This content was created by Girlboss in collaboration with Seed.
We’ve all experienced Sunday night scaries, but what do you do when you wake up with those dreaded anxious butterflies and racing thoughts in the morning too? Whether you love or hate your job (or you’re somewhere in between), it’s normal to experience work stress, but it’s not healthy when you carry it home with you (which is even harder not to when you work from home).
Thankfully, there’s a way to soothe those butterflies and start your day on a more peaceful note. A calming morning routine! Sounds simple, right? But it turns out that many of us don’t actually have one.
“Most people just go from zero to 100 immediately. Their alarm clock goes off, they jump out of bed, check their emails, and don't take a moment to even breathe,” says Jordana Bergman, a registered psychotherapist and founder of Eden Wellness. “A morning routine is a forced pause and self-check-in between waking up and starting your day.”
Kayla Schofield, a registered psychotherapist at Kalm Wellness Therapy, agrees. She sees morning routines as a roadmap to the rest of your day. “Having that organization and structure in your life is really important and can help you feel more grounded,” she says, adding that we each have a cup filled with a finite amount of energy, and it doesn't make sense to waste that energy on an unstructured, chaotic morning (you know the one, where you’re running late and trying to throw a sad desk salad together while making your coffee and curling your hair). By setting yourself up for success as soon as you get up, you can have more energy for your day.
Ready to level up the zen in your AM routine? Here are five expert-approved habits to banish those morning scaries and plant the seeds for a stress-free workday.
Set yourself up for success the night before
Tired of waking up stressed and overwhelmed? Preparation is key. Get ready for the day ahead by laying out your outfit and packing your lunch, giving you less things to think about in the morning. If you're not an early riser, a good night's sleep is essential. Try going to bed 15-20 minutes earlier to get up a little easier. Establish a solid bedtime routine to promote quality sleep. Start winding down an hour before bed, limit your screen time, and keep your phone out of reach to avoid late-night doom scrolling. Also, make sure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet for the ultimate snooze.
Mindful awakening
Start your day with a gentle awakening instead of a jarring alarm. Opt for a soft alarm sound or let natural light gradually fill your room. Once you’re up, resist reaching for your phone and take a few deep breaths instead to focus on your senses. This mindful practice will help you ease into the day with a calmer and more centered mindset.
“When your alarm goes off, just lay in bed and take a breath for two minutes. I often encourage clients to put their hand on their chest and go through five slow cycles of deep breathing and to check in with themselves,” says Schofield. We often don’t ask ourselves how we’re feeling enough and it’s important to start your day with that level of awareness and compassion, she adds.
Start your day with a boost of gut health
If you wake up feeling sluggish and bloated, a dose of DS-01® Daily Synbiotic from Seed may be the game-changer you’ve been looking for. This scientifically backed two-in-one probiotic and prebiotic formula is designed to support your digestive health, support intermittent constipation, promote your gut-immune system, and even reinforce clear skin. Can your gummy multivitamin do that? Didn’t think so. DS-01® is formulated with 24 carefully selected probiotic strains and is rigorously tested for quality and effectiveness. It's also free from allergens, pesticides, and other harmful substances, and is formulated with strains clinically validated to reduce abdominal bloating after just two weeks.
If you want to feel lighter in the morning, consider adding Seed’s DS-01® Daily Synbiotic to your daily routine and experience the benefits of a healthier gut.
Move your body
Whether you're a morning runner, a yoga enthusiast, or prefer a gentle stretch, incorporating some physical activity into your mornings can boost your energy, mood, and confidence.
“Whichever form of movement you choose, do it with intention and purpose,” says Bergman, adding that your morning movement can be a great way to not only connect with yourself but also release whatever it is you’re feeling. An intense HIIT class can help you burn off tension, while a peaceful walk can soothe your mind. Experiment with different activities to find what works best for you and make it a part of your routine.
Find what energizes you
Finally, when it comes to building your perfect morning, you have to tailor it to you. While some people may love to meditate or journal as soon as they get up, that doesn’t mean that will necessarily bring you joy and that’s perfectly fine.
“It’s not necessarily what you do, it’s what it does for you,” says Schofield. “Some of my clients like to get up and paint. That’s not for everybody, but it works for them. Find what works for you.”
Start your day by doing something that makes you happy. Whether it's writing, praying, dancing, exercising, cuddling your pet, or simply hitting snooze, figure out what your heart and mind are craving and make time for it. You’ll thank yourself later.
