How To Use These 7 Steps To Create A Holistic Morning Routine For A More Productive Day

When creating a morning routine, many people try to cram in too many tasks and goals, which can set them up for failure before starting the day. Whilst there’s no one right way to do things there are certainly ways that are more effective than others. So, if you are looking to create a holistic morning routine to help you be more productive and achieve your goals, follow these seven steps!

So, what is a holistic morning routine?

Let us first define what a holistic morning routine is.

If you’re here, you probably didn’t give much thought to your morning routine before, but you’re looking for some inspiration now.

For example, until a few months ago, I used to (and sometimes still do) hit the snooze button several times before stumbling out of bed and rushing through my morning shower and breakfast.

But that is not the way to begin your day. And that’s where a holistic morning routine comes into play.

A holistic morning routine is a set of habits or activities that you do ‘every’ morning. But it goes beyond just physical things like showering and getting dressed. It includes taking care of your mental and emotional well-being. That might involve meditation, journaling, spending time in nature, or whatever works out for you.

Hence, a holistic morning routine involves caring for your body, mind, and spirit. It’s about starting your day with a sense of purpose and taking time to connect with yourself. 

Thus, a holistic morning routine is more than just a list of things to do; it’s a way of life.

Why it’s important to have a morning routine?

A morning routine can be a game-changer when it comes to setting yourself up for success. Taking care of basic needs and developing healthy habits frees up your limited willpower to focus on other things throughout the day. That is because routines help ease the decision fatigue that can come from trying to make too many choices in a day.

It’s no secret that successful people have routines. Whether it’s Barack Obama, Steven Jobs, or Arianna Huffington, those who have achieved greatness often credit their success to daily habits and their morning routine.

Whether it’s something as simple as taking a few moments each morning to center yourself or setting aside time each week to reflect on your goals. Some may even say routines are the key to a happy and fulfilling life. 

That is because the morning hours are crucial for developing healthy habits. What you do (or don’t do) in the morning can significantly impact the rest of your day. If, for instance, you start the day with toxic habits, such as negative self-talk or scrolling through your phone comparing yourself to others on social media, you’re more likely to fall into other toxic patterns throughout the day. 

On the other hand, if you begin your day with positive, healthy activities, you’re more likely to make good decisions and stay on track. 

In addition, routines help to instill a sense of discipline and consistency, both of which are essential for long-term success. Of course, not all routines are created equal. And while there’s no magic formula for success, adopting a morning routine can be particularly beneficial.

So if you’re looking to boost your productivity and improve your chances of success, consider adopting a morning routine. It is the key to unlocking your full potential and improving your mental health and wellness.

Read more: The 7 Advantages Of Good Habits And How They Can Increase The Overall Quality Of Your Life.

The science behind the importance of adopting a morning routine

So, we established that having a morning routine is essential, but why is that, really? Is it just something successful people do, or is there a science behind it? Apparently, there is.

We’ve all heard the old saying, “the early bird gets the worm.” It turns out there’s some truth to that. Studies have shown that taking the time to wake up your body and mind consciously can help improve your mood, focus, and productivity throughout the day. 

Another study published in the Harvard Business Review found that people who take the time to reflect on their goals in the morning are more likely to achieve them. The study also found that people with a morning routine are more likely to be productive and efficient throughout the day because when you have a plan, you’re less likely to get sidetracked or feel overwhelmed by tasks. 

Studies have also shown that people are better able to focus and concentrate in the morning. That means that if you have tasks that require attention or concentration, it’s best to do them in the morning.

Moreover, when we repeat tasks or habits regularly, they eventually become automatic. That means you can start your day by caring for yourself and not worrying about what you need to do. 

So if you’ve been struggling to adopt a morning routine, know there’s science behind it. A holistic morning routine that supports your goals can make all the difference. 

via GIPHY

The ten benefits of having a holistic morning routine

We have already discussed many of the advantages of developing a morning routine, but here are 10 key benefits of developing a holistic morning routine:

1. You’ll be more productive and focused throughout the day.

2. You’ll feel calmer and less stressed.

3. You’ll have more energy.

4. You’ll be able to think more clearly.

5. You’ll be able to handle challenging situations better.

6. You’ll be more likely to stick to your goals.

7. You’ll be more present and mindful.

8. You’ll feel happier and more fulfilled.

9. You’ll have a more profound sense of self-awareness.

10. You’ll be able to connect better with others.

How to create and stick to a morning routine that works for you

When it comes to morning routines, I’m not one to brag. I’ve been searching for the perfect routine for years, and I still struggle to keep one going at times. However, I do my best to follow a holistic morning routine that takes care of my body, mind, and spirit. 

