A smiling girl holds a cup of coffee in the morning and smiles The way you start your morning has the power to set the tone for your whole day. So, what’s the best way to start your day? Well, there is no magical formula for a perfect morning routine. The key is to create your own unique routine that makes you feel productive and sets you up for success.

Here are a few ideas of what to include in your unique morning routine:

1. Make your bed.

You’ve probably heard this phrase since you were a little kid, “Make your bed.” So why does such a simple act each morning make such an impact? Because it’s so simple. You start your day with a win. Yes, it may sound silly, but it’s true. And making an effort to complete this simple task each morning sets you up to continue other productive and healthy habits throughout the rest of your day.

2. Be intentional about using your phone.

Once your alarm goes off, what’s the first thing you reach for? A glass of water? Your toothbrush? Perhaps your phone? If it’s your phone, then you’re not alone. You might need to check on something important – an email or incoming message. But there are other times that we grab our device without thinking about what we’re doing and start scrolling. Be intentional with your phone rather than starting your day with mindless scrolling. Check for that important email, and then put your phone down for a while.

3. Take five to ten minutes to meditate or journal.

Have you wanted to start a journal or meditation habit, but you haven’t because you assume you don’t have time? It turns out you don’t need much time to build these habits into your day. And once you put down your device, you’ve probably freed up five to ten minutes to start your day with something mindful. Your journaling can be as simple as writing down three things you want to accomplish by the end of the day. And there are a few different apps that offer short, guided meditations. Or you can sit quietly for a few minutes and focus on your breathing.

As you create your morning routine, keep it simple. Include three to five tasks that you do each day, in the same order. Try this for a month and see what happens. And if you happen to forget or miss a morning, don’t let this discourage you from continuing. Instead, get right back into your routine the following day.

At The Way Family Dojo in Magnolia, our mission is to create a community that you love being a part of! We are a Black Belt Leadership school that integrates life skills training into every martial arts class. To learn more about the programs and classes we’re currently offering, contact us today!