7 Morning Rituals to Keep You Motivated Over Winter
Learn to love early winter starts with some simple daily habits that will put a spring in your step
Samantha van Egmond
30 June 2016
Houzz Australia Contributor. Freelance writer specialising in sustainable, natural and ethical living.
Houzz Australia Contributor. Freelance writer specialising in sustainable, natural... More
There are lots of things to love about winter, but getting out of bed on cold mornings isn’t one of them. Instead of pulling the doona over your head when the alarm goes off, try these seven easy ideas to kick off your day on a positive note – you may even look forward to waking up!
1. Set your alarm to go off earlier
Earlier? Are you mad? Possibly, but consider this: you set your alarm for 5am instead of 6, and suddenly you have a whole extra hour to play with before easing yourself into the morning rush. I know what I’d be doing with the extra hour – getting myself a coffee and hopping straight back into a warm bed with my laptop to get a headstart on the day. What could you get done if you had an extra hour every morning?
Earlier? Are you mad? Possibly, but consider this: you set your alarm for 5am instead of 6, and suddenly you have a whole extra hour to play with before easing yourself into the morning rush. I know what I’d be doing with the extra hour – getting myself a coffee and hopping straight back into a warm bed with my laptop to get a headstart on the day. What could you get done if you had an extra hour every morning?
2. Make the bed
If you’ve ever heard the saying, “The state of your bed is the state of your head”, it may make you think twice about leaving your room a dishevelled mess in the morning. Research has linked making the bed daily with higher productivity and a boost in happiness. Such a simple thing, but why not do it when the pay-offs are as good as these?
Why make your bed every day?
If you’ve ever heard the saying, “The state of your bed is the state of your head”, it may make you think twice about leaving your room a dishevelled mess in the morning. Research has linked making the bed daily with higher productivity and a boost in happiness. Such a simple thing, but why not do it when the pay-offs are as good as these?
Why make your bed every day?
3. Start your day off right
As far as small daily habits with big health benefits go, this little gem is high on the list. Not only is lemon packed with vitamin C and potassium, giving the immune system an immunity boost throughout winter, it also aids digestion and helps flush toxins out of the body. Start your day with a zing by squeezing a slice into a glass of warm water and sipping it down before breakfast … or that morning coffee you’re looking forward to before going back to bed.
As far as small daily habits with big health benefits go, this little gem is high on the list. Not only is lemon packed with vitamin C and potassium, giving the immune system an immunity boost throughout winter, it also aids digestion and helps flush toxins out of the body. Start your day with a zing by squeezing a slice into a glass of warm water and sipping it down before breakfast … or that morning coffee you’re looking forward to before going back to bed.
4. Move your body
If a morning workout isn’t your thing, don’t fear – there is plenty to be gained by simply allowing yourself 15 minutes each morning for stretching or yoga. Some gentle movement wakes the muscles, raises the body’s core temperature and helps you limber up for the day ahead. It also relieves tension and releases mood-boosting hormones.
TIP: If you do want to keep your fitness up over winter, add some morning motivation by placing your workout gear and gym shoes beside your bed. The more automatic you can make your morning rituals, the easier they will be to sustain.
If a morning workout isn’t your thing, don’t fear – there is plenty to be gained by simply allowing yourself 15 minutes each morning for stretching or yoga. Some gentle movement wakes the muscles, raises the body’s core temperature and helps you limber up for the day ahead. It also relieves tension and releases mood-boosting hormones.
TIP: If you do want to keep your fitness up over winter, add some morning motivation by placing your workout gear and gym shoes beside your bed. The more automatic you can make your morning rituals, the easier they will be to sustain.
5. Write a list
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you have a thousand tasks to complete during the day ahead. Writing down your priorities offers an immediate sense of focus and allows you to organise your time better, making sure nothing is forgotten and that energy is directed on what’s important. Keep a notebook and pen next to your bed and write down anything that comes to mind before you nod off (and during the night if need be) so you can stop worrying and sleep soundly.
TIP: It’s easy to get stuck in the habit of focusing on your to-do list, but don’t forget about your gratitude list. You don’t necessarily need to write it down (although you can, if it helps), but it will pay to give thanks for all the great things in your life as a morning ritual. As well as giving you perspective on worries that might be weighing you down, you might find yourself showing your loved ones you care a little more than you otherwise would the next time you see them.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you have a thousand tasks to complete during the day ahead. Writing down your priorities offers an immediate sense of focus and allows you to organise your time better, making sure nothing is forgotten and that energy is directed on what’s important. Keep a notebook and pen next to your bed and write down anything that comes to mind before you nod off (and during the night if need be) so you can stop worrying and sleep soundly.
