HOW TO START YOUR DAY STRONG: MORNING ROUTINES THAT CHANGE YOUR LIFE – by Miriam Rees

Morning routines are the foundation for a peaceful, productive day. How you start your morning often determines the tone for everything that follows — your mood, mindset, and even how you respond to challenges.

For years, I was the queen of hitting the snooze button. “Just five more minutes,” I’d tell myself, again and again. By the time I finally got up, the chaos began — waking the boys, getting everyone ready for school, rushing to get out the door, and starting the day already behind schedule.

That constant rushing made me frustrated, stressed, and short-tempered. It carried into my workday and often into my evenings. I felt like I was living life on autopilot — constantly playing catch-up.

Then one day, everything changed.

THE MOMENT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

After my father passed away, I had a wake-up call — life is far too short to live every day feeling miserable and overwhelmed. I wanted peace, not chaos, and I wanted to enjoy my mornings, not dread them.

I realized that happier people didn’t necessarily have easier lives — they just had better habits and a more positive mindset. That realization was the turning point.

Changing your routine and mindset takes time and commitment, but it’s worth it. The peace and focus that come from a solid morning routine can completely transform how you live each day.

WHY A MORNING ROUTINE MATTERS

A consistent morning routine keeps your day on track, prevents rushing, and helps you handle life’s curveballs with more grace. Instead of reacting to your day, you’re leading it.

Starting your day with structure gives you control, calm, and clarity. It allows you to show up as your best self — for work, for your family, and for you.

6 TIPS TO CREATE A BETTER MORNING ROUTINE

Here are a few habits that changed my mornings — and can change yours, too:

1. 🗓️ Set a Daily Schedule
   Create a to-do list that outlines your day from sunrise to bedtime. Be realistic about time and — here’s the key — schedule 30–60 minutes just for you. Most people forget that part.
2. 💤 Go to Bed on Time
   Sleep is not optional — it’s essential. Aim for 6–8 hours each night. Pick your wake-up time (no snooze button!) and count backward to set your bedtime. Stick to it — even on weekends.
3. 🌅 Prioritize Quiet or “Me” Time
   You can’t pour from an empty cup. Use this time for prayer, reflection, journaling, exercise, or simply watching the sunrise. Avoid negativity — this is your mental reset.
4. 📚 Read a Personal Development Book
   Starting your day with a positive mindset is powerful. A few great reads include:
   • The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins
   • T is for Transformation by Shaun T
   • The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
   • Get Over Your Damn Self by Robin Neustadt
5. 🙏 Read a Daily Devotion
   This one is a must for me. I use the Bible App — there are countless devotionals that help you start the day grounded in faith and gratitude.
6. ☀️ Guard Your Energy
   Don’t let someone else’s negativity steal your peace. We all know those “Debbie Downers.” Stay focused, stay positive, and protect your mindset. The more you practice this, the easier it gets.

START SMALL, STAY CONSISTENT

You don’t have to change everything overnight. Start with one new habit each week. As it becomes part of your rhythm, add another. Before long, you’ll notice a big shift — calmer mornings, a clearer mind, and a stronger sense of purpose.

Remember, mornings set the tone for your entire day. Make them count.