If you’re not a morning person and you want to turn the day around, you’re in the right place. We’re here with 7 swaps to make your morning better, from what to do when you wake up right through to your breakfast, to reduce stress and set your body up for the rest of the day! When you wake up with the mindset that today will be a good day, and you head out the door looking for positives, then it can really transform your whole day.

Make Your Bed

This first one might seem simple, but one of the best things you can do when you wake up is to make your bed. This is such an easy win and it creates a clean slate for the day, helping to boost productivity. A tidier environment can also reduce stress and set you up for more positive habits throughout the rest of the day. By getting one thing in order and making your space more relaxing, it can set your day up right. Plus, it will feel much more inviting and relaxing in the evening!

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No Screens For First Hour

Something else you should do is to avoid screens for the first hour when you wake up. Get yourself an alarm clock beside your bed and keep your phone shut away in a drawer. This helps to regulate your brain’s dopamine levels, as if you go straight on your phone when you wake up, the blue light can cause overstimulation. A digital detox is so important, so for your mental health and wellbeing, the best thing you can do is avoid screens for the first hour of the day. You’ll feel more alert for the rest of the day.

Get Out For A Walk First Thing

A great way for you to avoid screens as well as benefitting your health is to get out for a walk first thing. Put an outfit out ready the night before, then as soon as you get up, head out for a walk. Moving your body in a less intense way in the morning helps to boost energy, reduce stress, regulate sleep and set a positive tone for the day. Plus, the fresh air is so refreshing and will help to wake you up. If you wake up late, quickly get ready and shoot out the door, you’ll likely feel sluggish. Whereas when you have a walk, you’re starting your day off right.

Eat A High Protein Breakfast

Swapping your breakfast can completely transform your whole day, not just your morning! If you reach for a breakfast like a sugary cereal or a single piece of toast, you may feel good temporarily, but you’ll likely experience an energy dip mid way through the morning as your blood sugar will spike and then fall. Whereas if you prioritise a high protein breakfast, it can keep you feeling full all morning, stabilise blood sugar, reduce cravings, support muscle health and prevent energy slumps.

You’ll feel so much better for it, so this is an important change. There are so many ways to increase your protein intake at breakfast, such as with eggs, chicken sausages or protein pancakes. If you don’t have time to cook in the morning, then a Greek yogurt bowl with granola and fruit is a good alternative, or add a scoop of protein to your morning overnight oats.

Drink A Glass Of Water

As soon as you wake up, drink a glass of water. Hydration is so important for the body, and drinking it first thing in the morning helps to kickstart digestion, rehydrate after hours without fluids, flush toxins and increase mental clarity. If you’re heading out on your morning walk, fill up a bottle of water and leave it with your walking outfit the night before, then you can just grab and go. This will help to wake you up and hydrate your body for the day ahead!

Pick Out Your Outfit The Night Before

Something else that can make your morning that bit easier is to pick out your outfit for work or whatever it is you’re doing. The last thing you want is to increase stress in any way in the morning, and if you’re running around desperately trying to find an outfit, then it’s going to cause avoidable stress. Instead, get your outfit out then you can just get up and put it on in the morning! If you’re doing your morning walk, lay this out, then also your outfit for the rest of the day. You should also pack your bag if you’re taking one with you. This simple change can make you feel so much more put together in the morning.

Upgrade Your Home Coffee Setup

Last but not least, you should upgrade your home coffee setup. Once you’re back from your morning walk, and you’re starting work from home or heading out the door, having a fresh cup of coffee that is cafe standard can really transform your day. Not to mention, whilst it’s expensive for the initial setup, you’ll save so much money throughout the rest of the year! There are plenty of options for good espresso machines and electric coffee grinders to get you started, like Ascaso espresso machines from Earl Coffee as a fantastic starting point. This will save you money and help to brighten every morning, so well worth it overall!