10 Morning Hacks To Start Your Day On a Positive Note

A blissful and empowering morning sets the tone for a great day. A rushed, stressed, and unorganized morning can shift the trajectory of your mood and even your whole day. When we open our eyes from a serene sleep, we have the opportunity to approach the day and make it possibly our best. If mornings are not your thing, there are actions you can take to make the most out of this essential time in our day.

As a night owl, morning are not always my friend. However, I have some tips and tricks to make the morning a time in which I not only look forward to but a time that I rely on for structure, productivity, and positivity. Read on to find out how to set a positive vibe first thing in the a.m.

• Prepare your favorite breakfast the night before

  If you are like me, you love food. Knowing that I can eat my favorite meal or on-the-go snack in the morning gives me motivation. Eating fresh fruits adds a sweet note, see what I did there, to your morning while subsequently nourishing your body with essential nutrients and antioxidants to fuel your day.

• Plan your outfit and pack your gym/work/school bags the night before

  Planning is integral to an efficient morning. Arriving late, hating your outfit, and forgetting items are side effects of inadequate morning habits. Feeling confident in your outfit while also being prepared for the day is empowering and motivating to be your best self.

• Keep a mental or physical checklist (by your bed)

  My planner is my best friend, but if keeping a mental checklist is more your jam, do you boo. Knowing small and big objectives I have for my day keeps me on track and less stressed. Being able to mentally or physically cross out various activities and responsibilities throughout the day is rewarding.

• Deep breaths

  Now that you are organized, you can take it all in and release any additional stress you might be holding on to. Giving yourself five minutes when you wake up to take deep breaths. Breathing keeps you and your perspective of your surroundings grounded.

• Avoid using your phone

  The morning can be stressful and rushed, take five to ten minutes for “you time”. Disconnect with technology and connect with your thoughts. This also involves avoiding e-mails, calls, and text messages from work, school, friends, and family.

• Take a meditative walk

  Observing nature is a natural remedy to the morning jitters. Getting in some physical activity while connecting to your surroundings and inner thoughts is therapeutic. I always enjoy walking to school through Central Park and listing to my playlist, you can download it here.

• Schedule a morning workout

  My most enlightening mornings are ones where I sweat it out. Working out releases endorphins, contributing to a state of exuberance, while cleansing your body and mind. I love going to SoulCycle first thing in the morning before I start my routine.

• Practice journaling

  Whether it be writing down things you are grateful for every day, your favorite quotes, or your feelings—journaling allows you to put in perspective your worries and vocalize your needs. Being assertive of all facets of your emotions and experiences can clear your mind of negativity and confusion.

• Recite positive affirmations

  There is nothing worse than having low confidence when you walk out the door. I know it sounds silly but hype yourself up in the mirror or in your journal, encouraging yourself that you can in fact “do this!”

• Self-care routines

  Whatever your ‘cup of tea’ is, whether that be having a cup of tea or indulging in a luxurious skincare routine, practicing self-care is essential to shifting a negative mood to a positive one.