This Rising Routine Will Improve Your Mood
Your morning sets the tone for the entire day. Imagine waking up feeling calm, centered, and empowered instead of frazzled and anxious. This isn’t some distant dream—it’s a reality that you can create with the right routine. The first moments of your day are like planting seeds. When you nurture those seeds with mindful practices, they bloom into peace, productivity, and positivity.
Here’s a holistic morning routine designed to uplift your mood, ground your energy, and help you move through your day with intention.
1. Begin with Gratitude
Before you even get out of bed, take a few moments to reflect on what you’re grateful for. This doesn’t need to be grand; it could be as simple as the comfort of your bed, the sound of birds outside, or the opportunity to live another day.
Gratitude helps shift your mind from any stress or anxiety you might wake up with, to a state of positivity. It trains your brain to focus on what’s good in your life, which can improve your overall mood and mental health.
Tip: Keep a gratitude journal on your nightstand and write down three things you're grateful for each morning.
2. Hydrate and Nourish Your Body
Your body becomes dehydrated overnight, and dehydration can negatively impact your mood, making you feel sluggish or irritable. Start your day by drinking a glass of water, perhaps with a squeeze of lemon for an extra detox boost.
Next, consider incorporating herbal teas like chamomile or lemon balm, both known for their calming effects. If you have time, follow this with a nutrient-packed smoothie or a light, balanced breakfast. Nourishing your body with the right nutrients in the morning can help regulate your blood sugar, which in turn stabilizes your mood throughout the day.
Tip: Add a pinch of sea salt and a slice of cucumber to your water for added hydration and nutrients.
3. Move Your Body
Gentle movement in the morning can be a game-changer for your mood. Whether it’s a quick yoga session, stretching, or a 10-minute walk, moving your body releases endorphins—your body’s natural mood lifters.
If you’re a busy professional or a mom juggling many tasks, you might not feel like you have the time for this. But remember, movement doesn’t have to be long or intense to be effective. Just a few minutes of intentional movement can help you feel more energized, grounded, and mentally clear.
Tip: Try a simple yoga flow focused on stretching and deep breathing to ease tension in your body and mind.
4. Mindful Breathing and Meditation
Carve out five to ten minutes for mindful breathing or meditation. Deep, conscious breathing can quickly shift your nervous system from "fight or flight" to "rest and digest," reducing stress and anxiety.
Close your eyes, inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth. As you breathe, imagine letting go of any tension, stress, or negative thoughts. Meditation is also an excellent tool for setting a positive tone for the day. It allows you to center yourself and focus on what truly matters, creating a sense of calm and clarity.
Tip: Use a guided meditation app if you're new to the practice, or simply sit in silence, focusing on your breath.
5. Set an Intention for the Day
After your breathing or meditation session, set a clear intention for the day. This is different from a to-do list. Instead of focusing on what you want to accomplish, focus on how you want to feel. Your intention could be as simple as "I choose peace today" or "I will show myself kindness."
Setting an intention gives your day a purpose. When you’re intentional, even the most mundane tasks take on new meaning. This can drastically improve your mood, as you move through the day with clarity and a sense of direction.
Tip: Write your intention down and repeat it to yourself throughout the day, especially during stressful moments.
6. Limit Your Screen Time
In the age of smartphones, it’s tempting to grab your phone first thing in the morning and scroll through social media or check your emails. But this can lead to unnecessary stress and overwhelm before you even get out of bed.
Instead, challenge yourself to stay off your phone for the first 30 minutes to an hour after waking up. Use this time to focus on yourself—whether it’s journaling, meditating, or sipping tea in silence. Your mind needs time to ease into the day without external distractions pulling you in different directions.
Tip: If you use your phone as an alarm, place it across the room so you’re not tempted to start scrolling right away.
7. Create a Sacred Space
Having a dedicated space in your home where you can engage in your morning routine can significantly improve your mood. Whether it’s a cozy corner with soft lighting and candles, or a spot near a window with natural sunlight, this space should make you feel calm and centered.
By creating a physical environment that supports your emotional and mental well-being, you’re better able to start your day on the right foot. Over time, you’ll associate this space with feelings of peace and positivity.
Tip: Include items like crystals, plants, or meaningful objects in your space to make it feel more personal and sacred.
Why This Morning Routine Works
Each element of this routine is designed to help you connect with your body, mind, and spirit before the demands of the day take over. When you start your day with gratitude, mindful movement, and intentional breathing, you create a foundation of positivity and resilience. You’re not only boosting your mood but also equipping yourself to handle whatever challenges come your way.
By incorporating these practices into your morning, you’re showing up for yourself, nurturing your well-being, and setting the tone for a peaceful, productive, and joyful day.
Ready to elevate your mornings? Start small—pick one or two of these practices and see how they transform your mood and energy. Your future self will thank you. 🌿