TIP: It’s easy to get stuck in the habit of focusing on your to-do list, but don’t forget about your gratitude list. You don’t necessarily need to write it down (although you can, if it helps), but it will pay to give thanks for all the great things in your life as a morning ritual. As well as giving you perspective on worries that might be weighing you down, you might find yourself showing your loved ones you care a little more than you otherwise would the next time you see them.
6. Listen to uplifting music
Music can have a profound effect on mood, from reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality to enhancing physical performance at the gym and boosting cognitive ability. Pick your favourite morning tunes and make a playlist to turn on after the alarm goes off – it could be gentle acoustic or energetic pop, whatever makes you want to get up and get going.
Music can have a profound effect on mood, from reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality to enhancing physical performance at the gym and boosting cognitive ability. Pick your favourite morning tunes and make a playlist to turn on after the alarm goes off – it could be gentle acoustic or energetic pop, whatever makes you want to get up and get going.
7. Knock your chores over early
Coming home on a cold winter’s evening to find a warm dinner waiting for you is one of life’s great pleasures. If you can’t convince your other half to take on the role, break out that slow cooker – or buy one secondhand – and put dinner on before you head out the door. It only takes a few minutes, and the smell alone will be well worth it when you arrive home that night. Getting dinner made early removes the temptation of ordering take-out or reaching for the biscuit tin in place of dinner.
TIP: Why not knock over some other chores in the morning too? Put on a load of washing, mop the kitchen floor, pay that bill that’s been hanging over your head – work efficiently and the time these jobs add to your morning routine will be negligible. A little morning motivation could be just what you need to feel on top of things.
YOUR SAY
What do you do in the morning that makes you feel good all day long? Share your wisdom in the Comments.
MORE
Hello Sunshine! How to Start Your Day Off the Right Way
10 Steps Toward Anarchy-Free Mornings
Late Again? Eliminate the Things Holding You Up in the Morning
Coming home on a cold winter’s evening to find a warm dinner waiting for you is one of life’s great pleasures. If you can’t convince your other half to take on the role, break out that slow cooker – or buy one secondhand – and put dinner on before you head out the door. It only takes a few minutes, and the smell alone will be well worth it when you arrive home that night. Getting dinner made early removes the temptation of ordering take-out or reaching for the biscuit tin in place of dinner.
TIP: Why not knock over some other chores in the morning too? Put on a load of washing, mop the kitchen floor, pay that bill that’s been hanging over your head – work efficiently and the time these jobs add to your morning routine will be negligible. A little morning motivation could be just what you need to feel on top of things.
YOUR SAY
What do you do in the morning that makes you feel good all day long? Share your wisdom in the Comments.
MORE
Hello Sunshine! How to Start Your Day Off the Right Way
10 Steps Toward Anarchy-Free Mornings
Late Again? Eliminate the Things Holding You Up in the Morning
Related Stories
Healthy Home
Pro Panel: How to Design a Home That Boosts Wellbeing
Find out how science can help you create a home that’s good for your physical and mental health
Full Story
Lifestyle
6 Ways to Reduce Stress at Home With Biophilic Design
By Sara Pizzo
An easy guide to using biophilic design in your interior to regenerate the mind, reduce stress and boost your creativity
Full Story
Most Popular
How to Get a Good Night's Sleep (According to Science)
Sleep scientist Dr Carmel Harrington reveals exactly how to get enough rest for optimum health and productivity
Full Story
Most Popular
15 Things to Do on Lazy Sunday Afternoons at Home
Enjoyable and good for the soul, these lazy Sunday activities will see you finish the weekend with a smile on your face
Full Story
Most Popular
33 Fun Things to Do When It's Too Hot to Go Outside
When it's hot weather and you can't get to the beach... or even step outside, here's some fun stuff to do indoors!
Full Story
Christmas
Take the 'Argh!' Out of Christmas Gift-Giving
If you find yourself panicking about pressies over the festive season, try these easier but still rewarding traditions
Full Story
Most Popular
Screen Time: Stylish Ways to Keep the Mozzies Out This Season
From outdoor curtains and mosquito nets to retractable flyscreens on windows and doors, Houzz has you covered
Full Story
Most Popular
War on Waste: How to Keep Your Fridge Food Fresh
These 9 refrigerator rules will keep more of your food fresh and tasty – and out of the compost bin
Full Story
Sustainable Ideas
Living Through the Avolanche? 6 Avocado Recipes & Great Hacks
By Houzz AU
With the avocado glut lasting until the end of the year, we serve up some fab food ideas from 'The Food Saver’s A-Z'
Full Story
Most Popular
Cheatsheet: How to Do a Smart and Cheap Grocery Shop
In an extract from 'The $50 Weekly Shop: Weekday Dinners', Jody Allen shares her tips for outsmarting canny retailers
Full Story
Always have time in the morning for a cuppa, breakfast together and a hot shower. Everything else fits in (or not) around that. I also like to get to work 15 minutes before I 'have' to just to keep that relaxed momentum rolling :-)