Most mornings can be stressful, busy and hectic - maybe you slept through your alarm, the kids aren't listening to you or maybe your coffee maker broke and now you don't have time to stop for a coffee on your way to work.

If any one of these unfortunate scenarios happen, you then have to carry it with you for the rest of the day. The importance of mastering a mindful morning routine is crucial for setting the tone for a successful, fulfilling and positive day (before any more unfortunate scenarios happen).

With that said, here are five simple practices to start owning your morning! 👊

1. Don't check your phone in the mornings 📵

This was the best (and hardest) practice I implemented into my morning routine. As soon as I'd hear my alarm go off in the morning, I'd grab my phone, turn off my alarm and the first app I'd check was Instagram. Without even realizing it, some mornings I would lie in bed mindlessly scrolling for up to an hour. Not only was time being wasted but I also noticed that it didn't always make me feel good. It was like I was bombarded with all this new information and my sleepy brain couldn't compute what to make of it.

Mindful Morning Implementation: Challenge yourself to not look at your phone until after 10am

2. Wake up 10 minutes before anyone else in your household ⏰

Setting your alarm to wake up 10 minutes before anyone else in your household is awake gives you time for yourself. I know what you're thinking, 10 minutes isn't a lot of time. But if you implemented this simple practice every morning, for one week, that equals 70 minutes of YOU time. You can enjoy a hot beverage, do a morning meditation, write out a to-do list for the day, practice breathwork, morning stretches or read something meaningful. The possibilities are endless as long as YOUR doing something that YOU enjoy!

Mindful Morning Implementation: Set your alarm to wake up 10 minutes before anyone else in your household

3. Morning sunshine 🔆

There are so many health benefits to getting sunshine exposure first thing in the morning. Getting plenty of natural light first thing sends a 'wake up' signal to our body and our body responds by increasing serotonin (our happy hormone) and improves our mood. Some other health benefits include boosting vitamin D which strengthens our immune system, improves the quality of sleep, gives you energy and helps keep you calm, positive and focused for the day.

Mindful Morning Implementation: Within 30 minutes of waking, step outside (yes, you actually have to go outside, it can't be done through a window!) and look up at the sun

4. Daily affirmations 💭

Starting your morning with daily affirmations increases positive thoughts, beliefs and attitudes towards yourself and your outlook on life. Here are some of my favourite affirmations to increase energy and motivation:

• My energy is a magnet for positivity and success

• I am motivated, focused and ready to take on any challenge

• I am capable of achieving anything I set my mind to

• I accomplish my goals with ease

• I am surrounded by positive energy that fuels my motivation

Mindful Morning Implementation: Repeat these affirmations daily either out loud or in your mind to increase your energy and motivation throughout the day

5. Journaling 🗒️

The last practice I recommend is morning journaling. There's something so powerful behind writing down your goals, thoughts, feelings or emotions. We have 100's of thoughts all day long and by putting these thoughts onto paper, allows you to visualize and release anything that isn't serving you.

Mindful Morning Implementation: Grab a pen and a piece of paper and just start writing. Whether it's a to-do list, 3 things you're grateful for, a reflection of your week or I am statements (ie. I am healthy, I am enough, I am successful). Don't overthink it, just start.

Whether you start your morning at 6am or 10am, the timing of these practices really doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is actually DOING these practices. I encourage you to try one new mindful morning implementation each week!