How to Manage Anxiety: Starting with Your Morning Routine
Managing anxiety can feel like navigating an endless maze, and if you’re anything like me, it probably feels like you’ve tried everything out there. Herbal teas, meditation apps, breathing exercises—everything well-meaning friends and family might have suggested to you.
And if you’re still feeling stuck, I’m here to say: it’s not you.
The truth is, anxiety isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. What works wonders for one person might barely scratch the surface for another. So if those “simple fixes” haven’t worked for you, it’s okay. You just need tools that are right for you.
Why Some Strategies Don’t Work
Anxiety looks different for everyone.
For some people, a calming tea or a quick mindfulness session might be all they need to feel grounded. For others, deeper strategies are necessary—especially if their anxiety stems from past trauma or long-term stress.
And that’s the thing: anxiety management isn’t about finding the “perfect” solution. It’s about finding your perfect solution, one that aligns with what you are going through.
The Real Secret? A Toolkit
Unfortunately there’s no magic pill or one-size-fits-all formula to instantly erase anxiety. (I wish!)
What does work is building a toolkit.
A toolkit is simply a personalized set of strategies that meet your unique needs. The key to developing your toolkit is to start small and focus on tools (strategies) that resonate with you. Baby steps are your best friend here.
But with so much advice out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. So where should you even start?
Start with Your Morning Routine
The best place to start is… at the beginning—of your day, that is.
When you’re struggling with anxiety, even getting out of bed can feel impossible. That’s where having a morning routine that you can do on autopilot can make a world of difference.
A morning routine may seem like a small thing, but it’s powerful. It’s not just about what you do in the morning—it’s about how those small actions set the tone for the rest of your day.
My Morning Routine Story
When I first started managing my anxiety, mornings were the hardest part of my day. Just the thought of facing the world felt like too much to handle. And yes at my lowest point I couldn’t even get out of bed all day.
So I decided to focus on creating a morning routine that felt doable—and enjoyable.
Here’s what I started with:
- A breakfast I looked forward to: For me, it was simple—eggs and toast. Knowing I’d wake up to something I loved helped me roll out of bed.
- A quick workout: I used exercise DVDs (hello, nostalgia!) to get moving and boost my mood.
- Journaling: Morning pages became my safe space to unload my thoughts and clear my head.
Over time, I tweaked my routine, adding and changing things as my preferences shifted. But one thing stayed the same: my morning routine gave me a reason to get up and start my day.
The Perfect Morning Routine
Here’s what I learned: a great morning routine doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. In fact, mine usually took about an hour, but the impact lasted all day.
When I stuck to my routine, I felt grounded, focused, and ready to tackle whatever came my way. On the days I skipped it? Everything felt off.
Your morning routine has the power to shape your entire day. That’s why it’s so important to create one that works for you.
Ready to Create Your Morning Routine?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, building a morning routine is a fantastic first step. It’s a small, manageable way to reclaim your mornings—and, by extension, your days.
To make it easier, I’ve created a free ebook that walks you through the five essential steps to designing your perfect morning routine. It even includes a habit tracker to help you stick with it.
[Download the Morning Routine Guide Here]
Take it one step at a time, and remember: you’ve got this.
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