According to traditional yoga teachings, the morning is the perfect time to practice meditation, mindfulness exercises, and asanas. This is because our minds are still calm in the morning and not burdened with the thoughts of the day. Yoga and meditation can therefore be part of a balanced morning routine that allows you to start the day feeling refreshed and in a good mood.

But what exactly does such a routine look like, what effect does it actually have, and is a morning routine really right for everyone? You'll find out the answers to these questions and more in our blog article.

The perfect morning routine – Start the day productively

You wake up, hit the snooze button five times, and then drag yourself out of bed in a bad mood and with a nagging sense of guilt. Sound familiar? Many people struggle to get out of bed in the morning and start their day slowly, disorganized, and unproductively.

A healthy morning routine aims to change exactly that by making small rituals that suit you a habit, thus enabling you to start the day successfully. But what do you need to consider, and how do you find a routine that works for you? Here are five points you should keep in mind to ensure your routine is a success.

1. Planning

The first and one of the most important steps is a certain degree of planning. If you have to decide anew each morning what to have for breakfast, what to wear, and which item on your to-do list to tackle first, your brain uses valuable energy for this. You also waste time on these thought processes. According to social psychologist Ron Friedman, we have about three truly focused hours each morning . If you make all these decisions the day before, you'll have those hours and your energy available for more productive tasks.

2. Time for yourself

Your morning routine shouldn't just make you more productive, it should also be enjoyable. The expression "getting out of bed on the wrong side" exists for a reason; if we wake up in a bad mood, we often carry that mood with us throughout the day. Take some time in the morning just for yourself, time to attend to your needs. This way, you'll start the day in a good mood and be much more likely to stay that way.

Have you been wanting to listen to more music or read an exciting book for a while now? Perhaps your morning routine is the perfect moment to revive such activities. Maybe there's a podcast you've been wanting to listen to for some time, or you'd like to cuddle with your cat or play with your dog for a few minutes. Discover what the little joys in your life are and consciously treat yourself to them in the morning.

3. Exercise, sport and meditation

A fresh body and mind can help you start the day full of energy. Perhaps you enjoy jogging and can motivate yourself for a morning run. This will get your circulation going and the fresh morning air will wake you up.

If jogging isn't your thing, or you prefer a more relaxed start to your morning, you can establish a morning yoga routine . With a few simple asanas, you can stretch your muscles after waking up and prepare your body for the day. A morning yoga routine can be especially beneficial if you spend a lot of time at the computer during the day. Yoga exercises can sustainably improve your posture and counteract the hours you spend hunched over your desk. A few backbends like Cobra, Wild Thing, or Camel can work wonders.

If you're a real grouch in the morning and can barely drag yourself from bed to the coffee machine, you don't have to force yourself to exercise. We're all different, and you have to find what works for you. If you prefer to exercise in the evening, you could perhaps dedicate some calming breathing or mindfulness exercises to yourself in the morning . There are many different pranayama exercises that have a positive effect on our nervous system, and meditation can help you spend a few mindful moments with yourself, even in the early hours.

4. Plenty of water and a healthy breakfast

Besides exercise and mindfulness, you should also pay attention to your diet in the morning. Do you sometimes just grab a quick croissant on your way to work? Perhaps you could try incorporating a healthy and leisurely breakfast into your routine. A bowl of muesli, porridge, fresh fruit, or delicious smoothies will provide you with valuable vitamins and nutrients for the day ahead.

If you can't manage to eat anything in the morning, you can make yourself comfortable with a cup of coffee or tea. Take the opportunity to spend time with yourself and enjoy the early hours. Perhaps also get into the habit of drinking a glass of water before your cup of tea or breakfast. Our bodies use up a lot of fluid overnight for various regeneration processes, so you should replenish your reserves as early as possible.

5. Be consistent, but remain realistic

The most important thing about your morning routine is, of course, repetition. Good intentions that you keep one day but have already forgotten the day after aren't very helpful. Try to get used to your new rituals and actually perform them every day. Of course, you can set your own rules for the weekend, for example, if you want to sleep in or have a leisurely brunch with friends. However, don't try to throw all your good intentions overboard on the weekend; instead, consciously decide what you want to do differently.

If your routine doesn't work out perfectly one day, don't be too hard on yourself. Remember: your personal morning routine is just for you, and you don't owe anyone anything. Don't give up, and try again tomorrow! Also, keep in mind that it's easier to stick to a routine if it's realistic and doesn't demand too much of you all at once.

The early bird catches the worm?

Do you think a successful morning routine is only for early birds? There are so many sayings that suggest you've already lost if you're a late sleeper. But we've known for a long time now that night owls aren't lazier than larks, they're simply genetically predisposed to different rhythms. Some people jump out of bed in a good mood at 6 a.m., while others still struggle to get up at 9 or 10. If you're a night owl, that doesn't mean you can't create your own morning routine. You certainly don't have to go for a run at 6 a.m.

Adapt your routine to yourself and your rhythm, and don't try to compare yourself too much to other people, because genetics have its own ideas. Who knows, maybe your morning routine will help you get up a little earlier, if that's what you want. In any case, make sure you get enough sleep and don't sacrifice it for an overly ambitious routine. Healthy adults need about 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night.

With the right amount of sleep and a routine that suits you, you'll be able to work with focus, be productive, and start the day in a good mood. Whether it's jogging, yoga, or meditation, a few moments just for yourself can help you feel more balanced and less stressed, allowing you to enjoy the morning hours.