Have you ever paused and thought about the way you live your life? The things you do throughout the day and the little things that bring you joy, that make your more efficient and help you have a better day?

One of the most important part of your day is your morning. Generally, mornings set the tone for the entire day and so it is important to have a morning routine and a set of morning rituals.

What is a morning ritual

A morning ritual is a set of actions or activities that an individual performs upon waking up to start their day on a positive note. It is a way to establish a routine and set the tone for the rest of the day. Morning rituals can vary widely depending on the person, but they typically involve activities such as meditation, exercise, journaling, reading, or simply taking a few moments to reflect on one’s intentions for the day. The goal of a morning ritual is to create a sense of calm and focus that can help you approach the challenges of the day with a clear and positive mindset.

The difference between morning ritual and morning routine

A morning ritual and a morning routine are similar in that they both involve a series of actions or activities that one performs each morning, but there are some key differences between the two.

A morning routine is a set of habitual actions or tasks that one does every morning to get ready for the day ahead. This can include things like brushing teeth, taking a shower, getting dressed, making breakfast, and commuting to work or school. A morning routine is typically focused on completing necessary tasks in a timely and efficient manner, and it can be quite structured and repetitive.

On the other hand, a morning ritual is more focused on intentional actions that set a positive tone for the day. While a morning ritual may include some elements of a morning routine, such as getting dressed and eating breakfast, it is more about creating a mindful and intentional start to the day. A morning ritual can include activities like meditation, journaling, gratitude practice, or visualization, and it may be less structured and more flexible than a morning routine.

In summary, while a morning routine is focused on completing necessary tasks, a morning ritual is more focused on intentional actions that promote a positive mindset and set the tone for the day ahead.

A List of morning rituals for better mental and physical health

1. Stretching: Spend a few minutes doing some gentle stretching exercises to loosen up your muscles and increase flexibility.
2. Mindfulness practice: Practice mindfulness by focusing your attention on the present moment and noticing your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment.
3. Drinking water: Start your day by drinking a glass of water to hydrate your body and boost your metabolism.
4. Healthy breakfast: Eat a nutritious breakfast with a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to fuel your body for the day.
5. Gratitude practice: Take a few moments to reflect on what you are grateful for in your life, which can help boost your mood and reduce stress.
6. Breathing exercises: Practice deep breathing exercises to calm your mind and reduce anxiety.
7. Exercise: Engage in some form of physical activity, such as yoga, running, or strength training, to improve your physical health and boost your mood.
8. Reading or learning: Spend some time reading or learning something new, which can help stimulate your mind and improve your cognitive function.
9. Journaling: Write down your thoughts, feelings, and goals for the day, which can help improve your mental clarity and emotional well-being.
10. Affirmations: Repeat positive affirmations to yourself, which can help improve your self-esteem and confidence.

A list of weekly morning rituals to start your week off on a positive note

1. Weekly planning: Take some time to plan your schedule and to-do list for the week ahead, which can help you feel more organised and focused.
2. Reflection: Reflect on your past week, including your successes, challenges, and areas for improvement, and use this information to set intentions for the week ahead.
3. Self-care: Spend some extra time on self-care activities, such as taking a relaxing bath, doing a face mask, or practising restorative yoga.
4. Creative expression: Engage in a creative activity, such as painting, writing, or playing music, to stimulate your creativity and boost your mood.
5. Gratitude practice: Spend some time reflecting on what you are grateful for in your life and write down a list of things you appreciate.
6. Digital detox: Take a break from technology and spend some time in nature or engaging in other offline activities.
7. Social connection: Reach out to a friend or loved one and schedule a coffee date, phone call, or virtual hangout to connect and catch up.
8. Mindful eating: Take some extra time to prepare a healthy, nourishing meal and savour each bite mindfully.
9. Sleep hygiene: Evaluate your sleep habits and make any necessary adjustments to improve the quality and duration of your sleep.
10. Learning: Spend some time learning something new, such as a new skill or hobby, to stimulate your mind and expand your knowledge base.

My personal morning rituals

What does my first hour of day look like?

I am not a very early riser. I generally wake up at 8 and sleep at around 12. Though I have tried a lot of different wake up and sleep timings I have come to a conclusion that this suits me the best for the moment. I may start getting up earlier and sleeping a bit earlier at some point but for now, I am fine.

I do a short 5 minute lymphatic drainage massage after I’ve brushed my teeth.

This is followed by cleaning my face and applying moisturiser and sunscreen.

After this I eat a spoon full of chyawanprash and walk + read a little on my kindle.

Then I have my morning tea while listening to some songs. Here’s how my playlists are divided:

Monday: Bollywood/ cokestudio
Tuesday: English songs
Wednesday: Punjabi hits
Thursday: Rhymes/ cartoons
Friday: Kpop
Saturday and sunday are a little different.

Once I am done with my tea I read a little more.

And that’s my morning ✨

What are your morning rituals and what does the first hour of your day look like?

Want to track your morning rituals? Here is a printable checklist for you: