12 Things You Need To Stop Doing In The Morning

Is your morning routine leaving you feeling groggy and unproductive? The problem likely stems from common habits setting your day on the wrong foot.

I used to snooze endlessly, scroll social media, and rush out the door frenzied every morning. I couldn’t understand why I struggled to focus and accomplish tasks.

The morning sets the tone for your whole day – make yours a positive one! Here are 12 things you should stop doing in the morning:

1. Hitting Snooze

We all love extra pillow time. But repeatedly hitting snooze disrupts your natural sleep cycle:

• Interrupts REM rhythm
• Signals dawn/dusk confusion
• Causes stress hormone release

You don’t enter deep sleep again and wake up more exhausted. That groggy feeling hangs over you like a cloud, impacting concentration and performance.

Set your alarm across the room so you get up right away motivated and eager to start the day instead of frustrated from disjointed sleep.

2. Checking Email First Thing

I used to grab my phone immediately and obsessively refresh my inbox all morning. I quickly felt overwhelmed and anxious before even getting out of bed!

Prioritize yourself first before tackling external priorities. Focus on important personal tasks like breakfast, exercise, quiet time instead.

Email can wait – if something truly urgent arises people will call or text. You’ll be better equipped to handle a busy inbox after nourishing yourself properly and setting a positive trajectory for the day.

3. Staring At Your Phone

Blue light from screens tricks your body into feeling awake and suppresses natural melatonin production. Using devices first thing keeps your brain stimulated and inhibits a tranquil environment to ease into the day.

Try reading an uplifting book or meditate instead to naturally align circadian rhythms without overstimulation.

4. Skipping Breakfast

I often ran late and dashed out the door with just coffee to make morning meetings on time. My mood and effectiveness inevitably nosedived mid-morning without sufficient fuel.

Eating breakfast maintains healthy blood sugar levels which are essential for:

• Metabolic function
• Muscle movement
• Brain activity and focus

Make time for a nourishing morning meal to set the tone for sustained energy all day.

5. Checking Social Media Immediately

Mindlessly scanning Instagram or Facebook first thing can spur negative thought loops:

• Comparing “perfect” images of others that ignite your insecurities
• Imposter syndrome from curated career highlights that undermine your own worth

Redirect that focus inward on your own growth and preparation for the day instead through meditation, affirmations, or quiet reflection.

6. Staying In Bed Too Long

Lingering under the warm covers seems appealing. But lounging too long makes it harder to get up and makes you sluggish by keeping your internal clock unsure if it’s time to sleep or rise.

Get a burst of momentum going by throwing back the sheets right away when your alarm goes off. Your body adapts easier if you stick to consistent wake-up times including weekends.

7. Hitting Snooze

See #1. I know it’s tempting but just don’t do it!

8. Checking Work Slack

Work questions first thing spike stress hormones and distraction before you’re ready. Set a boundary by silencing notifications until after your morning routine when your mindset is focused.

9. Answering Non-Urgent Texts

Triage your messages after you eat and get ready. ONLY respond to truly urgent texts pre-breakfast since quick replies often chain into longer conversations that can derail your routine.

10. Drinking Too Much Coffee

We all need a little caffeine boost but guzzling multiple extra-large coffees amps up jittery nerves. Measure your intake – I limit myself to one small cup which provides just enough to energize without the crash later.

11. Skipping Skin Care Regimen

That extra 5 minutes of sleep seems more precious but skipping proper cleansing clogs pores and can lead to breakouts. Get into the habit of washing your face thoroughly AM and PM to let your skin renew overnight.

12. Checking News Immediately

Being bombarded by sensational headlines first thing raises cortisol levels and negatively influences your mindset. Process important events after you feel centered.

By modifying these 12 common habits, your mornings transform into an uplifting oasis that nourishes you from the inside out so you beam instead of scream when the alarm blares!

Better Ways To Start The Day

• Stretch immediately to energize
• Drink water to hydrate
• Write a gratitude list to ground your mindset
• Eat an energizing nutritious breakfast
• Meditate for mental clarity
• Enjoy some quiet personal time before external stimulation

The morning sets the tone for your whole day. Make simple tweaks so you start off each AM feeling refreshed, inspired and ready to thrive!