Have you established a morning routine? Do you have a daily routine once you get out of bed?

For years, I didn't have a morning routine; I would simply wake up, get dressed, and rush out the door to go to work. 

Then all those stories about successful people's morning rituals appeared out of nowhere, and I decided to give them a try. That is exactly what I did. Several times. I've tried a lot of different morning routines and concepts, but here are eight that I've found to be truly life-changing. When I practiced these, everything in my life improved: my productivity, happiness, health, fitness, and kindness. They're right here.
 

1. Getting Up Early Always Pays Off!

For years, I've struggled with this because I've always considered myself a night owl. However, getting up early, taking care of myself, and doing the most critical tasks first feels fantastic.

Nothing beats the satisfaction of finishing something you've been putting off for a week by 10 a.m. Taking time each day to be creative can help you open up your thoughts, especially if the activity entails moving away from your typical work, which can help you solve difficulties throughout the remainder of your day (the greatest use of creativity).

Get out there and try new things to see what you like best. Try not to choose an activity based on reasoning; instead, go with what feels good after some trial and error.

2. Priorities Matters 

We all have to-do lists, and making them isn't difficult. However, in order to truly do the things that are vital and will provide long-term outcomes, you must first define daily priorities and focus on them.

Choose 3-5 things that will have a long-term impact on your life. Do this first thing in the morning or – if you don't forget – the night before. It's incredible what a difference it makes! 

You set your weekly goals, get clear on your priorities, break them down into doable to-dos, and then work toward your goals every day.

3. Just Move 

Even 10 minutes of exercise can make a huge difference in your happiness, productivity, and health.

If exercise isn't already a part of your morning routine, I strongly urge you to give it a shot. My favorite way to start the day is with yoga, which is really beginner-friendly.

Plus, we all know that you don't have to rush to a yoga session at 5 a.m. — you can do it anytime you want at home.

4. Keep a Gratitude Journal 

Make a list of three things for which you are grateful each day. You don't need anything special to do this; any notebook or bullet journal can serve as your thankfulness journal.

Once you've prepared your journal, write down what you're thankful for today. It could be something as simple as:

I'm grateful I woke up today, I'm grateful I got to see this dawn, and I'm grateful I forced myself to do this 10-minute workout; I feel great.

This can help you start the day off on a high note and make you more hopeful about the day ahead.

5. Expect the Best 

Happiness is the result of deliberate activity. People are not naturally joyful all of the time. You make the choice to be joyful. By consciously choosing to do the things that bring you joy today, as well as the way you react to and think about what happens to you and around you.

So make a conscious effort to have a fantastic day. This is also something I do with my weekly planner. The phrase "daily intention" appears at the top of every daily planning page. What do you wish to do or feel on that particular day? Make a list of your priorities and schedule your day appropriately.

When you go about your day with the intention of truly feeling happy, your perspective shifts and you notice the good instead of the unpleasant. You begin to act and react differently, and you will be happier.

6. Listen to the Music That Uplifts You

Don't only listen to music that makes you feel good; listen to music that makes you feel alive and sing along with it. This simple habit has been proven in research to alleviate stress and anxiety. Singing along to Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, or Mariah Carey is a pleasant experience.

7. Roam in the Nature

Nature has a way of restoring our health. When I disconnect and spend a few days in nature, I feel at least a year younger. You don't need to take a weekend off to do this; you can do it every day. 

Spending time in nature can be as simple as sitting for 5 minutes on your front porch or taking a quick walk around your block to get some fresh air and gaze at the trees and sky.

8. Maintain Your Personality and Appearance

To some, this may appear shallow, but how you dress, style your hair, and take care of your physical self in general has an impact on how you feel on the inside.

Match your appearance to how you want to feel on the inside. Even if it's not your greatest day, you'll start to feel better, and it'll only take a few minutes.

Wrap Up!

However, be careful to take this opportunity seriously. It's not planned for sending emails, making appointments, or examining reports and analytics. This is the time to focus on the most crucial aspects of your chosen (or potential) job so you may make significant progress and raise your game a notch each day.

You'll start to reap the benefits of a consistent morning ritual once you have a better concept of what your morning routine will look like, combining a few healthy activities that match you and your lifestyle.

Everyone's morning routine is a bit different, but the end effect is the same: a vital time for focusing yourself and accomplishing what matters most so that you're focused and ready for the day ahead. And once you're in that positive mindset, you can assist others start their days off right.