After conducting a study at my local college campus, studies showed that only 56% of participants have a morning routine. Following the questionnaire, many expressed interest in creating one and even confessed to not knowing what a morning routine is.
Being organized and having a positive mindset in the morning can greatly impact how you will take on the rest of your day. Though you may not follow your morning routine every single day, it definitely does help create a strong foundation to start your day, as well as build structure in your day-to-day life. Here is a list of 8 things to include in your morning routine. This is perfect if you are thinking about starting one or even if you have one and want to spice it up a little bit.
Meditation 101: When, Where & How To Do It
You May Also Like
1. Clear Your Heart & Mind
Have you ever heard the phrase "Are all hearts and minds clear?" before someone prays? Well, I basically ask myself this question first thing in the morning every single day. For me, keeping God first is essential to creating a foundation for a safe and productive day. Taking the time to express gratitude, pray for protection, and ultimately find peace within the comfort of my own thoughts allows me to think clearly, make decisions confidently, and have a more positive outlook on the day ahead of me. Try doing this before touching your phone and even before leaving your bed.
You may prefer incorporating meditation into your morning routine rather than praying. Meditation is a practice that focuses the mind and stimulates relaxation throughout the mind, body, and spirit. Meditation itself has many benefits and adding it to your morning routine may be just what you need to start your day.
Coffee Vs. Tea: Is One Better For Your Health?
You May Also Like
2. Make a Cup of Coffee or Tea
Not to be dramatic or anything, but as someone who was born and raised on Dunkin Donuts in New England, I would simply ✨ die ✨ without coffee! One of my best purchases of 2021 was my Keurig Coffee Maker. From the rich flavors to the smell of fresh coffee, I cannot start my day without a cup of French Vanilla coffee.
Though coffee is one of God's greatest gifts to the world, it isn't for everyone. Starting your day with a nice hot cup of tea may be the perfect addition to your morning routine. Not only does tea contain antioxidants and boost brain function, but it is something you can perfect to your liking with ingredients like honey, sugar, and lemons.
RELATED: Why Is Breakfast The Most Important Meal Of The Day?
3. Eat Breakfast
Let's be honest, who even still eats breakfast every morning? College and adulting completely changed my life and what I considered normal. I actually can't even recall the last time I ate breakfast at least three times in one week. We all know breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day and know the benefits of eating it, but do you know the disadvantages of missing breakfast? Not eating breakfast can cause fatigue, increased blood pressure, headaches, slower metabolism, lack of energy, and brain fog.
Challenge yourself to start eating breakfast this year. Though waking up early to cook a big or super healthy breakfast may not be something you do every day, starting small can help you adapt to the idea of eating in the morning.
Social media and upward social comparison (comparing yourself to others) can discourage people from wanting to do or try new things. I tell my creative friends all the time: the act of starting is sometimes the hardest step, but it's also the most important step. Start small with fruit, yogurt, oatmeal, cereal, smoothies or even just granola bars. Anything to get those essential nutrients and something in your stomach. Now let's not get started on eating three meals a day.
RELATED: Gratitude Journaling Made Easy!
4. Journal + Express Gratitude
I will admit that I am extremely biased when it comes to the topic of journaling or just writing in general. There are SO many benefits of writing, even if you don't think you are the best writer. Growing up in a Black home where depression wasn't "real" and in a family that didn't discuss our problems, journaling became my best friend and even saved my life many times.
Journaling is the art of writing down your experiences, problems, feelings, thoughts, and whatever else may be on your heart or mind. Some of the benefits of journaling include strengthening communication skills, reducing anxiety and stress, establishing self-awareness, organizing your thoughts, and aiding how you process trauma and emotion on a regular.
There are also many different types of ways to journal. Though I prefer my classic journal, there are also bullet journals, travel journals, prayer journals, dream journals, poetry journals, manifestation journals, and fitness journals. The list goes on! There is truly something for everyone.
I always recommend journaling to my friends, even if it's just writing out their thoughts on a piece of paper to throw away. This can be and usually is very personal. Taking the time to process things, talk to yourself, listen to your thoughts, acknowledge how you feel and put it on paper is a lot, but it is an amazing way to release your feelings and face reality. I like to think of it as a way to talk directly to God. I value and practice journaling so much that it is a large part of my day-to-day life. I often journal in the morning, throughout the day (if I'm really overwhelmed), and before bed to clear my thoughts. If you haven't tried journaling before, I highly recommend trying it.
Again, starting is the first step, no matter how small it is. There is no right or wrong to express yourself through writing. This can be as simple as writing 1 to 5 things you're grateful for every morning. Practicing gratitude can help you develop healthier habits both mentally and spiritually.
RELATED: Gratitude is Good Medicine! How Being Grateful Can Heal
5. Claim a Positive Affirmation
It is very important to watch how we speak to ourselves and the things we speak about. Claiming or reciting a positive affirmation in the morning may seem meaningless, but it can truly go a long way. Positive affirmations are phrases or statements that encourage, challenge, inspire, and create positive changes.
Here are some of my favorite affirmations as a Black college student:
- I am where I’m supposed to be.
- I am worthy of forgiveness for my mistakes.
- I love myself enough to take advice from others.
- I am capable of achieving my goals.
- I will not settle for less than the best from myself or others.
Taking time out of your morning to feel grounded and speaking positivity into your day can be just what you need. If you are busy, always behind schedule, or simply need reassurance, claiming positive affirmations are for you!
The goal of this article is to acknowledge that we can’t pour from an empty cup. Mornings can seem dreadful and chaotic, but that doesn’t mean that’s how they should remain. If you don’t like something in your life, make the adjustment. Appreciate the ability to wake up, express gratitude and pour into yourself. Your morning can truly impact how you will perceive the rest of your day.
By Alivia Duncan
Speak Up! Ambassador
Clark Atlanta University
Major: Mass Media/Communications/PR
IG: @brownsugaababee
