If you’re anything like me, mornings can be a bit of a struggle. Hectic schedules, pressing tasks, and the ever-present desire for five more minutes of sleep can make the start of the day feel more like a battle than a fresh beginning. But I’ve found that a smooth morning can set the stage for a successful day. By eliminating some habits and activities from my routine, I’ve made my mornings more manageable, less stressful, and even more enjoyable. Here are the 10 things I stopped doing that made my mornings smoother.
1. Hitting the Snooze Button
I used to be a chronic snooze-button presser, but I’ve come to realize that those extra minutes of sleep aren’t really beneficial. In fact, they can make you feel more groggy and disoriented. When you fall back asleep after hitting snooze, your body can enter a new sleep cycle, which can be abruptly interrupted by your alarm.
Now, I make it a point to get up when my alarm first goes off. I’ve found that I feel more awake and alert when I resist the temptation to snooze. Plus, I’ve gained more time in my mornings which allows me to start my day on a less rushed note.
2. Checking My Phone First Thing
The habit of reaching for my phone as soon as I woke up was a hard one to break. But it was also a major cause of morning stress. An inbox full of emails or a news feed filled with troubling headlines is not the most peaceful way to start the day.
Instead, I now begin my morning with a few minutes of calm. I do some light stretching, meditate, or simply sit quietly with my coffee before diving into the digital world. This small change has had a big impact on my mood and stress levels throughout the day.
3. Skipping Breakfast
In a bid to save time, I often used to rush out of the house without eating breakfast. However, this only led to mid-morning hunger pangs and a lack of focus. Breakfast is crucial because it kick-starts your metabolism and provides you with the energy you need to tackle your day.
Now, I make sure to nourish my body every morning, even if it’s just a quick smoothie or an oatmeal bowl. I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my energy levels and concentration since I started making breakfast a non-negotiable part of my morning routine.
4. Making To-Do Lists in the Morning
I used to start my day by creating a to-do list, but I found that this was more distracting than helpful. I’d often spend too much time on it, which ate into my day. Plus, it was stressful to start the day confronted with a long list of tasks.
Now, I create my to-do list the night before. This means I wake up with a clear plan for the day. I can hit the ground running without having to spend time figuring out what I should be doing. It’s a simple trick, but it’s made my mornings much more efficient and less stressful.
5. Drinking Coffee Immediately
I was a firm believer in the power of coffee to kick-start my day. But then I learnt that our bodies naturally produce cortisol, a hormone that makes us feel awake and alert, in the morning. Drinking coffee first thing can interfere with this process, making us more dependent on caffeine.
Now, I wait an hour or two after waking up before having my first cup of coffee. This allows my body to wake up naturally and makes that first sip of coffee even more enjoyable.
6. Skipping Exercise
I often told myself I didn’t have time for a morning workout. But the reality was that I was just prioritizing other things. Regular exercise boosts your mood, energy levels, and overall health.
I’ve found that even a quick 10-minute workout in the morning can make a big difference. I feel more alert, positive, and ready to tackle the day when I’ve exercised. Plus, it’s a great way to shake off any residual sleepiness.
7. Showering in a Rush
A rushed shower often set the tone for a rushed day. I realized that taking a few extra minutes to enjoy my shower could make a big difference to my mood.
Now, I see my morning shower as a chance to wake up my body and prepare for the day. I take my time, enjoy the warm water, and leave feeling refreshed and relaxed. It’s a small change, but it’s made my mornings feel less hectic.
8. Trying to Multitask
Multitasking might seem like a good way to get more done, but it often leads to mistakes and stress. I’ve found that focusing on one thing at a time is far more effective.
In the morning, this means doing one task at a time. Eating breakfast without checking emails. Getting dressed without planning my to-do list. This approach has made my mornings less stressful and more productive.
9. Leaving My Bed Unmade
Leaving my bed unmade was a habit that I didn’t think much about. But making my bed is actually a quick and easy way to start the day on a positive note.
Now, I make my bed every morning. It’s a small accomplishment, but it sets a productive tone for the day. Plus, it’s nice to come home to a tidy bed at the end of the day.
10. Going to Bed Late
Staying up late was a habit that had a big impact on my mornings. A lack of sleep meant that I woke up feeling groggy and sluggish.
Now, I make sure to get a good night’s sleep. This means going to bed at a reasonable time and making sure my bedroom is conducive to sleep. I’ve found that getting enough sleep is crucial for a smooth morning and a productive day.
