9 Morning Rituals To Stop You From Waking Up On The Wrong Side Of The Bed

When you choose the second option, you start your day feeling overwhelmed. The mind races with everything you have to get done. And if you’re looking at social media, you might’ve already compared yourself with other people or get stressed out by the latest news.  

The morning should be a sacred time—it’s when you get to choose how you want the rest of the day to go. Therefore, a simple change in your habits can make a big difference. Here are a few morning rituals to stop you from waking up on the wrong side of the bed.

1. Journal first thing in the morning.

Every morning when you wake up, open your journal and answer a few questions:

• How do I want to feel today?
• Who do I want to be today?
• What do I want to receive today?
• What do I want to give today?

Take your time answering each question as precisely as possible. Visualize yourself feeling content as you finish a task that you’ve been avoiding. See yourself having positive Interactions with everyone, from your coworkers to your roommates. Imagine your morning commute going smoothly. Plan your day exactly how you want it to be, and have fun writing it!

2. Forget about the snooze button.

One of the best ways to get your day started on the right foot is to get out of bed as soon as you wake up. Although it’s tempting to linger around in bed, doing so can set you back each morning. Getting up as soon as you open your eyes tells your body and mind that it’s time to get the day started, while lingering and hitting the snooze button tells the brain it’s still time for sleep, which can make you feel groggy, drowsy, and out of sorts. 

3. Plan for your morning the night before.

You’ve likely heard it before; a successful morning routine is only as intense as the bedtime routine that came before it. So which aspects of your bedtime routine should you use to ensure the success of your morning routine? First, try preparing what you’ll need, such as coffee, meals, or an outfit, the night before. Making sure your essentials, like your keys, bag, and wallet near the door, especially if you need to leave first thing in the morning, can also help reduce your stress and anxiety levels.

4. Let the light in.

Exposure to light first thing in the morning increases alertness and feelings of wakefulness. Try turning on a lamp on your nightstand or open up your blinds to let some natural light in, preferably within the first couple of minutes of waking up.

5. Make your bed.

It takes only a couple of minutes to make your bed, but it’s still a task many of us people neglect. If you aren’t currently in the habit of making your bed each morning, it may be something to consider doing. Various studies have shown that making your bed is positively associated with better sleep and an overall happier mood. By completing a task first thing in the morning, you’ve already boosted your confidence in your abilities to get things done throughout the day.

6. Avoid looking at your phone (and all other technology).

Consider cutting down the amount of time you spend looking at a screen first thing in the morning. Doing so can help you feel more focused and clear-headed, and at the same time,  shield you from information overload about news stories or social media, which can often contribute to a low mood.

7. Discover what motivates you, and use it. 

Motivation plays a role in reducing sleepiness and promoting alertness and wakefulness. And when motivation is hard to come by, getting out of bed can be challenging. So if you have a hard time getting out of bed first thing in the morning, consider adding something to your routine that makes you feel good. This could be anything from listening to your favorite morning radio show to doing an activity you enjoy, such as walking your dog or trying a new type of coffee.

8. Hydrate your body.

According to research, dehydration can negatively impact cognitive function. As most of us wake up a little dehydrated after a night’s sleep, rehydrating first thing in the morning can help improve cognition. However, dehydration has also been linked to fatigue and symptoms of low mood, including irritability and confusion. Plus, you’ll have more energy! Drinking water is an excellent way to hand yourself the energy to deal with any surprises or stressors you face throughout the day.

9. Don’t forget to eat!

Eating something within an hour of getting up brings your blood sugar levels up and prevents irritability and crankiness. Your body has been fasting all night, so eating something will not only enhance your mood, but it’ll give you an energy boost to carry you throughout your day. 

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