Answer truthfully: How many times did you hit the snooze button this morning?

You might think you’re simply not a morning person, or that you can’t function before your first caffeine hit but there’s a good chance it could be down to your morning routine.

Neuroscience has actually proved that our mornings can have a monumental impact on how we feel for the rest of the day. That first hour after you wake up is so important so I’m going to teach you how to create an intentional morning routine that will help you feel energized, present and able to make more conscious decisions. 

First thing’s first, to create a new routine, we have to get out of the old one. Autopilot is the enemy of creating consistent change to your lifestyle and unfortunately for us, our brains are pretty reluctant to shift into manual. So, it’s going to take some practice to step out of the old operating system, disrupt those old habits and form new ones – but it’s do-able.

Autopilot is the enemy of creating consistent change

When we consciously repeat new actions our brains form new neural pathways – when we practice these actions regularly, we form new habits and therefore a new ‘autopilot’. Wouldn’t it be great to have a morning routine that made you feel amazing and it didn’t feel like an uphill battle when the alarm goes off? That’s the goal! So, what does your current morning routine look like? Let me guess…

You wake up with the alarm, maybe hit snooze a couple of times before you’re able to face the day. You lean over and take your phone off charge and immediately head to your inbox or social media for 5 minutes of scrolling as the anxieties about the day start to rise. Sound about right? Before we’ve even stood up, we’re reacting to external stimuli without even checking in with ourselves first and that has a rippling effect on the rest of our day.

Before we’ve even stood up, we’re reacting to external stimuli 

Creating a morning routine is about starting your day from a place of consciousness by making mindful choices about how you want to feel when you wake up and how you want to feel throughout the rest of the day.

What does a good morning routine look like? 

Don’t worry, your morning routine doesn’t have to start with a 4am run and a 3-hour meditation, think small. This is all about choosing things that will make you feel great – activities that help you connect better with yourself and start your day with intention. 

There are hundreds of different practices that you can introduce into your morning routine – that’s the beauty of it, it’s all about what makes you feel good. But, if you’re stuck for ideas, here are a few of my favourite things to include in my mornings:

Setting intentions

I find that picking just one word is easier than finding a whole affirmation. Choose a word that you can carry with you to help you navigate the ups and downs of the day ahead.

Deep breathing

It sounds simple, and it is, but very effective! This is one of the quickest ways to reconnect with your body and reset your cortisol levels for the day.

Time in nature 

This is my favourite thing to do in the morning. Simply go outside for a morning walk or even just get some fresh air and grounding through your feet. Find somewhere where you feel connected to the outside world and can enjoy the energising power of nature.

Activities that help you connect better with yourself 

How do you make a new morning routine stick?

Once you’ve chosen 1 or 2 activities to include in your routine, you want to set yourself up for success. Ask yourself the following questions…

1. How long would you like this morning routine to be?

There’s no right or wrong answer but being specific about your choices will make staying consistent so much easier!

2. What time in the morning will this routine start?

You want to make sure you’re still getting enough sleep, so if you’re starting your morning routine earlier than your usual waking time try to get to bed slightly earlier. 

3. How many days a week will you do this routine if not every day?

Maybe it’s more of a working week thing, or you’d prefer to have a weekend morning routine. It’s totally up to you. 

4. What do you need to make the routine easier?

Perhaps you need some help with the kids in the morning? Or to switch your phone off so you’re not tempted to look at it? Set yourself up for success!

Try a routine out for a couple of weeks and see how you get on and if you’re not enjoying it then switch up the activities till you find a routine that makes you feel your best. When you start showing up for yourself in the morning and resist falling into autopilot you can start your day from a place of intention, purpose and mindfulness.

Give it a go!