7 Steps to Add to Your Morning Routine

Everyone has a different morning routine. Our morning routines are what set us up for the day, and they can often influence our mood. Morning routines do not have to be long and elaborate to be effective. Here are seven quick steps to incorporate into yours.

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1. Splash Your Face With Cold Water

I know this may not sound ideal, but hear me out! After washing your face with warm water, adding a splash of cold water to the routine can help close your pores and tighten your skin to give it more protection from the sun’s rays. If you’re feeling especially tired, a splash of cold water will also help wake you up and get you ready for the day.

2. Scrub Your Lips With a Toothbrush

I know that brushing your teeth is an integral part of morning routines, but have you tried brushing your lips? Taking a wet toothbrush to your lips will help scrub all of the dead skin off and have you feeling fresh. Just make sure to add some chapstick right after to keep them moisturized!

3. Put on Sunscreen

Putting on sunscreen is incredibly important, even if the sun isn’t shining down and you are indoors. Dermatologist Karen M. Lush explains that while UVB rays cannot get through glass windows, UVA rays can. Even on a cloudy day, up to 80 percent of the sun’s rays can pass through the clouds. The most common type of cancer in Ireland is skin cancer, and wearing sunscreen can decrease the risk of getting it.

4. Use a Jade Roller

I was skeptical about purchasing a jade roller at first, but now I can’t imagine not having one. When I wake up, my face tends to be a bit puffy and can feel uncomfortable. Jade rollers can reduce face puffiness as they help to increase lymphatic drainage. Using a jade roller is basically a gentle massage for your face, which increases circulation. It especially feels nice to use one on a cold morning because the roller feels cold and soothing on your face.

5. Make Your Bed

I will admit it, I was not a bed maker until this year. It never felt important to me and seemed like a waste of time. However, I got tired of my bed making my room look so messy, and making my bed just helped pull everything together. Making your bed can also help you start your day on a positive note and make you more productive. By making your bed, you are accomplishing your first task of the day, which helps you get ready for the rest of them.

6. Eat Breakfast

A lot of people don’t feel that hungry in the morning, I get it. But there is a reason why it is called the most important meal of the day. Your body needs to fuel up after the long period of time it has been asleep. Eating breakfast provides your body with essential nutrients it needs to work hard, including glucose, which helps boost your energy levels and alertness.

7. Meditate

Meditation is a great way to get started in the morning. There are a lot of outside stressors going on in our lives right now, and meditation is a great way to combat them. Taking just five minutes to sit down, take a deep breathe, and relax will help decrease stress and anxiety levels. It’s no fun to wake up and go through the day feeling anxious, and practicing meditation will help reduce this.

These steps may seem like a lot at first, but once you start integrating them into your routine, you will realize they are quick, easy, and very beneficial. These are steps that I swear by, and over the years I’ve pulled them all into my morning routine. They help wake me up, increase my productivity, and just make me feel good. I encourage you to try and incorporate at least one of these steps into your routine, and gradually add the rest!