of meals you eat in the morning to get energy and lots of protein and stuff.
You talk so much about what is important, and I really wanna know what exactly you eat to get that energy.
Hugs
from the danish girl
Amalie
Linda Faison says
Hi Amalie! You’re right, I need to update my blog with more actual recipes! If you check out my post on what you should be eating before and after a workout there are several pointers there for energy- xoxo, Linda
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Linda Faison says
That’s great to here! I’m so glad this helped 🙂