Morning Bad Habits to Stop for a Better Start
To be honest, I used to struggle with mornings. The alarm would ring, and instead of feeling ready to start the day, I’d feel overwhelmed. It was a cycle of bad habits that only set the tone for a stressful day.
But as I made small changes, I realized how much control I could have over my mornings, and in turn, my entire day. Are you tired of waking up feeling drained or rushed?
This list of bad habits to stop in the morning could help you start your day with more energy and focus. Let’s talk about the habits that you can break to reclaim your mornings.
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1. Hitting the Snooze Button
One of the worst things I used to do was hit the snooze button over and over again. It felt like a little good at first, but in the real sense, I was only making it harder to get up.
Instead of hitting snooze, I started using this sunrise alarm clock that gently wakes me up. It’s been a game-changer.
Those extra 10 minutes of sleep didn’t help, it left me feeling more tired and lazy. I know it seems like a quick fix, but skipping this habit sets you up for a more energized start to your day.
2. Bad Habits to Avoid: Checking Your Phone Right Away
Lemme tell you, I used to grab my phone the second I woke up, scrolling through notifications, messages, and emails. Checking if my crush had texted me, I am kidding.
It wasn’t long before I felt overwhelmed, even before leaving my bed. Now, I give myself time to wake up properly before jumping into the drama of the online world. It’s amazing how much more centered I feel.
3. Skipping Breakfast
For the longest time, I thought skipping breakfast would help me save time and lose weight, too. But I learned the hard way that it’s a terrible idea.
Without breakfast, I felt lazy and irritable by mid-morning. Taking the time for a healthy breakfast really sets the tone for the day, and I feel more alert and focused throughout.
I love starting my day with a smoothie using this blender; it’s quick, easy, and keeps me full till lunch.
4. Bad Habits in the Morning: Rushing Out the Door
I’ve been guilty of rushing out the door in a panic, thinking I could somehow speed up time. But rushing never helps; it just leaves me stressed.
Now, I give myself enough time in the morning to go at a slower pace. It’s made such a difference in my mood and productivity.
Want to see what a calm, productive morning can look like? Here’s my 5 AM morning routine.
5. Neglecting Hydration
I didn’t always think about hydration first thing in the morning. But once I started drinking a glass of water right after waking up, I felt so much better.
It’s an easy habit that helps with everything from focus to skin health. My mornings feel clearer and more refreshing now.
I always keep this cute water bottle near me, it reminds me to hydrate, and it looks pretty on my desk too.
6. Not Making Your Bed
This one might seem small, but I’ve found that making my bed right after getting up puts me in the right mindset for the day. It’s a small accomplishment, but it helps me feel more in control and organized.
It’s like permitting myself to have a peaceful and productive day.
7. Not Setting Intentions for the Day
I used to just jump into whatever came my way without a clear plan. It felt like my day was always getting away from me.
Now, I set intentions in the morning. I take a moment to think about what I want to achieve and how I want to feel. It’s made my day much more focused and fulfilling. And helps to get things done easily.
8. Overloading Your Schedule
I would always schedule every minute of my morning, thinking I could fit in as much as possible. But I soon realized that overloading myself just made me feel anxious and unproductive.
Now, I focus on what really matters and leave some breathing room. It’s been a game-changer, coz at the end of the day, you can’t accomplish everything at once.
9. Neglecting Exercise
Mornings are tough, but not getting some movement in makes the day harder. I used to skip exercise to save time, but once I made it a priority, I noticed a huge difference.
A quick 10-minute stretch on my non-slip yoga mat gets my blood flowing every morning..
10. Drinking Caffeine Too Early
I had this habit of taking coffee as soon as I woke up, thinking it would give me a boost.
But I learned that coffee on an empty stomach can be harsh on your body and make you crash later. Now, I wait until after breakfast, and I feel more stable and energized throughout the day.
11. Focusing on Negative Thoughts
I would often wake up and start thinking about everything I needed to do or what was stressing me out. But I soon realized that this just sets a negative tone.
Now, I make it a habit to focus on something positive first, even if it’s just something small.
12. Procrastinating on Getting Ready
There was a time when I would delay getting dressed or ready for the day, thinking I had all the time in the world. I would even start watching TV in the morning.
But I realized that procrastinating only leads to stress and rushing later. Now, I get ready first thing, and it helps me start the day with confidence.
13. Overloading on Technology
The first thing I would do is to grab my phone and use it to scroll through social media in the morning, but it was always a distraction.
Now, I limit my tech use until after I’ve had some time to wake up and set my day. It’s helped me feel more present and less distracted.
14. Ignoring Your Mental Health
I didn’t always take the time to check in with my mental health, but now I do.
I’ve found that starting the day with a few moments of mindfulness or affirmations makes a huge difference.
It’s a small change that’s had a big impact on my overall well-being.
15. Bad Habits to Break: Forgetting to Show Gratitude
I used to just rush through my mornings without stopping to appreciate the good things around me. Taking a moment to be grateful has changed how I approach my day.
It’s a small but powerful habit that helps me feel grounded.
Not sure where to start? Try using these gratitude journal prompts to guide you.
Conclusion:
Breaking old habits isn’t easy, especially when it comes to the start of the day. But trust me, even small changes can make a big difference.
By replacing the bad habits I shared with healthier ones, I’ve found that I can face each morning with a clearer mind, more energy, and a sense of calm.
You don’t need to change your entire routine, just start with one or two changes and see how it feels.
Over time, those small shifts will create a new morning rhythm that sets you up for success. The best part? You’ll start your days feeling like you’re in control, and that’s a powerful feeling.