I remember countless mornings when I would hit the snooze button repeatedly, telling myself that I would start my routine tomorrow. But as tomorrow turned into next week, I realized I was stuck in a cycle of inaction. I knew that I needed to establish a morning routine if I wanted to be productive, but I needed to figure out where to start. 

So I’d go online and look for tips, and before long, I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information available. Every website and blog seemed to have its own must-do list, and I attempted to implement everything I discovered. However, this created an exhausting, never-ending to-do list that was neither realistic nor sustainable.

That was one of the biggest reasons I struggled to implement a morning routine for a long time. Eventually, I realized that I wasn’t meant to do everything that everyone else was doing, but the key was to find what worked for me and to be flexible in my approach. 

Once I made this shift in mindset, it was much easier to stick to a realistic morning routine that worked for me and helped me achieve my goals.

So how do you create and stick to a morning routine?

Here is what I discovered throughout the years:

– Find what works for you.

So, the first step in creating a holistic morning routine is to find what works for you. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, so experimentation is critical. Try out different activities and see what makes you feel good and aligned with your needs and goals. 

– Start small and be realistic.

Rather than overwhelming yourself with a never-ending list, start by choosing one or two things you’d like to do each morning, such as reading for 20 minutes or going for a walk. Then, as you go, gradually incorporate a few more activities.

– Be consistent.

Once you’ve identified some activities that work for you, try to stick to them as much as possible. Set a goal to do your routine X number of times per week, and be consistent.

– Be flexible.

Another important thing is to be flexible; if your routine isn’t working for you, feel free to change it. Remember that your morning routine is meant to be helpful, not stressful. So if it starts to feel like a chore, take a step back and reevaluate what’s working and what isn’t. 

– Be kind to yourself.

Lastly, remember that it’s ok to miss a day every now and then; life happens, and your morning routine shouldn’t add to your stress levels. The important thing is that you get back at it and continue where you left off.

Ideas for creating a relaxing and productive holistic morning routine

I’m not a morning person. I have never been, and I probably never will be. But, as they say, fake it till you make it.

So, for the past few months, I’ve been trying to ‘force’ myself into a morning routine to make me more productive and give me a better start to the day. And, while my routine is still a work in progress, I wanted to share what it looks like in case you’re also looking for some inspiration.

Also, I’m putting it out there as my accountability and promise to myself that I’ll do my best. And to use as a reference when I’m unsure what to do.

So, if you’re looking for some inspiration, here’s what my current morning routine looks like:

#1. Wake up early for some peace and quiet.

Every article or blog about a morning routine will tell you that one of the best things you can do to start adopting a healthy mindset is to wake up early.

As previously stated, I am not a morning person, so this is a huge thing for me, and I do not want to do it just because someone told me to. If I’m going to do it, I need to understand why. So I decided to look into its benefits. And it turned out there is some science behind it. 

Research shows that early risers are more likely to be successful and productive. They’re also more likely to be proactive and have a positive outlook on life. Also, you will have more time to yourself in the morning to do things that you enjoy or that are good for you.

Waking up early doesn’t mean you have to be up at the crack of dawn, but you also want to avoid hitting snooze a million times. It means getting up earlier than you’re used to and making the most of the morning hours.

It might take some time to adjust if you’re not a morning person. But once you get into the habit of waking up early, you’ll be amazed at how much better you feel.

Try setting your alarm 30 minutes earlier than usual and see how it goes. Then, add 15 minutes each week until you wake up at your desired time. Find a happy medium that will allow you to get a full night’s sleep and still have time to enjoy your morning routine.

For me, the most compelling reason to wake up early is the chance to start my day on my own terms. Instead of rushing things, I can take my time and enjoy a leisurely breakfast or go for a walk. By taking control of my morning, I can set the tone for the rest of my day. So even though it’s a challenge, I will keep trying to wake up early. Who knows? Maybe one day, I’ll even become a morning person. (yeahhh right!)

#2. Drink a glass of water.

When I wake up, the first thing I do is drink a glass of water. While there are many conflicting opinions on this, I’d like to believe that hydrating first thing in the morning is beneficial (aside from the fact that I’m always thirsty in the morning). In addition to waking me up, it also aids in the removal of any toxins from the body.

#3. Practice mindfulness.

Mindfulness is one of the most important healthy mindset habits you can develop, and it is a huge one for me. Even though I can’t say I do it daily, when I do, it makes a significant difference in the rest of my day. I’m not sure why I don’t prioritize it every day. But this is my reminder to do so.

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment. It’s about being aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment. When you’re mindful, you’re less likely to get caught up in negative thinking or rumination. You’re also more likely to make better decisions and be more productive.

Calming your mind first thing in the morning can help to set the tone for the rest of the day. Hence, it’s crucial that in the morning, you start your day with a clear mind and be present and aware of your thoughts and feelings.

