Playlist: Good Morning, Good Mind
You deserve to live a vibrant life, full of energy and happiness — even on the days you wake up on the wrong side of the bed.
Written and Illustrated by Micaela Garza
It’s no secret that a good morning routine sets the tone for a productive, gratifying day — in fact, there’s science to back it up. Establishing a routine is an effective way to ease stress, increase endorphins, and propel you into the right headspace to effortlessly tackle even the busiest of days. Finding a method that works for you can definitely be daunting, but music can guide you through it all and bring about some comfort while you slide into your daily groove.
Since music makes all the difference, here are some good tunes to add to your queue as you go about finding your new morning regimen!
Waking Up Easy
Mica’s Picks: “Only Wanna Be With You” by Hootie and the Blowfish (Cover by Piano Tribute Players), “Under the Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Peppers (Cover by Piano Tribute Players)
There is nothing more hellish than the sound of the iPhone “Alarm” tone blaring from your phone at the crack of dawn. Is there anyone who actually enjoys being startled awake in the morning? Raising your cortisol levels so early on in the day just can’t be good for you. Instead, find an instrumental arrangement of a song that you love and set that as your alarm. A simple rendition of a catchy and familiar song can help jumpstart the serotonin as you stretch yourself to consciousness. Whether you’re working on getting up earlier or trying to wean off your “snooze” habit, this makes it a lot easier to get out of bed in the morning.
Drink Some Water, Coffee, and Take The Time To Journal
Mica’s Picks: “Is It A Crime” by Sade, “Moon Undah Water” by Puma Blue
Before the caffeine hits, you might be moving a little bit slow. To garner a little bit of extra energy, have a glass of lemon water as you wait for your cup of joe to finish brewing. It’s not only hydrating, but the added Vitamin C from the lemon is a powerful antioxidant that aids in mental clarity, energy optimization, and boosts your immune system. While you’re sipping on that refreshing glass of water and getting ready to savor the day (hopefully the same way you savor your first cup of coffee), some relaxed, bluesy magic is a great vibe to pair with this part of your routine because of the way the blues are so laid back, yet full of energy — the perfect feel for your morning. By this point, your brain is starting to perk up, but your mind might be looming with the thoughts of yesterday or the tasks of the new day. Taking a few minutes to journal your thoughts is a beneficial way to clear your mind, and writing down your goals for the day gives you something to reflect on as you strive to accomplish them.
Shower and Sing!
Mica’s picks: “Me and My Husband” by Mitski, “Like Smoke” by Amy Winehouse
Now that your mind is clear, it’s time for self-care. A morning shower is the perfect place to cleanse both your body and mind before starting your day. Take a few moments to bask in the warm water. Let it wake your mind as the music awakens your soul. As you sing along to your favorite karaoke songs and release your inhibitions, you’ll increase your “happy chemicals” like oxytocin and serotonin, as well. Let the deep sigh at the beginning of Mitski’s “Me and My Husband” speak as a metaphor for plunging into the water as you think about all of the day’s possibilities.
Brush Your Teeth
Mica’s picks: Any song from this playlist.
Dental hygiene is just as important as bodily hygiene. Brush your teeth for the recommended time of two minutes — and don’t forget to floss! After your teeth are clean and glowing, look in the mirror and smile. When you do, your brain releases molecules called “neuropeptides,” which act as a form of stress relief along with endorphins such as serotonin and dopamine. Whether you’re feeling chaotic, like Kanye’s verses in “Father Stretch My Hands Pt.1,” or feeling dreamy, like the sound of Best Coast’s “Our Deal,” the song you choose and that big smile will ground you and bring you back to the moment.
Get Dressed to Kick Ass
Mica’s picks: “Aneurysm” by Nirvana, “¡aquí yo mando!” by Kali Uchis
If you like to go with the flow in the morning, putting on a suave song that makes you feel like a badass will make picking out a badass 'fit that much easier. And once you’re dressed to kill, you’ll take that cool, snazzy energy out into the world with you. Even if you’re the type of person who likes to curate your look the night before, you can still blast something that makes you feel like you’re the shit! Whether you're jumping around to fast-paced Nirvana riffs after lacing up your combat boots or glossing your lips to the stylings of a reina like Kali Uchis, making this moment energetic and upbeat will help you dominate the day.
Remind Yourself That Today Is Going To Be A Great Day
Mica’s picks: “I’m Workin’” by Charley Crockett, or “Irie State” by Fortunate Youth (feat. Slightly Stoopid)
Finally, as you settle into your day, whether that be hopping in your car or sitting at your desk before you start working from home, it’s important to verbally remind yourself that any day can be a good day if you want it to be. Letting go of any negative feelings you might harbor from the events of yesterday will help you set the tone for a refreshing new day. This morning moment is pivotal, as you have to center your energy, focusing on your hopes, goals, and aspirations before jumping into the rest of the day. Put on something positive, something groovy, something that will make you feel good as you complete your mini morning meditation.
Some of the world’s most successful people have morning routines that have guided them through struggles, helped them tackle huge obstacles, and afforded them a path to success. Setting yourself up to have a good day goes beyond a cup of coffee and a hot shower — it’s about finding a morning ritual that makes you feel like a boss, and there’s truly no better way to get into that mindset than creating a playlist that will soundtrack your own trek towards greatness.