When you continuously have a long workday, the days may start to blend together. You get up, head to the office, spend hours there, head home, maybe visit the gym and cook dinner, sleep a few hours and then do it all over again. It’s easy to get into a routine where you just go, go, go–but this constant flurry from one activity to the next can leave you feeling tired and unmotivated.
If you’re stuck in this endless cycle, you might benefit from taking some time to ease into each morning with calming practices that help you find your center.
Here are nine relaxing ways to start your workday.
1. Drink a nice, big glass of water.
If you’ve spent the whole night sleeping, you’re probably slightly dehydrated before you even lift your head from the pillow! Start your morning with a refreshing room temperature glass of water to help recharge your system and prepare your body to take on another busy day. If it is cold, then hot water and lemon is also a great way to start the day. If you find yourself forgetting this step, it might make sense for you to bring a nice, big water bottle along for your commute.
2. Find your center with morning meditation.
The practice of meditation has long been used to support the treatment of a variety of conditions including cancer, high blood pressure, pain and psychological ailments like anxiety disorders. It’s also been shown to support stress relief and overall wellness.
While there are endless ways you can customize the mind and body practice to suit your needs–you can even download an app for guidance–here are some tips to make meditation more comfortable for you:
- Find a quiet, calm place to meditate.
- Tune out distractions as best as you can.
- Sit in a comfortable position.
- Focus on your breath.
- Find and repeat your mantra.
A simple meditation practice doesn’t need to take more than five minutes of your time, but exercises in mindfulness can be a powerful tool to help you get into your workday, clear-headed and feeling centered.
3. Set your intentions for the workday.
Before diving right into your workday, think carefully about what you’d like to accomplish during your time there. Do you want to negotiate a contract? Seal a deal? Finished that article? Setting intentions can help you to better direct your efforts towards a defined result and can give you the motivation you need to achieve them.
When you set your goals, don’t be afraid to dream big. Just be sure to also be clear! Studies indicate that specific and challenging goals result in higher performance than easy goals, unclear goals or no goals at all.
4. Breathe your energy in and negativity out with stress-relieving fragrance oil.
Scents are strongly tied to memories. Therefore, the right blend can help provide a calming environment for you to wake up to. Use essential oils for stress relief and to help you set your mood for the day.
Do you want to feel energized? Try a citrus blend. Could you use some focus? Peppermint and rosemary can help. Select blends that support your goals and breathe a sigh of relief as they work their magic.
5. Don’t forget breakfast. 
Breakfast has been dubbed the most important meal of the day, and even though it’s especially important for children and adolescents to eat breakfast, the benefits hold true for adults as well. Studies have indicated that consumption of breakfast is associated with a higher fiber and calcium intake and may even help prevent weight gain.
Start your day with a nutrient-rich breakfast to give your body the fuel it needs. This will not just get you through the morning, but also prepare you for the rest of your busy day.
Some examples of nutrient-rich foods to eat in the morning include:
- Oatmeal with a handful of nuts
- Greek yogurt with berries
- Avocado toast with eggs
- Nut butter toast with chia seeds
6. Set the tone for the day with a tailored playlist.
Music has been shown to evoke moods. This explains why we often play fast, energetic music while we exercise or dark, brooding music when we are sad. A perky playlist can help you feel motivated and refreshed as you approach the day. A relaxing playlist, on the other hand, can allow you to ease into your morning. Create something inspired before bed so that it’s ready to go when you wake up. This way, all that’s left to do is enjoy the soundtrack to your morning routine!
7. Loosen tense muscles and increase blood flow with some simple stretches.
No matter what your profession is, starting your workday with a few light stretches can help ease stiffness from a night’s rest and better prepare your body for the long hours ahead. Stretching not only helps to prevent injuries in the workplace, but it also serves as a relaxing way to get both physically and mentally ready for the day. Find the right series of stretches that will help you feel more energized in the morning and stick to them.
8. Energize with an espresso scented candle.
Even if you’re not into caffeine, the rich scent of freshly brewed coffee can give you the boost you need to take on the day. Wake up with an espresso scented candle to give your senses a jolt of energy at your desk or before you leave the door.
9. Take it all in and just be in the moment.
Before the hustle and bustle of the workday begins, find peace in the relaxing pace of your mindful routine and savor the comfort it provides. Remember that the day that stands before you is just one of many, and it’s not worth losing any sleep over!
It isn’t always easy to get up and face the workday, but a relaxing morning routine can help make the process more enjoyable.
Who Is The Author?
Taylor Sicard serves as the Co-Founder and CMO of Homesick. When he is not working or writing, Taylor enjoys spending time with his fiancé and exploring the great outdoors.