There are many ways to practice mindfulness:

• One way is to meditate for a few minutes each day.
• Other mindful activities could be journaling, practicing affirmations, doing some yoga, or even just listening to calming music for a few minutes each morning.
• You can also be mindful of your thoughts and feelings throughout the day.
• Or, you can practice mindfulness while doing everyday activities like brushing your teeth or taking a walk. 

#4. Be grateful.

A healthy mindset is not possible without gratitude. When you’re grateful, you’re focused on the good in your life. That doesn’t mean that all is good, but it means that you accept the negative and choose to focus on what is good.

Gratitude has been shown to improve mental and physical health, increase resilience and reduce stress.

There are many ways to practice gratitude:

• One way is to keep a gratitude journal and write down three things you’re grateful for daily. That could be anything from your family and friends, to your job, to your food or health. 
• You can also share your gratitude with others or express it through acts of kindness. Doing something nice for someone else will not only make them feel good, but it will also make you feel good. 
• Finally, you can take a few moments each day to appreciate the good in your life. Reflect on what’s going well and savor the positive experiences. That could be something as simple as enjoying a cup of coffee or taking a moment to appreciate a beautiful sunset.

#5. Set an intention for the day.

At the beginning of your day, set an intention. An intention is what you want to focus on or achieve that day. It can be as simple as being more present or completing a task you’ve been procrastinating on.

Having an intention will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the day. It’s like predisposing your mind to feel a certain way or accomplish something specific.

You can also set intentions for the week, month, or year. Setting intentions regularly guides you with a reminder of how you want to live each day.

#6. Make your bed.

I’ll admit it; I used to be one of those people who couldn’t be bothered to make their bed in the morning. I would see no point in it since I would get back in it at night. My mother, however, was constantly berating me about it. She used to say that if I left my room unorganized, that reflected how my life was, and it wasn’t until I was older that I understood she had a point.

Now, I’m not saying that making your bed will magically make your life more organized, but it is a good place to start. Taking the time to make your bed every morning shows that you are capable of taking care of yourself and your belongings.

It also sets the tone for the rest of the day and gives you a sense of accomplishment first thing in the morning.

In fact, research has shown that people who make their beds in the morning are more likely to be productive throughout the day.

So if you’re looking for a way to increase your productivity, making your bed might be an excellent place to start. Plus, it just feels good to start the day with a tidy room.

#7. Stretch or do some exercise to start the day energized.

For me, getting out of bed in the morning is hard enough, but finding the motivation to work out can be even more challenging. The problem has always been that I’m just not into sports. I have never been. And now, it’s been hard for me to stick to any training routine.

I’ve tried going to the gym several times, doing yoga, and doing HIIT training at home. But I always fall off the wagon after a month or so. The only thing that I can safely say that I don’t hate is going for a walk. But even that, I sometimes need help to be consistent with. 

So, if you’re like me, you’ve probably made (and broken) more than a few New Year’s resolutions to get in shape. But now I’m determined to stick with it. That’s why I’m committing to moving my body one way or another every day (or at least 3 to 5 times a week because during the weekend, even God tells us to rest 🤭). 

It doesn’t have to be a full-blown workout – sometimes, just a little dancing around or some morning stretches are all it takes. But moving your body first thing in the morning will help increase your energy and blood flow.

Even just a few minutes of activity can make a big difference. For instance, researchers have found that just 10 minutes of light stretching can increase blood flow and improve mental alertness.

Hence, if you’re looking to start your day off on the right foot, there’s no need to overhaul your entire routine – take a few minutes to stretch and/or exercise and wake up your body and mind, and you’ll be off to a great start. And no, going from the bed to the fridge doesn’t count 🤪.

So, let’s try and do this together – I’m committed to doing something every day that gets my body moving. Are you with me?

>>Read more: How To Have A Productive Week: 15 Sunday Habits

Final thoughts

So, there you have it: my current morning routine. It’s not perfect, but it’s what works for me and helps me to start my day on a positive note. 

Of course, your morning routine will look different from mine. The important thing is that you take the time to find what works for you and make it into a habit. With consistency and patience, you’ll eventually find yourself sticking to a routine that feels good and helps you start your day on the right foot.

As we said, having a morning routine is crucial because it sets the tone for the rest of your day. When you start your day with a sense of purpose, you’re more likely to stay productive and focused throughout the day. A morning routine can also help you connect with yourself and get in touch with your inner voice.

Remember, there’s no one right way to do things – but if you want to create a morning routine that will set you up for success, following these seven steps is a great place to start. 

Even if you don’t manage to complete all seven steps every morning, simply following a few of them will transform your mornings and leave you feeling more productive throughout the day.

Do you have any favorite morning routine hacks that help you stay productive? Let me know in the comments below which ones are your favorites!

>>Read more: 12 Amazing Tips For A Self-Love Night Routine