4 habits to consider stopping to super-charge your mornings

Whether you love them or loathe them, mornings can make or break your day. When you take a positive approach to your mornings, it can influence your mindset, energy levels and overall productivity. But doing a few of the following activities in the early hours can actually sabotage your day! 

Recognising and reshaping these potentially harmful habits can supercharge your mornings and positively impact the day ahead.

Simple habits to build into your morning routine 

Getting a good – and healthy – start to your morning isn’t as difficult as it might seem right now. In fact, a few easy steps can help make your life much easier and more efficient. Here are four suggestions for building better morning habits and starting on a positive note.

Don't hit the snooze button 

Resist the temptation to hit the snooze button. It’s a seemingly innocent habit, but it can really disrupt your sleep patterns, causing a delay in the time you need to get up. It might take a little practice at first, but waking up when your alarm goes off can keep you feeling revitalised and rested.

Don't doom-scroll first thing in the morning 

Doom-scrolling is something we’ve all done before – it’s a common habit in the digital age. The siren call of your screen can lure you into checking social media platforms or news sites – one after another – as soon as you wake up. However, immersing yourself in a stream of negative, stressful or heavily curated information first thing in the morning can set a pessimistic tone to the day. Consider delaying this habit and instead prioritise uplifting activities such as reading an inspiring book or practising mindfulness.

Don't skip breakfast 

Breakfast has long been called the most important meal of the day – and for good reason. Skipping it can decrease your energy levels and even impede cognitive function. So instead, make it a habit to have a nutritious breakfast every morning, whether it’s a filling bowl of porridge, a protein-packed smoothie, eggs, wholegrain toast or something else light, like fruit. A nourishing breakfast will fuel your body and kickstart your metabolism – perfect for a day that requires focus and energy.

Don't procrastinate 

Procrastinating tasks – whether life-admin or work-related – can create a domino effect that will end up delaying work and make every task feel daunting. So, try to tackle tasks early in the morning – it will instil a more proactive mood and help cultivate a sense of self-accomplishment. 

If you don’t acknowledge that you’re procrastinating and take measures to address it early, its adverse effects can build up, leaving you feeling stressed. This can then affect your self-esteem and productivity levels. 

Other helpful changes to make 

Daily stretching and exercise

Make sure you set aside a few minutes each morning for physical activity. Doing a short yoga session, taking a brisk walk, or even doing some basic stretching exercises will not only invigorate your body but also stimulate blood flow, enhance your mood and sharpen your mental clarity. This active start to the day will prime you to be more energised and focused.

Make lists and plan ahead 

Be sure to invest time in organising your day by creating a to-do list or outlining tasks in an app on your phone. Planning gives you structure and direction for the day ahead, which will ultimately ease your cognitive load and reduce your stress levels. The result? You’ll be able to prioritise tasks and allocate time more effectively for a smoother, more productive day.

Power through the day 

Committing to a few lifestyle changes in your morning routine might be tough at first – but they are well worth the effort. Their impact on your mornings and, consequently, your entire day, can be substantial. Start to integrate these habits gradually and soon you’ll see how they enhance your mindset and sense of achievement at the end of each day.

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