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Why is a morning routine important? -

Morning routines are crucial for mental, physical, and emotional health, and can elevate your mood as well as energize you to power through the rest of the day.

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Get a good night's sleep -

Every morning routine starts well before the morning ever does. The night before, make sure to wind down at the end of the day, turn off devices at a set time, and get a solid eight hours of sleep.

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Avoid the snooze button -

Hitting the snooze button is actually quite problematic. What might feel like more rest initially can actually throw off your routine and even run you late.

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Tips for not snoozing -

Practice counting to five, then force yourself out of bed. Or preset your coffee machine so that the smell of fresh coffee is waiting for you!

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Don't look at your phone -

As second nature as it might seem, checking your phone in the morning skyrockets cortisol levels, which in turn contributes to feelings of anxiety, depression, and poor mental health.

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Tidy your room and make your bed -

When you’re up, make your bed and tidy any clothes or items lying around. Start your day and mindset in the right direction.

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Drink a full glass of water - Health and wellness is fueled by hydration. Start the morning feeling focused and productive by rehydrating before you have the chance to forget.

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Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea -

Enjoying the fresh aroma of a cup of coffee or a tea can make your day all the better!

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Stretching -

Help wake your brain and body after a restful night. The movement will help increase blood flow and oxygen to your muscles.

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Yoga - Set aside even just 10 minutes to do some yoga poses in the morning. Not only will it help improve flexibility, but it can help reduce stress and maintain a healthy digestive system.

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Morning walk -

Taking a walk in the mornings can relieve joint stiffness, manage blood sugar and blood pressure, as well as strengthen bones and muscles.

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Get some sunlight - Vitamin D first thing in the morning is crucial for immune and bone health. It also helps improve alertness and enhances your mood.

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Meditate and take deep breaths -

Meditation can train your mind to remain present and to concentrate, thereby improving your focus throughout the day.

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Positive affirmations - According to studies, self-affirmations can help improve problem-solving under stress. They also seem to engage parts of the brain associated with self-valuation.

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Affirmation examples - Affirmations such as “I am excited for the day,” “I am grateful for my job,” and “I am successful” can be said out loud or written.

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Healthy breakfast -

Eating breakfast, namely one with healthy proteins, helps women regulate hormones.

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Healthy breakfast example -

Consider a breakfast containing items such as oatmeal, cottage cheese, lean cuts of fish, and beans.

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Shower - Morning showers have numerous benefits, including improving blood circulation, easing stress, and increasing immunity by stimulating your body to make new white blood cells.

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Skincare routine -

Protecting and preserving your skin is essential. If you avoid or forget this, you can get clogged pores and acne, as well as leave your skin susceptible to damage.

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Set your intentions for the day - Setting intentions each morning is a great way of keeping you on track and improving your overall mindfulness.

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Make a to-do list for the day -

For some women, creating a simple to-do list each morning can be extremely helpful. Offload some of the burden of having to remember everything!

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To-do list pro tip -

Make sure your list is achievable. You want to motivate, not overwhelm yourself to achieve great things.

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Journal or write - Clear your mind for the day ahead; journal any thoughts or feelings you might be experiencing to make space for new and improved ideas.

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Breathe fresh air -

Deep breaths of air in the morning can help oxygenate your cells, improve blood circulation, and ultimately boost energy levels.

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Prep lunch or dinner -

As you know, we all have to eat (multiple times a day, in fact). By organizing your day in the form of prepped meals, you help alleviate future stress and allow for other priorities to take up brain space.

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Read the news - An informed mind is an active one—start the day catching up on some news and challenge your brain.

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Connect with someone you love -

Whether via phone or in person, connect with someone you love for that wholesome feeling of happiness.

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Listen to music -

Research has shown that listening to music has numerous benefits, including reducing anxiety, blood pressure, and pain. It can also help with mood and mental alertness.

Sources: (International Association of Women) (John Hopkins Medicine) (Forbes) (Asana) (Peloton) (BetterUp) (PACE Hospitals) (The Washington Post) (Calm) (MI Blues Perspectives) (Herbal Dynamics Beauty) (Aroma Sense USA) (Medium)

See also: How to be more persuasive

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