How you start your day can set you up for success. Without a morning routine to set you
up for success you may spend your entire day bouncing from task to task and never
feeling like you are getting much accomplished. We all would say we’d like a little more
control and to be more productive, creative, and enjoy more of our day.
Do you know that a morning routine can do that?
There isn’t a “one size fits all” morning routine, but we can look at the routines of
successful people and research to help our mornings begin with a good start.
Benjamin Franklin was an accomplished man; innovative, creative, successful. His daily
routine began with a question, “What good shall I do today?” His first two hours included
washing, breakfast, setting the plan for the day, and addressing Powerful Goodness (his
name for God).
At NBT we aim to bring support and healing to our clients while providing tools and tips
for self-care. A healthy body, healthy mind, healthy soul are all linked together and
should be incorporated into any self-care routine. It all starts with our morning habits
that will set us up for daily success.
Here are our top three that should be included daily:
1. Hydration – Your body went an entire night without fluid. We wake up every morning
dehydrated, so quench that thirst by drinking at least one full glass of water before
anything else. Warm water with lemon is a great choice as it promotes digestion and
increases your metabolic rate.
2. Get Moving – I’m not saying a heavy workout, but get your body moving. This could
be a simple walk or gentle stretching/yoga. AM movement gets your blood flowing,
improves focus and clarity, increases alertness and gives your metabolism a boost.
3. FUEL your body – I’m not talking about sugary donuts. Eating a balanced and
healthy breakfast kickstarts your metabolism, boosts your energy levels and stimulates
your brain.
Our top three can just be the base of your routine. As, I mentioned before, there isn’t a
routine that will fit everyone. Here are a few other ideas to add to your routine so you
can customize it to fit your life:
“Get Organized” – Getting organized will help keep you focused throughout your day.
● To-Do list – organize your tasks to complete, but make it an achievable list that brings
in JOY and FUN.
● Meal plan – allows you to not be caught off-guard and have to make an unhealthy,
quick choice during the day.
● Appointments – review your day so you know what is planned.
“Clear the Clutter” – Studies show that physical clutter causes mental clutter and
stress. Clearing physical clutter can actually help you have a more productive work day,
and with a lot of the world still working from home, this can be huge!
● Laundry – pick it up off the floor
● Cleaning – pick up the house or get those dishes put away
“Peace and Quiet” – Having purposed silent time can have a powerful impact!
● Prayer/Meditation
● Affirmations
● Reading
“Get Connected” – Whether you live with others or you connect virtually, having
personal connection with family or friends can truly bring balance and joy to your day.
● Focused family time – put down the technology and be 100% present with your loved
ones
● Conversation
● Check-ins
“Me, Myself, and I” – Self-care is so important. That is why we placed these three first
on our list: hydration, movement, nutrition. There are other activities that could fall into
the self-care category.
● Shower – If you are home for the day a simple shower can brighten our mood and
bring clarity to the start of our day.
● Get dressed – don’t stay in your PJs all day. This simple act can re-frame our mindset.
● Hobby
● Gratitude journal – be grateful daily and share with others.
● Watch the sunrise – step outside, put your feet in the grass, get grounded and watch
the beauty mother nature brings you.
● Tech-free time – shut the technology off and spend quality time connecting.
Remember not to overload yourself; try to just do the Top Three for a week or two, then
add in just one or two of these other items. If we try to do everything all at once, we set
ourselves up for frustration and burnout.
It’s never too late to start a good habit. Let’s meet each day of 2025 on purpose, and
with purpose! Your morning routine will set your day up for success. What will you
choose for your morning routine?