Has depression been showing its ugly face first thing in the morning? Don't just tussle with your alarm clock; wrestling with your mental health monster can make mornings seem like an uphill climb on an escalator moving downwards. But hey, we are here to make your mornings less ‘drag yourself out of bed’ and more ‘jump-start into the day.' Dr. Rebecca Brendel, a rebel against health clichés, recommends a morning routine to push back at depression.

When you have depression, mornings don’t just come with sleepy eyes and tangled hair. It's like waking up with an emotional hangover or like you’ve used up your day’s quota of energy even before you step out of bed. Add factors like poor sleep, having to fire up your brain for mundane decisions and seasonal changes, and suddenly it sounds like an episode of Fear Factor – Morning Edition.

Enter: A power-packed morning routine. Dr. Christina Lee believes that a set routine gives your brain a roadmap for the morning, reducing decision fatigue and stress. And feeling in control in the morning can help you feel productive and motivated for the rest of your day. So, let’s delve into how to cast a magic spell on your mornings, even when depression attempts to play the wicked witch.

1. Prep for the morning the night before. No, we’re not talking about choosing your outfit or setting your coffee maker. Learn the rules of good sleep hygiene and stick to them.

2. Wake up with a sunrise alarm clock. They ease you from the realm of dreams into reality with gradually increasing light, replicating natural sunlight.

3. Make your bed. Not just to impress your mom but to savor that ‘Job well Done’ feeling.

4. Try Journaling. It’s like therapy but cheaper.

5. Bring in the power of scents. Certain aromas like coffee, peppermint, rosemary, and sage appear to conspire in boosting your alertness.

6. Breathe. Practice deep breathing or meditate for a few minutes. Om Shanti, my friend.

7. Fix yourself a morning brew. Coffee, tea, smoothie – pick your poison.

8. Efficiently kick-off tasks. Do the smaller chores like dishwashing in the morning, freeing up the rest of the day.

9. Get moving. The more you move, the higher your mood scales. Go run, do yoga or simply stretch.

10. Keep an accountability buddy. Reach out to a friend or family member to check-in and keep you on track.

11. Start small, grow tall. Begin with small tasks and add more gradually.

12. Bathe in small victories. Celebrate the small wins like successfully following your morning routine or getting a good night’s sleep.

Crafting your morning is part of making your own life’s narrative. Flip the script on depression and kick-start a power-packed morning to conquer the rest of the day. Feel the depression? Heck, let it feel you charging into the day!