How A Healthy Morning Routine Can Benefit Your Mental Health
This post is about the benefits of having a morning routine and a few ideas on how you can create one from scratch and make the most of it.
But because struggles with your mental health can actually make mornings very difficult, we also talk about how to approach morning routines from a healthy and less rigid perspective. It’s not about being virtuous and self-disciplined.
Rather, it’s about helping you have a better start to your day day by looking at your morning activities and looking at what might work for you in this moment rather than listening to what-you-“should”-be-doing.
Stressed & Overwhelmed ?
Have you ever felt like time is just kind of slipping away from you ? The feeling that your days just kind of melt into one another? As if you’re living on autopilot and you’re not really fully living it?
It’s how a lot of us live, rushing from one thing to the next only to crash on the sofa at the end of the day. Having a long to-do lists and feeling overwhelmed, we have this strong desire to numb our senses somewhat with mindless TV, internet browsing, mindless eating, scrolling through Instagram or Facebook and the rest.
And tomorrow we go again — we start another day like that. We hit the snooze button five times in the morning because we don’t really want to get up (and went to bed too late the night before). In the end, then rush around trying to get ourselves (and perhaps others) ready for the day.
Why are morning routines important
Morning routines are about setting a specific time aside to become more mindful and intentional about your days. Instead of getting up and switching straight into “doing-mode”, having a routine gives us the time we need to feel a sense of calm and focus ahead of our day.
Not only can certain repetitive actions of a good routine benefit your physical health (such as regular exercise and nightly flossing), they can also be a great way to improve your mental health by reducing your day to day stress.
Every time you have to make a decision, you are adding some stress to your life. The more decisions you have to make, the less self-control you'll have, says a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. While you can't do away with decision-making completely, creating regular rhythms can take much of the guesswork out of your day.
It’s important to remember though that the same routine isn’t going to work for everyone, but having a routine is especially important for anyone who struggles with mental health.
While building and maintaining a routine may sounds boring or stressful, in the long run, they are a great way to reduce stress and anxiety.
It doesn’t matter so much whether your morning routine lasts 5 minutes or one hour.
What’s really important is to do something that is meaningful to you and that allows you to slow down for a moment. To step out of this autopilot-mode.
There are no rules when it comes to morning routines.
If you think that morning routines are about yoga, green smoothies, meditation, journaling and long walks, consider what’s led you to believe that. What matters when it comes to a morning routine is to start your day in a way that makes you feel good about yourself and your life.
Ultimately, it’s about improving your sense of health and wellbeing, and practising compassion towards yourself and others.
Remove as many variables as possible.
Does getting dressed for work leave you anxious?
While you may feel like you have nothing to wear, you probably have too many options. Remember, every extra decision can create stress. Set aside a weekend afternoon to clear the clutter from your closet and pare down to good basics you can mix and match.
Benefits of routines…
According to research, predictable, repetitive routines are calming and help reduce anxiety. They also help you take control of your day and subsequently, your life.
They start your day off right.
Figure out what time you need to leave the house each morning and set your alarm so you have plenty of time to accomplish your at-home tasks before you hit the road. Rather than jumping from task to task, create a set routine and stick with it. You'll waste less physical energy and brain space.
They help you make better big decisions.
Save your brainpower and focus for big decisions, like whether or not to accept a new job or purchase a home.
Sleep better.
Any good morning routine starts the night before. By having a regular bedtime routine is essential to good sleep hygiene. Before your morning routine turn off your electronic devices at least hour before bed and avoid stressful conversations in the evenings.
Instead, try pick up a light read or practice a few minutes of meditation. Brush your teeth and wash your face well before your set bedtime so you get to sleep on time and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle your day.
They help you see and enjoy quality time with loved ones.
A morning routine is a great way to ensure you and your loved ones have time with each other at the start of the day. During the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be able to enjoy more regular mealtimes such as break fast with family members and friends who share your home. Make the most of it.
Take part in activities you love.
By creating an efficient, routine schedule, you'll leave room for activities you truly enjoy, even before your day has started. For instance morning walks with your spouse, a morning yoga class or reading a few chapters of a favourite book.
You May Also Like
