If you want to be calmer and less stressed about life, say goodbye to these 8 morning habits

Avatar by Justin Brown | January 15, 2025, 10:18 am

We all strive for a sense of calm and tranquility in our lives. Yet, we often overlook the role our morning routines play in shaping our day and, by extension, our overall sense of well-being.

The first few hours after we wake can set the tone for the entire day. If they’re filled with negative or stress-inducing habits, it’s likely that those feelings will seep into the rest of our day.

The good news is that by identifying and letting go of these damaging morning habits, we can create a more serene and mindful start to our day.

This not only helps us to feel more relaxed but also empowers us to approach life’s challenges with a more resilient and optimistic mindset.

Here are eight morning habits you may need to say goodbye to if you want to cultivate a calmer, less stressed perspective on life.

1) Hitting the snooze button

It’s a common morning habit for many of us. The alarm rings, and we instinctively reach out to hit the snooze button, hoping for a few more precious minutes of sleep. It seems harmless, right?

In reality, this habit could be doing more harm than good. According to sleep scientists, those extra few minutes of sleep are fragmented and poor quality, leaving us feeling groggy and disoriented rather than refreshed.

Moreover, hitting the snooze button can set off a stressful start to your day. Instead of waking up with purpose and intention, you’re starting the day reacting to a source of annoyance – your alarm clock.

To cultivate a calmer morning routine, consider replacing the snooze habit with a practice that promotes mindfulness and presence, like meditating or journaling. This way, you’re starting your day with intentionality and setting a positive tone for the rest of your day.

Remember, every morning is an opportunity for a fresh start. By consciously deciding how you want to begin your day, you’re taking an important step towards living with less stress and more calm.

2) Skipping breakfast

Breakfast is often described as the most important meal of the day, yet it’s astonishing how many of us, in the rush of our morning routines, simply skip it.

I must admit, I’ve been guilty of this myself on more than one occasion. However, I’ve come to realize that neglecting breakfast not only leaves us feeling physically sluggish but can also impact our emotional wellbeing.

Our bodies need fuel to function optimally, and this includes our brains. Without a healthy morning meal, we’re effectively trying to start our day running on empty. This can lead to mood swings, lack of focus, and increased stress levels as the day advances.

Incorporating a nutritious breakfast into your morning routine can help you feel energized and centered, contributing to a sense of calm and readiness for the day ahead. It doesn’t have to be elaborate – even a piece of fruit or a smoothie can make a difference.

In the wise words of nutritional biochemist Shawn Stevenson, “Your first meal of the day can set the stage for your brain’s performance throughout your waking hours.” So why not give your brain the best start possible?

3) Starting your day with technology

Our phones and computers have become such an integral part of our lives that it’s tempting to reach for them first thing in the morning.

Whether it’s checking emails, scrolling through social media, or catching up on the news, this habit can flood our minds with information and external stimuli, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and stressed.

Starting the day with technology can also make us reactive rather than proactive. Instead of setting our own intentions and priorities for the day, we’re immediately responding to the demands and expectations of others.

Consider creating a morning routine that allows you some quiet, reflective time before engaging with technology. This might involve meditation, journaling, or simply enjoying a cup of tea in silence.

To understand more about how technology impacts our lives and how we can create a healthier relationship with it, I invite you to watch my video on ten popular new-age self-help trends that may be causing more harm than good.

YouTube video

In this video, I challenge some common beliefs about personal development and offer insights on finding a more balanced and authentic path towards self-improvement.

4) Neglecting physical activity

It’s no secret that physical activity is crucial for our overall health and well-being. Yet, in the rush of our morning routines, exercise is often the first thing to go.

This neglect can have significant consequences. Physical inactivity can lead to increased stress and anxiety levels, decreased energy, and a general sense of malaise. It can also negatively impact our self-image and self-esteem, breeding feelings of discontentment and inadequacy.

Engaging in some form of physical activity each morning, whether it’s a brisk walk, a yoga session, or a high-intensity workout, can help to reduce stress and boost mood. It also instills a sense of accomplishment that sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.

More than just a means to maintain physical fitness, exercise is a powerful tool for personal growth and empowerment. By taking control of our health and well-being, we’re not only improving our physical capabilities but also cultivating resilience, discipline, and self-respect.

Remember: True empowerment comes from taking full responsibility for our lives. This includes our physical health.

So let’s lace up those sneakers and embrace the day with energy and vibrancy!

5) Consuming negative news

In our hyper-connected world, we’re constantly bombarded with news and information. While it’s important to stay informed, starting the day by consuming negative or distressing news can set a pessimistic tone for the rest of the day.

