Habits You Should Cut Out of Your Morning Routine

For night owls, mornings can be tough but, are you making them even harder than they need to be? Here are five habits to avoid first thing after waking up.

Don’t hit the snooze button! Over half of us do it, but studies show those extra few minutes of sleep don’t actually benefit you. Experts say you’re better off setting your alarm for a more realistic time, and training yourself to wake up the first time it goes off.

Don’t immediately check your phone. Looking at texts and emails or reading the news in bed are some of the most stressful ways to start your day. Better options include stretching, deep breathing, drinking some water or saying hi to your kids.

Also, avoid starting the day with sugar. It sets you up for a roller coaster of being hungry, moody, and then tired again.
Cereal and sweetened coffee are the two biggest culprits.

Don’t skip washing your face. Pillows are covered in oil and dead skin, especially if you haven’t washed them in a while. So, even if you wash your face before bed, it’s not a bad idea to do that again in the a.m. Just don’t use a harsh cleanser for both day and night.

Finally, don’t overlook your own mental health. Having to rush around is what makes mornings so stressful.
Making sure you go to bed and wake up earlier really is important, because it gives you more time to ease into things. Even a small routine like opening up the shades and letting some sun in can help start your day on the right foot.