If you want to wake up motivated every morning, say goodbye to these 10 habits

Ava Sinclair by Ava Sinclair | July 8, 2024, 10:47 pm

Ever found yourself struggling to get out of bed in the morning, feeling sluggish, and completely lacking motivation?

You’re not alone.

In fact, the morning blues can be traced back to a few pesky habits that we often overlook. While these routines might seem harmless, they can actually set a negative tone for your entire day.

Let’s dive into these troublesome habits. Trust me, once you cut these out of your life, you’ll be surprised at how your mornings transform. Keep on reading!

1) Hitting the snooze button

Ever woken up to the sound of your alarm, only to hit the snooze button and drift back off to sleep?

You’re not alone.

While it might feel like you’re giving yourself a few extra minutes to rest, hitting the snooze button can actually disrupt your sleep cycle and leave you feeling groggy throughout the day.

When your alarm first rings, your body starts to release hormones that wake you up. By going back to sleep, you’re interrupting this process, which can leave you feeling more tired than if you had just gotten up in the first place.

Instead, try setting your alarm for the time you actually need to get up. When it sounds, resist the urge to snooze and push yourself to start your day. Trust me, your body (and your motivation levels) will thank you for it.

2) Late night screen time

This one hits close to home. I used to be guilty of scrolling through social media or watching TV late into the night.

While it seemed like a harmless way to unwind, I started noticing how groggy and unmotivated I’d feel in the morning. And trust me, grogginess and motivation do not go hand in hand.

Research has shown that exposure to the blue light emitted by screens can interfere with your sleep. It tricks your brain into thinking it’s still daytime, delaying the release of sleep-inducing hormones.

Once I realized this, I made a conscious effort to limit my screen time at least an hour before bed. It wasn’t easy at first, but I stuck with it.

And guess what? My mornings have been more energetic and productive ever since.

3) Neglecting breakfast

We’ve all heard it before: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But how many of us actually take it seriously?

Skipping breakfast might seem like a good way to save some time in the morning, especially when you’re in a rush. But here’s the thing – it could be zapping your motivation for the day.

Breakfast kick-starts your metabolism and provides the energy you need to tackle your day. Without it, you might find yourself feeling sluggish and struggling to concentrate.

So, if you want to wake up motivated every morning, make sure you’re not skipping breakfast.

Opt for a balanced meal with proteins, carbs, and healthy fats. Not only will it keep you satiated for longer, but it will also help maintain your energy levels throughout the day.

Give it a try – your mornings might just become a whole lot brighter!

4) Drinking coffee first thing in the morning

Are you one of those people who can’t imagine starting their day without a cup of joe?

While it might seem like the perfect wake-up call, consuming coffee first thing in the morning might not be the best idea.

Surprisingly, our bodies naturally produce a hormone called cortisol, often referred to as the “stress hormone,” which helps us wake up and feel alert. The production of cortisol peaks between 8 and 9 AM.

By drinking coffee during this time, you’re not just wasting a perfectly good cup of coffee (since you’re already at your natural alertness peak), but you’re also teaching your body to produce less cortisol.

Consider delaying that first cup of coffee until mid-morning when your cortisol levels start to dip.

It might be a small change, but it could make a big difference to your energy and motivation levels throughout the day.

5) Overloading your to-do list

There’s something truly satisfying about crossing off tasks from a to-do list. But sometimes, in our eagerness to be productive, we end up overloading ourselves.

I’ve seen many friends and loved ones fall into this trap. They start their day with a long list of tasks, only to end up feeling overwhelmed and demotivated.

The truth is, motivation thrives on success. When we set ourselves up with too many tasks and fail to complete them all, it can lead to feelings of failure and demotivation.

Start with a couple of key tasks you want to achieve each day. As you tick these off, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment that can propel you forward and keep your motivation levels high.

6) Neglecting physical activity

We’ve all heard about the benefits of regular physical activity. It’s great for our health, mood, and overall well-being.

But did you know that it can also impact how motivated you feel in the morning?

Regular exercise boosts endorphin levels, often referred to as ‘feel-good’ hormones, which can help you wake up feeling more energized and motivated.

Now, I’m not saying you need to start running marathons or lifting heavy weights. Even small amounts of physical activity can make a difference.

Consider incorporating some form of exercise into your daily routine. Maybe it’s a brisk walk in the morning, a quick yoga session, or even a dance-off to your favorite song. Whatever gets your body moving is good enough!

7) Ignoring self-care

In our busy lives, it’s all too easy to put self-care at the bottom of our priority list.

But if you want to wake up motivated every morning, it’s time to change that mindset.

Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. It’s about taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. When we neglect self-care, we’re more likely to feel stressed, anxious, and unmotivated.

Make sure you’re taking some time out for yourself each day. It could be as simple as reading a book, taking a relaxing bath, or indulging in your favorite hobby.

By taking care of yourself, you’re sending a positive message to your subconscious mind that you matter. This can lead to a boost in self-esteem and motivation.

8) Staying hydrated

Drinking enough water is something many of us often overlook. But did you know that even mild dehydration can cause feelings of fatigue, reduce cognitive function, and lower mood levels?

Start your day with a glass of water before you reach for that morning coffee. It can help kickstart your metabolism and give you a fresh, energized start to the day.

Additionally, try to keep a water bottle handy throughout the day to ensure regular hydration. It’s a simple habit, but one that can make a significant difference to your motivation levels each morning.

9) Consuming negative news

I used to start my day by scrolling through the news on my phone.

While it’s important to stay informed, I started noticing that the negative headlines were affecting my mood and motivation levels.

That’s why I made a conscious decision to change my morning routine. Instead of diving straight into the news, I now start my day with something positive, like reading an uplifting book or listening to an inspiring podcast.

This small change has made a significant difference in how I start my day, setting a more positive and motivated tone for the rest of the day.

10) Lack of a morning routine

If there’s one thing you take away from this, let it be the importance of a solid morning routine. A consistent routine can set the tone for your entire day, influencing your mood, productivity, and motivation.

A morning routine doesn’t have to be complicated. It could be as simple as waking up at the same time each day, enjoying a healthy breakfast, and taking a few moments for mindfulness or gratitude.

Having this structured start to the day can provide a sense of control and predictability, setting you up for a successful and motivated day!