Just as we’re mindful about what we eat for breakfast, we need to be conscious of the ‘mental diet’ we’re feeding ourselves each morning.

If we fill our minds with stories of conflict, disaster, and injustice first thing in the morning, it’s no wonder that we feel stressed and anxious.

Instead, consider seeking out positive news or inspirational content to start your day on a hopeful note. There’s plenty of good happening in the world too – it’s just not always as sensational or attention-grabbing.

Opting for a ‘mental breakfast’ that aligns with our deepest values allows us to adopt a more optimistic outlook and encourages us to contribute positively to the world around us.

Here’s a video where I delve into why chasing happiness can make you miserable, which aligns with this belief.

It emphasizes the importance of embracing life’s challenges instead of avoiding them and fostering meaningful relationships over pursuing fleeting moments of happiness.

YouTube video

Remember: We have the power to choose what we consume, both physically and mentally. Let’s use this power wisely.

6) Planning every minute of your day

While planning can be an effective tool in managing our time and tasks, over-scheduling our mornings can lead to increased stress and anxiety.

When every minute of our morning is accounted for, we’re constantly racing against the clock, leaving little room for relaxation or spontaneous moments of joy.

Moreover, a rigid schedule can make us feel like we’re living on autopilot, disconnected from our own desires and needs. This goes against the notion of personal freedom and authenticity that I deeply value.

Instead, consider adopting a flexible approach to planning your morning. Allow some unstructured time for activities that nourish your soul and spark your creativity – whether that’s reading a book, listening to your favorite music, or simply enjoying the quietness of the early morning.

By creating space for spontaneity and creativity in our mornings, we’re not only reducing stress but also fostering a deeper connection with ourselves and the world around us. This balance between structure and freedom can add a sense of calmness and joy to our morning routine.

7) Neglecting hydration

Staying hydrated is essential for our overall health, but it’s surprising how many of us overlook this simple habit, especially in the morning.

Our bodies, after a long night’s sleep, are often dehydrated when we wake up. Instead of hydrating, we often reach for a cup of coffee first thing in the morning, which can further dehydrate us.

Dehydration can lead to headaches, fatigue, mood swings, and even anxiety – all of which contribute to stress. On the other hand, starting your day with a glass of water can boost your energy levels, aid in digestion and detoxification, and even improve your skin health.

Drinking water first thing in the morning is also a simple act of self-care that sends a positive message to your body and mind. It’s a small but powerful way to show yourself some love and respect.

Remember: taking care of our physical health is an essential aspect of personal freedom and empowerment. By prioritizing hydration in our morning routine, we’re taking one more step towards living a healthy and balanced life.

8) Avoiding sunlight

In our modern lives, many of us spend the majority of our time indoors, away from natural light. This is particularly true in the mornings when we’re often busy getting ready for work or school inside our homes or apartments.

Sunlight plays a crucial role in regulating our circadian rhythm – our body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Exposure to morning sunlight can help to wake up our bodies and minds, enhance mood, and even reduce stress.

If possible, consider spending some time outside each morning. Even a short walk or a few minutes sipping your coffee on the balcony can make a difference. If outdoor time isn’t feasible, try opening your curtains to let in as much natural light as possible.

Embracing sunlight is not just about improving our physical health; it’s also about cultivating a deeper connection with nature and the world around us. This connection is a profound source of joy and tranquility, helping us to live with more authenticity and freedom.

By saying goodbye to these eight morning habits, we’re not just reducing stress and promoting calmness. We’re also taking concrete steps towards living a more authentic, empowered, and fulfilling life – one morning at a time.

The harmony of calm mornings

The rituals and habits we choose to incorporate into our mornings can have a profound impact on our overall sense of well-being. Our morning habits set the tone for the rest of our day, shaping our mood, energy levels, and mindset.

While each of us is unique, with different preferences and needs, the common thread that ties us all is the innate desire for peace and tranquility in our lives.

Saying goodbye to these eight morning habits can be a transformative step towards cultivating a sense of calm and reducing stress in our daily lives.

When we replace reactive habits with intentional practices, we’re not just improving our mornings – we’re fundamentally transforming the way we engage with the world.

From hydrating our bodies to nurturing our connection with nature, these small changes can have profound ripple effects, enhancing our sense of personal freedom and authenticity.

In essence, cultivating a calm and mindful morning routine is about more than just reducing stress. It’s about embracing an empowering narrative of self-care, personal growth, and authentic living. It’s an affirmation that we are not passive recipients of life’s external circumstances but active participants shaping our own reality.

As we embark on this journey towards more peaceful mornings, let’s remember: each new day is an opportunity for growth, learning, and positive change. It’s a fresh canvas waiting for us to paint our day with the colors of calmness and tranquility.