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With the return to school after summer holidays, getting back into the routine of an early morning start can be demanding. Discovering ways to stay productive throughout the day is crucial for success!

A well-structured morning routine sets the tone for your entire day, helping you feel energised and focused in class, and ready to tackle anything that comes your way.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting the perfect morning routine that includes a nutritious breakfast, energising exercise, and efficient school prep.

1. Wake Up Early and Consistently 🕒

The first step to a productive morning is setting a consistent wake-up time. No more lie-ins around here!
Aim to wake up at least an hour before you need to leave for school. This extra time allows you to complete essential tasks without feeling rushed, and waking up at the same time every day helps regulate your body’s internal clock, making it easier to get up over time. Trust me, it works!

• Tip: Start by setting your alarm 15 minutes earlier than usual and gradually increase until you find your ideal wake-up time.
• Pro tip: Avoid hitting the snooze button! It disrupts your sleep cycle and makes it harder to feel fully awake. Choose a time to wake up....and stick to it!
• Extra tip: Put your alarm clock or phone out of reach! Forcing yourself to physically get out of bed to turn off that annoying alarm will guarantee you feeling more awake and avoid slipping back to sleep.

2. Hydrate Right Away 💧

Before diving into your morning routine, start by drinking a glass of water. After hours of sleep, your body needs hydration to wake up and function properly. Hydrating first thing in the morning boosts your metabolism, helps with digestion, and improves your mental clarity.

• Tip: Keep a glass of water next to your bed, so it’s the first thing you see when you wake up. But keep safe and keep all electricals out of the spill zone!!

3. Fuel Up with a Nutritious Breakfast 🍳

You’ve heard it all before…but breakfast really is the most important meal of the day, especially for learners! A balanced meal provides the energy and brainpower needed to stay focused throughout the school day. Aim for a breakfast that includes a mix of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to keep you full and energised.

Healthy breakfast ideas:

• Smoothie bowl with yogurt, fruits, and chia seeds for a quick, nutrient-packed option.
• Whole grain toast with avocado and a boiled egg for a balanced mix of carbs and protein.
• Porridge with nuts, berries, and a spoonful of peanut butter for long-lasting energy.
• Tip: Prepare your breakfast the night before if mornings are hectic. Overnight oats or pre-made smoothie bags in the freezer can save you time.
• For more recipes like these that you can follow, check out:

4. Move Your Body with Morning Exercise 💪

Don’t just wait for your PE lessons in school to stay active. Incorporating exercise into your morning routine, even if it’s just 10-15 minutes, can significantly boost your mood and energy levels for the rest of the day. Physical activity releases endorphins, improves circulation, and helps you feel more awake.

You don’t need a full gym session—simple exercises like stretching, yoga, or a quick jog can do wonders.

Exercise ideas:

• A 10-minute morning yoga routine to stretch your muscles and reduce stiffness. This can even be done in your bedroom!
• A brisk walk or jog around your street. There is less traffic in the morning and the cool morning air will wake you up a treat!
• Bodyweight exercises like squats, push-ups, or jumping jacks to get your blood pumping. For more exercise ideas like these, check out:
• Tip: Lay out your workout clothes the night before to make it easier to jump into action.

5. Get Organised for School 📚

Effective school prep can reduce stress and help you feel more in control of your day. The night before, pack your school bag with everything you’ll need for the day, such as notebooks, textbooks, pens, and your lunch. In the morning, review your school timetable, mentally prepare for your classes, and make sure you have all your homework and coursework completed.

Morning school prep tips:

• Review your to-do list for the day to stay organised. This can include class equipment you need to take with you, your class timetable, any afterschool events you need to attend…etc
• Double-check your bag for essentials: homework, charger, water bottle, bus pass etc.
• Tip: If you prefer to keep all your memos on your phone, use your phone or a digital planner to track your coursework and set reminders for important tasks and deadlines.

6. Mentally Prepare for the Day 🧘

A productive day starts with a calm, focused mind. Take a few minutes each morning to mentally prepare for the day ahead. This could be through meditation, deep breathing, or simply reflecting on what you want to accomplish this term.

Even five minutes of mindfulness can help reduce anxiety and improve your concentration throughout the day.

Mental preparation ideas:

• Practice deep breathing: Inhale for four counts, hold for four, and exhale for four.
• Use a mindfulness app for a short meditation session, I recommend Calm and HeadSpace.
• Set daily intentions: Think about one or two things you want to achieve or focus on. This could be something like ‘I want to beat my personal best at the Bleep Test’, ‘I will memorise three more verbs in French class’, or 91�εΘI want to finish all my classwork before the bell rings in each lesson today’
• Tip: Keep a diary or journal where you jot down your thoughts, goals, or things you’re grateful for. This helps clear your mind and sets a positive tone for the day. No one has to read this, it's JUST FOR YOU.

7. Leave Home with Time to Spare 🚶‍♂️

Rushing out the door is most certainly a way to start the day with stress. Nobody wants that!
Aim to leave home a few minutes earlier than you need to. This extra time buffer allows for unexpected delays like traffic or missing items and lets you arrive at school feeling calm and prepared rather than frazzled.

Also this extra time allows you to catch up with friends before class, rather than chatting during lesson time!

• Tip: Use the extra time to listen to a podcast, audiobook, or some motivational music to get in the right mindset for the day. Make your own personalised ‘Walk to school’ playlist to keep you energised and in the zone.

Putting It All Together

Creating a morning routine that includes breakfast, exercise, and school prep will not only help you stay productive but will also improve your overall well-being. The key is consistency.

It may take some time to find what works best for you, but once you get into a rhythm, you’ll notice a significant boost in your energy levels, focus, and performance in school.

This is your first term back, so it’s time to make those positive changes!

Here’s a sample morning routine for you to try:

6:30 AM: Wake up and drink water.

6:40 AM: Quick morning exercise (yoga or light bodyweight workout).

6:55 AM: Shower and get dressed.

7:10 AM: Eat a nutritious breakfast.

7:30 AM: Review school tasks and pack your bag.

7:45 AM: Mentally prepare and leave home by 8:00 AM. (giving you nearly half an hour spare before the bell rings!)

 

By following these steps, you'll be able to start each day with clarity, energy, and confidence—ready to conquer anything school throws your way!

Best of luck with the new school term! Work hard, stay focused, and make thoughtful decisions to ensure a successful and rewarding year ahead.