Type ‘morning routine’ into Google and you’ll receive well over 2.4 billion results. There’s no denying we have a cultural obsession with finding the perfect morning regime—and for good reason. Studies show a healthy morning routine can boost productivity, lower stress, and set a mindful tone for the rest of your day.
As a journalist, I’ve done my fair share of research and interviews on the topic. And while I’ll never have the secrets to becoming a morning person—a la Robin Williams in Good Morning, Vietnam—I do have some tried and tested tricks up my sleeve. And no, they don’t all involve caffeine (although that helps, too). Here are five small but mighty steps I follow for a positive start to the day:
1. Get into a flow (state of mind)
An energising yoga session is—hands down (and lift into downward dog)—my all-time favourite way to begin the day. Physically, yoga improves your strength, posture, and balance—not to mention releases morning muscle stiffness. Mentally, flows inspire calmness, encourage you to focus on the breath, and allow you to set purposeful intentions for the day ahead.
For an at-home guided practice, I vary between the Down Dog app or a qualified yoga instructor on YouTube. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced yogi, these flows span a range of yoga styles across all levels of experience. Try it. Just 10 minutes can make a big difference to your mindset.
2. Eat a nourishing breakfast
Breakfast should be two things: delicious and nutritious. A bowl of goodness kickstarts your metabolism, boosts your energy levels and powers your brain for whatever challenges lay ahead. For me, that’s researching and writing articles or jumping into creative pitch meetings.
First things first, I drink a glass of The Beauty Chef’s GLOW beauty powder to keep my gut health balanced and my skin, well, glowing. I team this with a bowl of Greek yoghurt and granola, topped with Australian raspberries and blackberries. Juicy berries are my non-negotiable for breakfast, as they’re bursting with antioxidants, fresh flavour, and lively colours to start my day on a (sweet) high.
3. Dress for success (or at least, to feel human)
For me, WFH is both a blessing and a curse that blurs the line between work and rest. To cross into work mode, my tip is to get dressed for the office—even if your ‘desk’ is your upstairs dining table (guilty as charged).
Clothes can transform my attitude, confidence, and self-esteem. So even if I opt for an outfit that’s more comfortable than chic, it’s a step up from my pyjamas. As the late photographer Bill Cunningham said, “Fashion is the armour to survive the reality of everyday life.” Add a spritz of perfume, a swipe of mascara (I love this natural one from Ere Perez), and suit up.
4. Put pen to paper
“I love the tactile nature of putting pen to paper. As our lives become more and more digital, I love that writing in a journal gives us pause, and brings us back to our purpose,” stationary brand founder Emma Kate once told me in an interview. And for me, a self-confessed journaler, this sentiment rings true.
Each morning, I set aside as little as five minutes to write in a gratitude journal—over my ‘berrylicious’ breakfast. Practicing gratitude shifts your attention to positive emotions and fosters an optimistic mindset, making it a meaningful habit to add to your morning toolkit.
5. Soak in the happiness rays
Growing up in the Sunshine State, I have an intrinsic love for the outdoors and am addicted to vibrant blue skies and sunshine. And there’s no wonder I crave sunlight, as it naturally boosts your body’s levels of serotonin, the chemical responsible for regulating your feelings of happiness, focus and wellbeing.
To get my vitamin D fix before the daily grind begins, I unroll my Lululemon yoga mat in a sun-dappled spot on my deck and walk rather than drive to my local coffee shop. Just channel your inner sunflower for an instant happiness hit.
Brought to you by Australian Raspberries and Blackberries.
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