I used to roll out of bed and just let the day come at me; sometimes things went smoothly but most of the time I was scrambling and stressing about the day ahead. I realized after some trial and error and just life experience in general that waking up a little earlier than needed allowed me time to do things that set me up for a harmonious and successful day ahead. Even just having some time to myself before everyone else wakes up helps me feel better prepared for the day. This does not mean that things never go wrong but starting my day off right helps me deal with daily ups and downs with much more ease.

These Five Morning Rituals Start My Day Off Right

Meditation - I try to start every day with meditation. Sometimes it’s 20 minutes and sometimes it’s 5 but it does help me start my day with some calmness and clarity. Meditation does not have to be long or complicated to have benefits and there are many resources to help make it more accessible. The apps Calm, Insight Timer and Headspace are just a few that come to mind. They can all be downloaded onto your phone so that your meditation source can go where you go.

Set Intentions/Express Gratitude - I take a couple minutes before I get out of bed to jot down a few intentions or goals for the day as well as a few things I’m grateful for. I have a journal on my bedside table ready to go when I wake up. I like to buy a three-pack of notebooks with simple lined paper like these from Rifle Paper Co.. They are slim, lightweight and easy to pack in my purse or backpack when I travel. It also very easy to rip out the paper and recycle it once I am done using it (no, I do not save them!).

Early Morning Sun Exposure - I take my breakfast or my tea and sit outside on my patio or front steps for a few minutes before getting going in the morning. Catching that morning sun has some health benefits including regulating hormones, boosting mood and improving sleep.

Exercise - It’s very simple for me, if I don’t exercise in the morning, it doesn’t get done and if I don’t exercise, my entire day feels “off.” It doesn’t always have to be an intense workout but I have to do something. A walk, yoga or even a quick strength training session will do the trick.

Breakfast - I eat breakfast every morning and I make sure that it is low in added sugars and high in protein and fat. This helps regulate my blood sugar so that hunger, moodiness and brain fog don’t disrupt the first part of my day.