Successful people and morning routines are inseparable. They swear that the routine leads to efficiency, whether time-wise or energy-wise, and helps them become more productive for the rest of the day. 

However, not everyone is an early riser. It might take more time for some people to get used to developing a morning routine, and that's alright. Here's how to create that ideal and positive morning routine and create a better habit slowly but surely.

Commit to a ritual

Light an aromatherapy candle or wash your face — do whatever you must that enlightens your mind and heart and make it a ritual that marks the start of the day. This ritual might also be a meditation or a prayer. Get used to it and make it easily repeatable. The ritual will adjust your mind as you wake up from your slumber. 

Meditate

If meditating is not part of your morning agenda, consider including it from now on. Clearing your head with meditation could help control any anxiety or stress, which could boost self-awareness and the ability to concentrate. 

When meditating, allow that natural light from the sun to enter the room. Natural sunlight helps kick off the day because it controls the circadian rhythm — the physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow the 24-hour cycle.

Drink a glass of water

People get dehydrated to a varying degree when they sleep, which makes sense because, during the period, water is not added to the body at all. It is therefore essential to restore that missing water by drinking a glass of water upon waking up. This routine will replenish the fluids and help with the stability of metabolism that may impact any hormones running for the rest of the day. 

Eat breakfast

Skipping breakfast is never recommended as it is often associated with tiredness, weight gain, and decreased metabolism. All of which are scientifically proven.

Eating breakfast has several important benefits — it lowers the risk of diabetes and improves cognitive functions for the day, among other things. The nutrition received from breakfast is vital for the brain that controls everything in the body, and concentration, productivity, and mood depend on a healthy brain. 

Sugary foods and simple carbs like white bread and cereal can make you sluggish. Consequently, it is not recommended to consume these items during breakfast. Instead, opt for protein and fiber meals which will give energy and decrease potential diseases. Eggs, oatmeal, berries, nuts, and cottage cheese are some good ideas. 

Practice gratitude
Review everything you've accomplished that week or the previous week. Remember what you already have, and prepare for things you want to achieve or challenges that need to be faced. This way, the brain releases the happy hormones that impact the mood for the rest of the day, which has been proven to decrease the risk of depression or stress.  

One of the questions to be asked could be, "What do I already have that they don't have?", "What have I achieved that I have not rewarded myself?", "If I were to die next week, what do I want to do for myself?". 

Or, if you feel that happiness comes from the joy of loved ones or friends, the question could be, "If I were to die tomorrow, what would I want to do for my friends/family/loved ones?"

As Oprah Winfrey once said, "Wealth is not measured by dollars and cents, but by the love we make, the laughter we enjoy, the meals we share, the dreams we experience, and the hopes we create."