Every year, it feels like the start of September is different from so many other months. Even though it is weeks before summer officially ends, you can feel the impending changes in the atmosphere and the energy of the month feels charged. Perhaps it is the approaching transition to autumn with the changing sunlight, or maybe it is energy generated as children return to school. September also signals the push towards the final months of the year - the time when schedules become hectic and we try to squeeze every last drop out of each minute. These cumulative energy shifts and changes seem to mark September as a transition, one well worth considering as we explore building and maintaining wellness.

It’s probably no surprise that wellness and wellbeing are two areas often impacted when transitions happen and we have to navigate change. Focused energy on wellness or wellbeing easily falls to the wayside when other needs demand our attention. What is often overlooked, however, is that focusing on these two areas can actually improve and support our ability to navigate big energy shifts, and numerous wellness strategies offset the energy drain that often accompanies change.

Of particular relevance in a month of transition and change is the strategy of the morning routine.

The morning routine, though in early stages of study, has already produced initial research that demonstrates that increased productivity is one of the strongest benefits. By building structure and habit into the morning, people are able to accomplish more with their day, and experience increased energy and greater overall positivity. The morning routine is also believed to be influential in putting off “decision fatigue”- a phenomenon believed to generate emotional and mental fatigue as we make thousands of decisions over the course of a day. Taken altogether, the morning routine can help us streamline decisions, generate more opportunity for positive and productive energy, and increase our focus on the wellness that helps us thrive.

Now, perhaps you might be thinking… but I don’t love mornings. Or, sticking with a morning routine is hard. Maybe you are uncertain how to build the morning routine that works for you or perhaps you don’t know where to start.

The truth is… building the morning routine that works doesn’t mean you have to be a morning person and doesn’t require that you find the perfect routine from day one. We can experiment with known strategies until we find the right combination that fits within our lives. We can also start with building just one or two habits until we create a unique morning routine that supports our personal wellness and wellbeing.

Ready to give it a try? Here are a few proven strategies to consider when building out a morning routine:

1. Get up with the alarm. Rather than hitting that snooze button a few times (or many), try getting up with the alarm every day to tell your body it’s time to get going. This tiny habit benefits both your body and your mind, creating a specific transition moment that signals it is time to start the day.

2. Breathe. Taking just a few deep breaths as you wake up rather than frantically launching out of bed or reaching for your phone soothes the nervous system in the transition from sleep to awake. It also has the added benefit of delaying the onset of the stress that (inevitably) comes once the phone is turned on.

3. Hydrate with water. Before grabbing that cup of coffee, reach first for a big glass of water. Even one glass will jumpstart your metabolism and help you rehydrate after sleep. This tiny habit of kickstarting with hydration can really influence the tone for the day.

4. Move. Whether it’s stretching, an exercise routine, or a simple morning walk, movement improves memory and concentration as well as naturally reduces stress. By incorporating some type of movement into the morning routine, you’ll be poised to boost daily productivity and accomplish something positive.

5. Give the mind time. Practicing mindfulness and meditation, even for just a few moments, can be a powerful way to set intention for the day. Whether it’s a few minutes of mindful silence, 10 minutes of journaling, or a brief gratitude reflection, this practice will bring you into the present moment and allow space to honor yourself and your wellness.

There is no prescription for the morning routine that is going to work for everyone, and there is no exact science to building the morning routine that works for you. Even when you develop a morning routine, there will be days where it just doesn’t work out the way you hope! However, being deliberate with the start of most of our days has immense benefit to our wellness and wellbeing. Not only will it give us something to rely on as we navigate transitions and change, it allows us to channel energy into the wellness and wellbeing we are growing every day.

What step will you take today to design the morning routine that supports your wellness?