As a way to help manage stress better, lately I’ve been working on ways to make my mornings easier. In the past, I’d try to mow through my morning routine – hoping it would fly by while the caffeine from my coffee sank in. I used to spend so much time picking out clothes, preparing food for the day, and even taking an hour (I know) to do my hair. I’ve found some things that have not only helped to make my mornings easier, but actually enjoyable too. I’m never going to be one of the morning people who pop out of bed with the birds singing (slash who is?), but I’m learning to enjoy the process that is mornings. After all, they aren’t going anywhere.

Get a quick workout in

As overused as this tip may be, this is for sure the #1 thing that has made mornings better for me. Even if I know I have a session with my trainer or am going to a workout class later in the day, I always try to fit in something quick in the morning. It can even be a 10 minute walk with a podcast, or dancing in the kitchen with my roommates (for real though).

Moving around and being active first thing in the morning boosts my endorphins and makes me feel better throughout the rest of the day. I used to not workout much in the morning, because I’d look at workouts as “all or nothing” – like, if I can’t fit in 45 minutes during my busy morning, I’ll just do it later on. But it totally doesn’t have to be that way – you should squeeze in more activity any time you can, regardless of if it’s 5 minutes or an hour. Your body and mind will thank you for it, and you’ll have a much better morning (and entire day).

Take advantage of the night before

I try to fit in everything I can the night before – including picking out my clothes, washing my hair (so…like once a week), and preparing food for the next day. Not going to lie, it seems overwhelming at first to do all of this at night, but once you get in a routine, it becomes habit and you won’t even think about it. Ever since I’ve been doing this, I’ve noticed that I have more time to do things I enjoy in the morning (like fitting in that quick morning workout). I’ve also noticed that I’m not as stressed in the mornings because I don’t have to think about what outfit I want to wear, and rush to do my hair in time to leave the house. Doing as much as you can the night before will make your mornings so much better – promise.

Get outside

This can be coupled with getting in a quick workout, but getting outside is a super important thing to do to start off your day. I didn’t know this until recently, but our bodies actually get recharged from being outside and in the sun, especially first thing in the morning. That Vitamin D stuff is real, y’all. Obviously it’s easier in summer, but since I’ve been getting outside in the mornings more often, I’ve noticed that it actually wakes me up naturally, and I find that I need less coffee (imagine that!). Our bodies crave the fresh air and sunshine (especially this time of year) that you just won’t ever get from staying inside. So make sure to get outside first thing in the morning to start your day off right – sitting by a window helps, too. Perfect time to journal or read a morning scripture if you’re into that kinda thing.

Are there any other things you do to make starting your day off easier? I’m always looking for ways to make my mornings better, so please do share!