8 ways to start your day right

Mornings can be hard. And with that natural feeling to want to hit the snooze button a second time, they can easily get away from you.

But it’s important to start your day feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to tackle the challenges ahead.

Some simple morning rituals may help break your morning funk and set you up for a more positive and productive day.

And it doesn’t have to mean carving out an hour of your already busy morning. Often, it’s just a matter of making small adjustments, which might be as simple as creating time for a cup of coffee.

Here, we share 8 tips to help you start your day with the simple practice of self-care.

Sometimes, it’s all in the timing. Setting your alarm to wake you up 30 minutes earlier might feel a bit rough, but giving yourself that extra time (rather than rushing out the door) can go a long way in improving your morning self-care routine.

Think of it as a gift to yourself. A 30-minute self-care voucher to spend on whatever helps you feel the most you. This might be a slower cup of coffee, a more thorough read of the news or a few blissful minutes of meditation.

This is a simple but important one. How often have you realised that the morning has breezed by and you’ve barely had any water? (And no, those 3 cups of coffee don’t count).

Drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning can help hydrate your body and prepare it for the day ahead. If this seems too bland, you can always add a splash of lemon or slice of cucumber for added refreshing flavour.

There’s nothing like a morning stretch to wake you from your sleepy brain fog and get you into gear for the day ahead.

Stretching is a great way to improve stability and flexibility and relieve tension in your muscles. Freestyle a few of your favourite moves or try out a new yoga or Pilates video for some inspiration.

Better still, try both at the same time with this yoga and Pilates-inspired workout with stretching guru Kath Ebbs.

Instead of scrolling through your phone first thing, reclaim those waking moments with some morning meditation.

Meditation is a great way to help calm your mind and reduce stress. Find a quiet, calm place where you can relax (this may simply be your bed). Then follow whatever routine best works for you.

If you’re new to meditation, you can try our beginner mediation, good morning meditation or simple breath meditation to get started. You don’t have to commit to a full 10-minute session, just start with a few short minutes or as long as you find rewarding.

A simple morning skincare routine can be a lovely way to start the day feeling more confident and refreshed.

This might be as simple as cleansing, moisturising and wearing sunscreen. You might add serums and other actives into your regimen, too.

To guide your routine, it can help to understand common skincare mistakes and skincare myths.

How often do you take a moment to reflect on the things you’re grateful for? It’s a simple practice that’s linked to reduced stress and increased happiness.

In fact, studies show that gratitude can help you stay positive, build stronger connections, live a healthier lifestyle and better cope with life’s ups and downs.¹

Try writing down the things you’re grateful for in a journal, texting them to a friend or simply thinking about them during your morning coffee.

Eating a healthy, balanced breakfast is one way to honour your body, providing it with the energy it needs to start the day.

Instead of racing out the door on an empty stomach, take time to include protein, fibre and healthy fats in your breakfast, like eggs, whole-grain toast and avocado. You could also whip up a thick and creamy smoothie bowl or even create a simple stove top shakshuka.

Exercise is one of the best ways to help boost your mood and energy levels.

You can try a quick workout at home or go for a walk outside to get some fresh air. If that’s not possible, try getting off public transport one stop earlier and walking the last section, or taking the stairs instead of catching the lift at work.

Remember, kicking off any new routine takes time and patience. Start small with something simple and try to make it a habit. We each have our own rhythms and routines. Be willing to explore what works for you.

Improve and adjust your routine as needed to create a sustainable and enjoyable morning self-care practice, and don’t beat yourself up when you give in to that second snooze button. There’s always tomorrow morning.