8 Steps To Create Your Best Morning Routine This Circuit Breaker Period

By Karmen on 22 Apr 2020

Digital Editor

There isn't a set template for the ideal morning that everyone should have, but your best morning routine should energise and motivate you to get things done.

During this circuit breaker period where you're working from home, it's even more important to have a good morning routine to set yourself up for a successful and productive day.

Keep reading for the eight steps to create your morning routine!

#1 Switch off the snooze button

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Procrastinating waking up starts your day on a bad note! The "extra sleep" that you think you're getting is actually low quality sleep that will leave you feeling groggy for the rest of the day.

Ignore all that advice on waking up at 6am, some people are just not early risers and that's okay! The important thing is to set your own fixed timing to wake up and stick to it. If you have trouble waking up on time, check out our tips to make yourself go to sleep earlier.

#2 Meditate

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If getting up from your bed is the most gruelling part of your morning, go for the middle ground by sitting upright on your bed instead. With your legs crossed and eyes still closed, take in a deep breath and hold for 10 seconds, then exhale. Repeat another three to five times until you're mentally ready to get out of bed.

#3 Splash cold water on your face and neck

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A sudden hit of cold water is an intimidating thing to do to yourself, so getting this done and over with will make you feel like you've already conquered something difficult and feel ready to take on more challenges. It'll also make you feel awake and refreshed immediately!

If you're up for the challenge, you can also take a quick shower with cold water. ?

#4 Drink a glass of water

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Soda and other sweetened drinks are an emotional comfort but won't do you any favours when it comes to feeling more energised and ready to start the day. Your body will thank you for staying hydrated and healthy by drinking water!

#5 Do some light exercises

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Exercise is a great way to energise yourself and it doesn't have to be a long, hardcore workout. It can be anything from a run around your neighbourhood or a short stretching session in your bedroom, whatever gets your blood pumping and endorphins released!

#6 Eat a healthy breakfast

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Junk foods are packed with refined carbohydrates and added sugars which leaves you feeling tired. Put down the potato chips and processed food and have a healthy breakfast instead!

Check out some easy breakfast ideas that you can whip up in no time. If you're too lazy to cook, you can still find healthy breakfasts like a muesli, oatmeal and yoghurt with fruit.

#7 Do something that makes you happy

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Before diving into work, carve out some spare time to relax and do something that makes you happy. Cuddle with your loved ones, play with your pets or indulge in your hobby like reading, writing and drawing. If your hobbies are watching dramas and movies, skip that and do something else that will take less time like reading positive news or look at funny videos, cute pet videos, comedy Instagram accounts and memes.

Even 10 minutes of doing something you love in the morning will lighten your mood, make you happy to start work and be less tempted to procrastinate. Make sure you start work on time!

#8 List out and order your to-dos

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Write down or type out a list of things you plan to do for the day in the order of most to least important and urgent. You'll have a clear idea on what to do first, what you should schedule for later, what to delegate and what to leave for the end of the day.

If you don't have any semblance of a morning routine right now, pick four from this list and gradually add one at a time every day or every few days. Don't beat yourself up for not following your routine 100% and change up your routine whenever your priorities, values and responsibilities change.