How to improve your morning routine

Do you often find yourself feeling rushed in the morning? Poor preparation can contribute to a disorganised day and sustained stress over time, affecting physical and mental health. Try these simple changes to improve your morning routine so you go out each day on the right foot feeling positive, productive and peaceful.

Start with sleep hygiene

A good night's sleep is the secret to starting your day on the right foot. To build the best morning routine, first focus on your sleep hygiene. This refers to your bedtime behaviour and the environment in which you sleep.

Follow set sleep times as much as possible, both during the week and at the weekend. This will help to make quality rest more automatic, so you rise naturally feeling refreshed each day. Quality sleep is essential to effective overnight recovery, for your brain and the rest of your body.

What you do in the hours leading up to bedtime affects your sleep quality too. Adhere to the adage of no coffee after 3pm if you don't want caffeine to disturb your night. Minimise screen time in the evenings as these electronic devices emit a blue light that can upset the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. Finally, consciously calm the mind as you drift off.

In addition to adapting your pre-bed routine, upgrade your bedroom to improve your nightly rest. Keep the room between 15-19°C, a doctor-recommended temperature that helps humans fall asleep quicker and stay asleep longer. Cool shades on the walls will enhance this effect and make you feel calm, so choose blues, greens and light neutrals rather than stimulating oranges and reds.

Upgrade your bathroom accessories

The bathroom is equally important as the bedroom in your morning routine. Whether you prefer a power shower or a soak in the bath, you'll save time by upgrading your bathroom accessories so your washing and grooming process is as streamlined as possible.

Gone are the days when you must wait for a foggy mirror to clear before beginning your post-shower toilette. Invest in a demister model with built-in temperature control for a constant steam-free reflection. Go for a model framed in LED lights for even better visibility.

You can also get cabinets with handy hidden charging points for shavers and electric toothbrushes, so your essential devices are always ready to go. Utilising bathroom storage options as simple as shelves and caddies is a great way to keep your products ordered and close at hand but out of sight and mind.

Organise your outfits

Too much time can be wasted on deciding what to wear each morning. Organise your outfits ahead of time for effortless dressing, leaving you with more time for other activities in the morning.

Investigate Hammonds fitted wardrobes with clever storage options like pull-out shoe racks, rail and drawer combinations, and places to keep clean towels and bed linen. You can customise the design to align your bedroom organisation to your preferences. A pre-dresser space is especially useful in helping you plan and organise your outfits for different occasions.

Declutter your wardrobe regularly to make it even easier to compile outfits. Donate or recycle any old or outdated clothes depending on their condition and maintain a capsule wardrobe with complementary pieces you feel good in.

Prepare for the day

Set yourself up for success by preparing properly for the day. Items on your morning routine list should include some form of movement and nourishment, no matter how pressed you are for time.

Exercising in the morning means a boosted metabolism, greater productivity and improved mood. Outdoor exercise is best as the fresh air increases clarity and gives you the chance to soak in vitamin D. Go for a stroll, cycle to work or fit in a quick run. Bad weather? Practice yoga or do strength exercises to help improve focus for the day. Simple stretches in bed or at your desk are great if you're stuck for time.

Not everyone agrees that breakfast is the most important meal of the day but proper nourishment is essential to a healthy morning routine. Hydration should be your first port of call: adults are recommended to have around two litres of fluid a day, so get ahead of the game with a large glass of water and some juice. You might find a caffeinated drink an effective energiser too.

When it comes to the food for your morning routine, this varies from person to person. However, even if you don't have much appetite in the mornings, try to put something in your stomach. A nutrient-dense meal will help to sustain your energy levels throughout the day.

How Hammonds can help you improve your morning routine

Make every day as easy as one, two, three by taking steps to improve your morning routine. This will help you to rise rested, get ready quickly and go through the day feeling positive and productive.

Updating your bathroom and bedroom design will enable you to make effective changes, and that's where we come in. You can book a free design visit with our team to benefit from our expert eye and customise your home storage options to your lifestyle. Better organisation will go a long way towards streamlining your morning routine and helping you to start each day smiling.