7 tips for a relaxing start of the day in your morning routine

A burnout as a blessing in disguise

I used to start my mornings with stress, too. Before I even got out of bed, my mind would be racing through my to-do list, already anticipating the challenges ahead. Tension would set in before the day even began. Eventually, I hit a breaking point. Surprisingly, my burnout became a blessing in disguise. As strange as it sounds, it forced me to reevaluate and make lasting changes in my life.

how to turn a stressful morning into a calm start to the day?

"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results." Einstein was spot on. For things to change, I had to take action. So now, I start my mornings very differently, focusing on my own needs and priorities. Of course, it didn’t happen overnight—it was a learning process with plenty of trial and error. But the results speak for themselves: I have a better handle on my work, I’m much easier to be around, and most importantly, I’m so much happier. So, how do you turn a stressful morning into a calm start to the day? Awareness is the first step. After that, all you need is a plan of action—and the discipline to stick to it.

Here are my 7 tips for a relaxed start to your day.

Tip 1: Be present in the moment. Even during your usual morning routine, it’s easy to go on autopilot. Do you mindlessly spread butter on your toast? Try switching it up by using your non-dominant hand. This small change forces you to stay focused and mindful of the task at hand.

Tip 2: Stretch like an animal. When animals wake up, the first thing they do is stretch. It’s their way of preparing the body for the day ahead. Give yourself the same start by waking up 10 minutes earlier for some gentle stretching exercises. It’s a great way to care for both your body and mind first thing in the morning.

Tip 3: Get moving. Exercise is essential for both body and mind. Get your heart rate up by walking or cycling to work. This helps release tension, produces endorphins, and jump-starts your metabolism, leaving you feeling refreshed and energized. Don’t let little annoyances, like a red light or an inconsiderate cyclist, ruin your vibe. If walking or cycling isn’t an option, create a quick circuit at home: pick four exercises, do each for 20 seconds with a 10-second rest, and repeat twice.

Tip 4: Take 10 minutes to meditate. Dedicate 10 minutes to meditation. Tune in to your body, notice what’s on your mind, and focus on your breath. If you find it hard to meditate on your own, there are plenty of guided meditations available on YouTube to help you get started.

Tip 5: Savor the simple moments. Don’t rush through your day-to-day routine—take the time to appreciate it. Notice how special your kids are at breakfast, enjoy the quiet of a morning walk with your dog, and really observe your surroundings. It’s the little things that make life extraordinary.

Tip 6: Unplug. Put your phone away and keep your computer off until you’re ready to work. Emails and messages can wait. If you dive into work too early, you’ll lose the sense of calm and forget those good intentions you started the day with.

Tip 7: Build in extra time. If mornings always feel rushed, go to bed a little earlier and wake up a bit earlier too. That extra time will give you the space to incorporate one of these tips into your morning routine, helping you start each day with a bit more balance and calm.