Disclosure - This is a collaborative post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I wrote last week that the start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect, refresh, and reinvent how we approach our daily lives. Although January is my least favourite month I do feel like it gives you the opportunity to
start afresh and make some goals. One of my personal goals this year is to have a healthy morning routine. Mornings set the tone for the rest of your day and can have a huge positive (or negative) impact on your physical and mental well-being, so towards the end of last year I thought long and hard about what I wanted to change and how. I decided that in 2025 I am going to embrace mornings and use them as an opportunity to prioritise my health, productivity, and happiness.
We are a family of 4 so we know how chaotic mornings can be, especially for families like us juggling school runs, work commitments, and everything in between. I know that with a few simple adjustments, I can transform our mornings into a time of positivity and purpose. If you are looking to do the same then here are some steps to help you create a healthier, more energising morning routine for the year ahead.
The Power of a Good Night’s Sleep
A healthy morning routine actually starts the night before. Ensuring you get enough quality sleep is crucial for waking up refreshed and ready to face the day. I try to aim for 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep and I'm working on a bedtime routine to wind down. Some of my tips are
Avoiding Screens An Hour Before Bed
I struggle with this and always have done. I'm a scroller and watch and read useless content before
bed on social media. I now switch to airplane mode and completely shut myself off.
Reading A book Or Journaling.
I do both. I'm currently completing a
reading challenge of 30 books this year so I will be reading at least 20 pages per night on average. I also journal before bed about my day.
Using Calming Essential Oils Like Lavender.
I've been using Feather Down pillow sprays which really help me drift off.
Keeping Your Bedroom Cool, Dark, And Quiet.
This is a must.
By prioritising my sleep, I am waking up feeling more energised and motivated to tackle my morning routine.
Rise And Shine With Gratitude
When the alarm goes off, I am trying to resist the urge to hit snooze. Instead, I'm trying to start the day with gratitude. Take a moment to think about three things I'm grateful for. This simple practice can:
Improve Your Mood.
Set A Positive Tone For The Day.
Enhance Mental Clarity.
If you find this challenging you might also consider keeping a gratitude journal by your bedside to jot down these thoughts each morning.
Hydrate First Thing
After a night of rest, your body craves hydration. I never knew this but now before I reach for my morning tea, I drink a glass of water to rehydrate and kickstart my metabolism. For an added boost, squeeze in some fresh lemon juice for:
A Dose Of Vitamin C.
Improved Digestion.
A Gentle Detoxifying Effect.
Stretch and Move
Physical activity in the morning doesn’t have to be intense, but it’s a fantastic way to wake up your body and mind. Some ways I have started my day are
Yoga or Stretching
I don't do anything crazy just a quick 10-minute stretch to loosen my stiff muscles and hopefully improve my flexibility.
Light Cardio
I choose to do a 1 or 2 mile walk at home. I found the walks on YouTube during lockdown and I love them. It takes between 15-25 minutes and it really does make me feel good about myself and the day ahead. You can also go for a brisk walk or a short jog around the block which will get your blood pumping.
I know this sounds easy but if you're a family finding the time to fit this in can be challenging so you could involve the kids! Turn it into a family routine by doing a quick workout together.
Nourish Your Body with a Healthy Breakfast
Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day, and for good reason. A balanced breakfast and a healthy
diet fuels your body and brain, helping you stay focused and energised. I'm trying to include:
Protein
Eggs and/orGreek yogurt.
Healthy Fats
Avocado, nuts, or seeds.
Complex Carbs
Whole-grain toast, rolled oats, or fruit.
One of our go-to breakfasts is overnight oats. I prepare them the night before with rolled oats, almond milk, chia seeds, and add a topping like berries or honey. It’s quick, nutritious, and perfect for busy mornings.
Embrace Mindfulness
Incorporating mindfulness into your morning can help reduce stress and improve focus throughout the day. Here’s how I practice mindfulness.
Meditation
I spend 5-10 minutes listening to meditation on Spotify
Deep Breathing
I use my Fitbit to complete a 2 minute exercise of deep breaths to calm my mind.
Affirmations
Repeat positive affirmations to set an optimistic tone.
Mindfulness doesn’t have to be complicated. Even a few minutes of stillness can make a big difference.
Plan Your Day
I have to plan my day ahead. I usually do it the night before and it is a must for me. Whether you prefer a digital planner or a traditional notebook, writing down your priorities and tasks can really help
You To Stay Organised.
Reduce Feelings of Overwhelm.
Increase Productivity.
For families, this could include syncing schedules to ensure everyone’s activities are accounted for. We use google calendar and some days it's a life saver.
Limit Screen Time
Reaching for my phone was something I did every morning. Dedicating the first hour of the day to myself and my family has massively improved my mood. Too much screen time in the morning can
Increase Stress Levels.
Distract From Your Priorities.
Leave You Feeling Drained.
Use this time for activities that uplift and energise you instead.
Set Realistic Goals
Every day is an opportunity to work towards your long-term goals. In the morning, I identify one or two realistic goals for the day. They are sometimes simple goals such as clearing out a messy cupboard or meal planning for the week. Setting achievable goals can
Boost Your Confidence.
Keep You Motivated.
Create A Sense Of Accomplishment.
Enjoy Some Family Time
If mornings are a time when your family is together like ours then try and make the most of it. We like to eat breakfast together, but if this isn't possible you can simply enjoy each other’s company on the school run or commute to work. Building strong family connections in the morning can:
Strengthen Relationships.
Create Lasting Memories.
Reduce Stress For Both Adults And Children.
Building Your Routine
The beauty of a morning routine is that it’s entirely customisable to your lifestyle. Start small by choosing one or two new habits to incorporate. Once those become second nature, add more. Remember, consistency is key.
To help you get started, here’s a sample our my morning routine:
1. I set my alarm for 6am and resist the urge to snooze.
2. I make sure I have a glass of water ready to drink by my bed.
3. I then spend 5 minutes practicing gratitude.
4. I do a 5 minute stretch whilst listening to meditation.
5. I do a 1 or 2 mile walk at home.
6. Enjoy a nutritious breakfast with my family.
7. I then look at what I have planned for the day ahead.
8. I shower and get ready for the day.
The Benefits of a Healthy Morning Routine
Energy Levels
Starting the day with movement and nourishment keeps you energised.
Mental Clarity
Mindfulness and planning reduce mental clutter.
Overall Health
Healthy habits like hydration, exercise, and nutrition boosts your well-being.
Let’s Make 2025 Your Healthiest Year Yet!
So we know the New Year is a time of fresh starts, and what better way to begin than with a healthier morning routine? By prioritising your physical and mental health, you’re setting the foundation for a more productive, joyful, and balanced life. Of course if you are reading this later on in the year then there is no better time than the present to make a fresh start.
We’d love to hear about your morning routines! Share your tips, tricks, and goals in the comments or on our
social media channels. Let’s inspire each other to make mornings the best part of our day.
Here’s to a happy, healthy, and fulfilling 2025!
