The alarm goes off, but you don’t feel like getting up yet. No desire to go to work. No desire to face everything waiting for you that day. Your bed is way too comfortable. Not yet…
Recognizable? For me, this happens regularly.
What helps me get out of bed more easily is planning something I can look forward to right after waking up. It makes the morning feel less like an obligation and more like a small gift to myself.
But what can you plan? Below you’ll find 12 ideas. Not everything fits every morning, and everyone is different, so choose what suits you and leave the rest.
Still in bed
If you want, with headphones on, so the rest of the house can keep sleeping.
1. Listen to your favorite music for 15 minutes
Create a playlist with 3 to 5 songs that genuinely make you happy.
2. Meditate
Wake up gently and start your day relaxed. A lovely way to begin the morning. Set an extra alarm if you’re afraid you’ll fall asleep again.
With a cup of coffee or tea
3. A cup of coffee or tea
For true lovers, that cup can already feel like a treat.
4. Enjoy your favorite breakfast
My personal favorite: looking forward to delicious food. For me, that’s pancakes with fruit, peanut butter, and seeds. And of course a nice cup of tea. Unfortunately, I can’t eat this every day.
5. Read or listen to your favorite book
Disappear for a moment into that book you just can’t put down.
6. Listen to your favorite podcast
Do you prefer something informative, true crime, or a cozy conversation?
7. Journal
Write down three things you’re grateful for. Start your day by focusing on what is going well and what you can look forward to.
8. Look outside while you eat breakfast
Do you have a view that makes you happy? Take a moment to look around and enjoy what you see.
9. Watch an episode of your favorite series
A good option if you have a bit more time in the morning and aren’t in the middle of the family rush hour.
10. Spend 15 minutes on a hobby
Continue a drawing, knitting project, coloring page, origami, chess game, puzzle, or anything else that brings you joy.
If you want to do something creative but don’t know where to start, take a look at my collection of printables for simple, relaxing ideas.
Moving in the morning
11. Go for a walk
A morning walk doesn’t just help you wake up. There are also indications that morning daylight can support a healthier sleep rhythm. And then there’s the sunrise…
12. Do yoga, tai chi, pilates, or anything else that makes both your body and mind happy
A gentle way to wake up your body and start the day relaxed.
Finally
There are countless ways to make your morning just a little more enjoyable. By planning something you look forward to, getting up becomes easier — and leaving your bed feels less unpleasant. It won’t remove a busy schedule, but from personal experience I can say: hitting snooze doesn’t help with that either… 😉
Do you not only want to start your day in a relaxed way, but also want some tips on how to unwind after a long day? Read this article.
