Many of us, especially those working from home without the pressure of rushing out in the morning, tend to wake up and immediately check our phones. We look for important messages we might have missed and scroll through social media to catch up on posts or videos from overnight. Before we know it, 30 minutes or more have passed, and we’re still lying in bed. If this sounds familiar, don’t worry—you’re not alone. With smartphones and social media being such a big part of our lives, many people start their day this way.
Some might argue that it’s not a problem and that scrolling through their phone is a part of their morning routine they enjoy—and that’s perfectly okay. However, I’ve noticed that when I do this (and I still do from time to time), I feel drained before my day even begins.
A few months ago, I started a new habit: writing a short letter to my family each morning. The letter follows a simple format, beginning with “Happy [day of the week]” and “I hope you slept well,” followed by a keyword or theme for the day. At first, my teenage daughter found these letters a bit strange and I will quote: “DAD, those letters are creepy”, but I knew immediately that they were making the impact I intended.
I didn’t plan to start this routine, but over time, I’ve realised that beginning my day with a creative activity boosts my creativity throughout the day. After writing my letter, I let the dogs out and give them their morning treat—routine is important, after all! Then, I do some form of exercise, usually Pilates or Yoga, which helps not just physically but also mentally.
On days when I haven’t slept well, this routine helps me shake off the grogginess and start fresh, rather than letting a poor night’s sleep dictate my mood for the rest of the day.
If you find yourself waking up feeling tired or unmotivated, saying things like “Ugh, another day” or “I didn’t sleep well,” you’re likely setting a negative tone for the rest of the day. If you want to bring more positivity to your mornings, consider adding a creative element to your routine. It could be writing, drawing, meditating, exercising, or something as simple as telling your loved ones how much they mean to you.
I’d love to hear your ideas for changing up your morning routine! Feel free to GET IN TOUCH.
