How does your morning usually start? The sound of the alarm clock rings out, not once, but multiple times. We snooze it, hoping for just a few extra minutes of sleep. Eventually, we drag ourselves out of bed and go through the usual routine—bathroom, kitchen, maybe a hurried breakfast, and then out the door. More often than not, we skip breakfast entirely, relying on office snacks later, and rush into a packed bus or sit in traffic. If we have a moment, we scroll through the news feed, only to find it filled with negative headlines.

With a start like this, it’s no wonder that creativity or fresh ideas are the last thing on our minds. Now, I’m not saying this happens to everyone every single day. But let’s be honest—many of us are guilty of immediately checking emails or turning on the computer the moment we wake up. The problem is, this kind of rushed, stressful morning isn’t doing our brains any favors. In fact, research in psychology and neuroscience suggests it might be the worst way to start your day.

How Your Morning Routine Impacts Your Mind

Psychologists have long been interested in how our morning routines shape our productivity and creativity throughout the day. Recent studies have shown that we often start our mornings in ways that go against the very principles of cognitive flexibility and open-minded thinking. Instead of easing into the day, we bombard our brains with stress and distractions.

A fascinating study published in the journal Thinking and Reasoning by Marieke Weise and Rose Zaks revealed that creativity thrives in a relaxed, unfocused state. When we are groggy and still waking up, our minds are actually more open to wandering thoughts and unexpected ideas. This state of mind, which is sometimes called the “incubation period,” allows our thoughts to meander freely, exploring different corners of our subconscious. This is when some of the best ideas can emerge, almost like hidden treasures we stumble upon.

But what happens when we jolt ourselves awake and dive straight into the chaos of the day? We immediately activate the stress response system, releasing the hormone cortisol. You’ve probably heard that cortisol is the “stress hormone,” but did you know it can actually slow down our thought processes? Cortisol affects the myelin sheath—the protective layer around our neurons. When myelin is damaged, the speed of communication between brain cells decreases. So instead of having an “aha moment,” we end up feeling mentally sluggish and uninspired.

Setting the Tone for a Positive Morning

So how should we start our mornings? The answer is simpler than you might think: with calm and ease. Try setting your alarm just 10 minutes earlier, and instead of leaping out of bed, allow yourself a moment to stretch and enjoy the warmth of your blanket. It’s not just a pleasant way to wake up—it can actually help prevent muscle strain and prepare your body for the day.

Next, take a shower without any specific thoughts about work or problems. Just focus on the sensation of the water and let your mind wander. This is a time when your brain is in a more relaxed, creative state. Avoid jumping straight into the stressful news cycle. Instead, consider watching something light or uplifting—a funny video or beautiful photography. It may sound trivial, but this small change can set a positive tone for the entire day. Psychologists have studied the effects of different types of content on our mood, and it turns out that positive stimuli can boost our creativity and make us more resilient to stress.

Why Stress in the Morning is Counterproductive

It’s no secret that starting the day with stress can ruin the rest of it. When we feel overwhelmed right from the get-go, our brains go into survival mode. This state is useful if we’re facing a real threat, but it’s not ideal when we need to be productive or creative. Prolonged exposure to stress can impair cognitive functions, making it harder to focus and solve problems.

When you wake up feeling anxious about your to-do list or a difficult meeting, your brain isn’t operating at its best. Instead, try starting your day with activities that promote a calm, positive mindset. This could be a few moments of deep breathing, light stretching, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee while watching the sunrise.

The Secret to a Productive Day

Remember, the way you start your morning sets the stage for your entire day. If you jump into stress and distractions, your brain won’t have the space it needs for creative thinking. But if you give yourself time to wake up gently and embrace a moment of calm, you’ll be better prepared to tackle the day’s challenges.

The goal isn’t just to avoid stress but to cultivate a mindset that allows for mental clarity and creativity. Neuroscientists and psychologists agree that our most brilliant ideas often come when we’re in a relaxed state, not when we’re rushing around. So why not give yourself a chance to have a breakthrough moment? Start your morning with calm, curiosity, and a sense of openness, and see how it transforms your day.