OVERCOME the CHAOS and STARTING STRONG

MASTER YOUR MORNING: Overcome the Chaos and Starting Strong

by Melanie Liebenberg

The Pain of Starting My Mornings

Mornings—they’re supposed to be the fresh start to a new day, a time to set the tone for productivity and success. Yet for many of us, mornings often feel like an uphill battle before we’ve even left the house. If you've ever found yourself struggling to get moving after your alarm goes off, you're not alone. Let's explore some of the most common pain points of starting the day and how they impact both our mindset and productivity.

1. The Temptation of the Snooze Button

We all know the feeling. The alarm goes off, and instead of bouncing out of bed with enthusiasm, the first thought is, "Just five more minutes." It seems harmless at first—after all, what's five extra minutes of sleep? But the reality is, hitting snooze usually turns into another snooze, and before you know it, those five minutes have snowballed into thirty.

The problem with snoozing isn’t just the lost time, though that’s a big part of it. It’s the mindset it sets for the day. By delaying the start of the morning, you’re already in a passive mode. You’re telling yourself that you're not quite ready to face the day, and that hesitation can follow you through the hours ahead. I’ve found that on days when I give in to the snooze button, I’m more sluggish, less motivated, and constantly trying to catch up on lost time.

2. The Struggle to Get Out of Bed

Even after deciding to wake up, there’s often that lingering heaviness in your body. Your mind feels foggy, and it takes an enormous effort just to pull yourself out of the warmth of the covers. This can be particularly tough on colder mornings when the temptation to stay cozy seems stronger than the need to get moving.

This struggle doesn’t just end with getting out of bed; it often sets the tone for how the rest of the morning goes. I’ve noticed that when I finally drag myself out of bed, everything feels like a slow-motion version of what it should be. Even simple tasks like brushing my teeth or getting dressed seem to take twice as long, and I often find myself feeling unproductive before the day has even truly begun.

3. The Morning Rush

We’ve all experienced it: you hit snooze one too many times, and now you’re in full-on panic mode. Suddenly, there’s barely enough time to shower, let alone eat breakfast or enjoy any sort of peaceful morning ritual. Everything feels rushed. Your brain is already running through what needs to be done, where you’re supposed to be, and how late you might be. Stress levels rise, and the day hasn’t even properly started yet.

How does this rushing affect the quality of your day? When you start your morning feeling behind, it’s hard to regain control. You’re more likely to make mistakes, feel frazzled, and bring that rushed energy into your work or interactions. For me, the days when I’m running out the door in a panic are the same days I feel like I’m constantly chasing my to-do list, never fully catching up.

4. Lack of a Clear Plan

Waking up with the realization that you have no idea what you’re supposed to do today. Without a clear morning routine or plan, the start of the day can feel disorganized and chaotic. Maybe you spend ten minutes figuring out what to wear, another five searching for your keys, and by the time you’ve finally pulled yourself together, half the morning is gone.

This kind of disorganization leaves us feeling scattered and unfocused. Instead of starting the day with a clear sense of purpose, I’m immediately playing catch-up. It’s like I’ve lost control before I’ve even started, which can leave me feeling unmotivated and stressed.

 

5. Skipping Breakfast

In the midst of a rushed or chaotic morning, breakfast often becomes the first casualty. It’s easy to think, “I’ll just grab something later,” but by mid-morning, the lack of food catches up with you. Your energy dips, your focus wanes, and that growling stomach is hard to ignore.

A healthy breakfast has a real impact on productivity. Without proper fuel, it’s harder to concentrate, and you’re more likely to feel irritable or sluggish. I’ve found that when I don’t make time for breakfast, my energy levels are noticeably lower, and I’m far more tempted to reach for unhealthy snacks later in the day.

6. Digital Distractions

I used to tell myself that checking emails or social media first thing in the morning was a quick way to ease into the day. But in reality, it’s a trap. Those five minutes on my phone quickly turn into 20, as I get lost scrolling through feeds or reading emails that could easily wait.

Starting the day with digital distractions isn’t just a time-waster; it also floods my mind with unnecessary information. Before I’ve even fully woken up, I’m dealing with other people’s problems, opinions, or demands. This not only delays my morning routine but also adds unnecessary stress and mental clutter right from the start.

Solutions to Take Back Your Mornings

While these points are all too real, the good news is there are simple solutions to regain control of your mornings. Here’s what has helped me:

Set a Bedtime Routine: Good mornings start the night before. Having a consistent bedtime and winding down with relaxing activities (like reading or stretching) helps ensure better sleep and less temptation to hit snooze.

Place Your Alarm Across the Room: If snoozing is a problem, try putting your alarm out of reach. This forces you to physically get up to turn it off, breaking the cycle of repeated snoozes.

Prepare the Night Before: Set out your clothes, pack your bag, and organize your morning essentials before bed. This minimizes decision-making and saves precious time in the morning.

Create a Simple Morning Routine: Having a clear plan in place makes mornings smoother. Whether it’s 10 minutes of stretching, a healthy breakfast, or journaling, starting with a consistent ritual creates structure and focus.

Avoid Digital Devices for the First Hour: Save emails and social media for later. Allow yourself to wake up and focus on your needs before diving into the demands of the digital world.

Eat a Nutritious Breakfast: Make breakfast a priority, even if it’s just something simple like a smoothie or yogurt. It’ll boost your energy and keep your mind sharp as you start your day.

By addressing these common pain points and implementing simple changes, you can transform your mornings from a rushed, stressful scramble into a smooth, productive start. It’s not about making every morning perfect, but about setting the right tone to help you feel more in control of your day—because how you start your morning often determines how the rest of your day will go.

Enjoyed this read?

Subscribe to our newsletter for updates and visit www.noaric.com  to see how we can help you live with purpose and achieve financial freedom.
Follow us on social media for daily inspiration. Join us on this transformative journey!