The alarm goes off. You grab your phone. You check your socials to see what you missed overnight. Sound familiar? It feels harmless, right?

Hate to break it to you, but it’s not.

Starting your day by sprinting to scroll doesn’t just waste time, but it hands over control of your mood and attention to everyone else. Even worse? It spikes stress levels and impacts your focus for the rest of the day.

With more people working from home, starting your day intentionally is more important than ever. It’s not just about productivity. It’s about setting the tone for how you handle challenges.

Think of it as filling your fuel tank before a long, uphill climb.

Tips for a Better Morning Routine

1. Start with solitude. Whether it’s a quiet cup of coffee or a short mindfulness practice, give yourself space before the world demands your attention. Taking even a few minutes for yourself can bring clarity and set a calm foundation for the day.
2. Set your top three priorities. In a world full of distractions, being intentional is key. Even small wins give you a dopamine boost, the brain’s reward chemical… helping you stay motivated and in control of your day.
3. Get outside. A 5-10 minute morning walk does wonders for stress, and early sunlight helps regulate your sleep + stress cycle. Can’t get outside? Try sipping your coffee near an open window while soaking in natural light.

Your morning sets the tone for everything that follows, so why start on someone else’s terms? Take back your time, fuel up with intention, and see how much more focused and energized you feel throughout the day.