By Kelsey Woods

Rise and Shine: The Benefits of a Morning Routine

How you start your morning sets the tone for your entire day. A well-structured morning routine can boost productivity, enhance mental clarity, and improve your overall well-being. Whether you’re an early riser or someone who struggles to get out of bed, creating a routine that works for you can be a game-changer.

Why a Morning Routine Matters

Mornings are often the only time of day you have complete control over. Establishing a consistent routine helps you start each day intentionally, rather than rushing to react to external demands. This sense of control can reduce stress, increase focus, and set you up for success.

The Key Benefits of a Morning Routine

Improved Mental Health
Starting the day with activities like meditation, journaling, or gratitude practice can lower stress levels and foster a positive mindset. By taking time for yourself in the morning, you can build emotional resilience that carries you through challenges later in the day.
Increased Productivity
A routine helps you prioritise tasks and set clear intentions. Morning planning sessions or to-do lists ensure you focus on what’s most important, rather than feeling overwhelmed by the day ahead.
Boosted Energy Levels
Simple activities like stretching, yoga, or a brisk walk can wake up your body and improve circulation. Pairing movement with a nourishing breakfast energizes you physically and mentally.
Enhanced Focus and Clarity
Engaging in mindfulness or reading something inspiring first thing in the morning helps declutter your mind and sharpen your focus. This clarity can improve your decision-making and creativity throughout the day.
Better Sleep Patterns
A consistent morning routine signals to your body when it’s time to wake up, which regulates your internal clock. Over time, this can improve the quality of your sleep and help you feel more refreshed.

How to Create Your Morning Routine

Start Small
You don’t need a two-hour routine to see benefits. Start with one or two habits, such as drinking a glass of water or writing down three goals for the day.
Prioritise Activities You Enjoy
Choose activities that motivate and energize you. Whether it’s reading, meditating, exercising, or savoring a cup of coffee, make it something you look forward to.
Be Consistent
Consistency is key. Try to wake up at the same time each day—even on weekends—to establish a reliable rhythm.
Avoid Technology at First
Resist the urge to check your phone or email right away. Instead, focus on grounding activities that help you ease into the day.
Adjust as Needed
Life changes, and so should your routine. Periodically reassess what’s working and make adjustments to keep your mornings aligned with your goals.

The “One Hour Rule”

The "One Hour Rule" is a simple strategy to combat the inertia of tough mornings caused by mental illness. It involves committing to getting out of bed within one hour of waking up—no matter how difficult it feels. The rule is flexible: if after trying you still need to return to bed, that's okay. However, the act of trying often creates a domino effect—getting up might lead to taking a shower, making breakfast, or even leaving the house.

This method emphasises the power of small steps, encouraging you to give the day a chance, even if all you manage is moving from the bed to the floor. Every effort, no matter how small, is an act of resilience. It’s a reminder that trying, even imperfectly, is enough.

Routine in Practice

Ceramic artist Vipoo Srivalasa knows how important it is to set up his day for success. Vipoo works from 7:30am - 3:30pm building and sculpting porcelain vessels in his studio. Here are some things Vipoo does that help support his morning routine:

Each day starts at 8:30am when Vipoo meditates for 30 minutes before entering his studio at 9am. This allows Vipoo to step away from his screens and thoughts allowing him focus on grounding through simple meditative exercises.
Once in his studio, Vipoo makes himself a cup of green tea and settles himself into his space consolidating what work needs to be done for the day. Enjoying something like a cup of tea invigorates the mind to feel motivated and creative and creates a neural pathway between action and space.

By consistently showing up for himself through a morning routine, Vipoo has achieved a monumental level of success within his practice while positively engaging with his own business, marriage, social life and travels.

Vipoo Srivilasa in his studio with his porcelain collection Happy Australia 2023 (https://www.vipoo.com/projects/happy-australian)

Final Thoughts

A morning routine isn’t about perfection—it’s about starting your day with intention. Even a few small changes can lead to significant improvements in your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Give it a try, and see how a mindful start can transform your day!

Do you have a morning routine? Share your favorite habits in the comments below!

Rise and Shine: The Benefits of a Morning Routine