These morning rituals could help get your day off to a good start

By Fran Tuckey via 72Point

Millions of people swear their morning rituals get their day off to a good start, including meditation, exercise and writing down goals.

A poll of 2,000 UK adults found brushing their teeth, having a shower, cooking breakfast and making the bed are some of the things they would be least likely to skip as part of their morning routine.

Thirty-two percent hate oversleeping because if they don’t get time for their morning rituals, respondents end up feeling rushed (31 percent), frustrated (26 percent) and annoyed (23 percent).

Forty-three percent said having a routine helps the rest of their day go well, and 38 percent claim it helps them focus.

And 34 percent, of those polled by Holiday Inn Express, feel out of sync if they don’t get through their usual rituals.

Mary Earps, England and Manchester United goalkeeper, who is working with the hotel chain, said: “Coming through the ranks in women’s football, routines have been crucial to how I prepare for training and matches.

“To set me up for the day I get up, get dressed and have a coffee before I head to the training ground.

“When I get there, I’ll have my breakfast which enables me to be energized for training and kick start my day brightly.

“We’re creatures of habit, and those little things we do each morning set us up for success.”

It also emerged that 22 percent of those polled admit to waking up no later than 6 am so they can get all their morning rituals done before starting work, which takes 53 minutes on average.

And 34 percent believe they can accomplish more in the day if their morning routine is done right.

More than half (53 percent) also try and stick to their morning routine even if they’re away from home like staying in a hotel or friend’s house.

Of those who took part in the survey, via OnePoll, half said breakfast is the most important meal of the day, while 56 percent believe it helps them start the day the right way.

However, 33 percent are guilty of enjoying a lie-in and an unhealthy breakfast on a weekend.

It also emerged 36 percent believe their morning routine has changed over the last two years.

More than a third (36 percent) have introduced more self-care into their morning routine and 35 percent try to prioritize ‘me time’ in the mornings.

Mindful activities like indulging in a skincare routine (20 percent), sitting down to meditate (14 percent) and saying positive affirmations in the mirror (12 percent) also made the list.

THE DAILY RITUALS THAT CAN FORM MORNING ROUTINES:

1. Brushing their teeth
2. Sitting down for a coffee/tea
3. Having a shower
4. Making the bed
5. Drinking water
6. Reading the news
7. Choosing what to wear
8. Taking vitamins
9. Exercising
10. Clearing away washing up
11. Listening to the radio
12. Skincare
13. Cooking breakfast
14. Hair care
15. Opening the windows for fresh air
16. Putting on makeup
17. Wake up without snoozing the alarm
18. Scrolling social media
19. Meditating
20. Stretching
21. Getting the kids ready for school
22. Taking the rubbish out
23. Putting a clothes wash on
24. Walking the dog
25. Making lunch for work
26. Writing a to-do list for the day
27. Saying positive affirmations to themselves in the mirror
28. Arranging their work desk
29. Writing down their goals
30. Going for a run