There’s been a lot of talk recently about morning routines, and for good reason.

How we kickstart our mornings can profoundly shape the course of our day. We do not always wake up feeling fantastic; sleep quality, daily anxieties, or even a strange dream can alter our connection with reality and radically shift our mindset.

The simplest and perhaps most effective way to boost our mood first thing in the morning is to begin our mornings with gratitude.

In Japan, where occasional earthquakes often provide a midnight wake-up call, feeling thankful for a good night’s sleep is second nature. However, as with many aspects of life, we tend to take the wonderful things for granted. That’s why we need to incorporate a gratitude practice into our daily routine and turn it into a habit.

Below are my own strategies to help me start my day on the right foot and cultivate a positive mindset. If you find some of them of interest to you, please give them a try, see for yourself what works and what doesn’t and craft your own unique and effective morning routine.

Wake Up Gently

Avoid repeatedly hitting the snooze button. Set your alarm for a time that allows you to wake up gradually, giving yourself a few minutes to transition from sleep to wakefulness. If you’ve had a restful night, you might even wake up naturally without the need for an alarm. I personally (provided I went to bed at my usual time) will simply set an intention to wake up at a certain time, instead of setting an alarm. It always works for me and acts as a gentle guide to my awakening.

Practice Gratitude

As soon as you wake up, try taking a moment to reflect on a few things you’re grateful for. This simple practice can shift our focus to the positive aspects of our lives. It doesn’t have to be grand or special; after a few days of bringing to mind your family, friends and other blessings, do not hesitate to gratefully think about the softness of your pillow or just your comfortable bed.

Hydrate

Start your day with a glass of water. Hydration is crucial for our bodies functioning and can help us feel more awake and alert. I personally like to prepare a thermos of warm lemon water by my bedside the night before for my morning hydration (It is still nicely warm and provides a refreshing drink).

Meditation

I do my meditation first thing in the morning, however, it is up to you how you center and ground yourself, finding a sense of calm before you begin your day. I like to get in touch with all the sensations that are rushing through my body and mind and note what can become an obstacle for me to feel my best that day. Find a sense of calm and center yourself before you begin your day. Whether you prefer meditation, reading scriptures, or … simply deep breathing?

Mindful Breathing

Try spending a few minutes practicing deep, mindful breathing. Inhale slowly through your nose, allowing your abdomen to rise, and exhale fully through your mouth. This can calm your nervous system and reduce morning anxiety.

Stretch and Move

Do you like working out in the morning? I prefer to do my yoga routine before I make my appearance downstairs to get everyone ready for school. You can find a myriad gentle stretching or yoga routines on Youtube which will help you to awaken your body and increase blood flow. This can really help reduce morning stiffness and enhance your overall sense of well-being.

Positive Affirmations

Many successful people swear by the power of affirmations. Repeating positive affirmations or mantras can surely set a positive mindset for the day. Affirmations like “I am capable,” “Today will be a great day,” or “I am grateful for this day” can be uplifting. If this sounds somewhat tacky, write them on a piece of paper when you feel inspired and then read them again and again to yourself in the mornings. I have my journal for such encouraging and inspiring thoughts.

Enjoy a Healthy Breakfast

If you have breakfast, opt for a nutritious meal rich in proteins and good carbs. Include a probiotic like yogurt, pickles, or raw cheese. A balanced breakfast can provide sustained energy and positively impact your mood.

Natural Light Exposure

Spend some time in natural sunlight, even if it’s just a few minutes. Sunlight can regulate your internal clock and boost your mood. It is also the key to a good night’s sleep when you finish your day!

Listen to Uplifting Music

Play your favorite upbeat songs while working out or preparing breakfast. Music has a powerful impact on emotions and can set a positive tone for the day. I often opt for motivational or educational content of podcasts on Spotify.

Avoid Rushing

Give yourself ample time in the morning to prevent feeling rushed, which can increase stress levels. Prepare as much as you can to streamline your morning routine the night before.

Remember that creating a morning routine tailored to your preferences and needs cannot be underestimated. Take your time to experiment with different strategies, to find what works best for you, and prioritize activities that bring you joy, calmness, and a positive mindset.

Your morning routine not only affects your day but can also set a beautiful example for your children, teaching them the value of self-care and morning rituals, and setting them up for future success.