My life before a morning routine seemed chaotic from the minute the alarm clock went off. I would no doubt reach over, press sleep numerous times, oversleep, and then jump out of bed in a panic because I was running late.
I would be in a bad mood and my energy would affect everyone in the household and put them in a bad mood. Doors were slamming, voices were raised, and everyone was rushing. I was behind the ‘eight ball’ freaking out about the stressful day ahead and now I have added to the stress by running late.
I would be open to the world by checking my messages and emails and became very reactive to their demands. I would turn the radio on to allow the wider world to further bring my mood down by hearing the doom and gloom from the morning news. All this and it was not even 7.30 am. Exhausting much?
You can never connect the dots moving forward, however, in retrospect, my morning routine rituals were the best thing that has ever happened to me and has without a doubt profoundly changed my life.
For the last 10 years, I have been waking up well before the family, usually at 5.30 am. This is my time to be with myself before I allow anyone or anything to disturb my peace. It is my favorite time of the day.
I never press sleep; however, I will roll over and intentionally move my mind to gratitude, even before I have gotten out of bed. My gratitude is not empty rhetoric of reciting things I am grateful for. I try and attach it to the feel. For instance, I am so grateful for my coffee and thank goodness I have milk I remember a time I forgot to buy milk and had to forgo my coffee that morning.
It is tangible and makes me super grateful. The thing is you cannot be anxious and grateful at the same time and a wonderful way to train the brain.
The next thing I do is set an intention for the day. For instance, “I don’t care what happens today, I am going to be joyful”. When we set an intention, it comes back to us in the day.
The other day I was reminded of this when I found myself getting in a huff and puff whilst stuck in a traffic jam. My intention came back into my conscious thought, and I reset.
I turned the music up and settled back in with calm in the traffic. Had I not set my intention, I might have gone down the frustrated cycle which would have not helped the traffic jam just added to the irritation.
I then get up and go and do my morning meditation. It is my medicine, and I will write further about the benefits of meditation in another email.
I refuse to look at my phone for at least an hour after waking up so that I can set up my day on my terms before the world rushes in.
By the time my day starts, I already feel like I have won and then I can calmly wake the rest of the household up and set a beautiful tone for the day.
"If you win your morning, you win your day, if you win your day, you win your life".
Everybody’s morning routine can look different, however, having one is incredibly transformative.
A morning routine is a set of activities or habits that one engages in immediately after waking up. It sets the tone for the rest of the day, and research has shown that a consistent morning routine can lead to increased productivity, better health, and overall well-being.
Here are some reasons why a morning routine is so powerful.
Provides structure and stability:
Having a morning routine provides a sense of structure and stability to your day. When you wake up and follow a set routine, you know exactly what to expect and can avoid feeling overwhelmed or stressed. This stability can help you stay focused and on track throughout the day, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.
Sets a Positive tone for the day:
A morning routine can set a positive tone for the day, helping you feel energized and motivated. Engaging in activities that you enjoy or find meaningful, such as reading, meditating, or exercising, can help you start the day on a positive note. Starting the day with a positive mindset can also help you better handle stress and challenges that may arise later in the day.
Improves physical health:
Many morning routines include physical activity, such as yoga, running, or weightlifting. Engaging in physical activity in the morning can improve your overall health and well-being. Exercise releases endorphins, which can boost your mood and reduce stress levels. It can also improve cardiovascular health, increase muscle strength, and help you maintain a healthy weight.
Boosts mental clarity and focus:
A morning routine can also help boost mental clarity and focus. Activities such as meditation, journaling, or reading can help clear your mind and improve your ability to concentrate. This can be especially beneficial for those who work in high-pressure or demanding environments, where focus and concentration are critical.
Increases productivity:
A consistent morning routine can increase productivity throughout the day. When you start your day with purpose and intention, you are more likely to stay focused and motivated throughout the day. This can help you tackle your to-do list more efficiently and accomplish more in less time.
Provides time for self-care:
A morning routine can also provide time for self-care. Engaging in activities that you enjoy or find relaxing, such as taking a bath, practicing mindfulness, or reading a book, can help reduce stress and promote overall well-being. Taking time for self-care can also help you feel more balanced and centered, which can positively impact other areas of your life.
Creates a sense of accomplishment:
Starting your day with a sense of accomplishment can set a positive tone for the rest of the day. When you engage in activities that you find meaningful or challenging, such as exercising or meditating, you can feel a sense of accomplishment and pride. This can help boost your self-esteem and motivation to tackle other tasks throughout the day.
Promotes better sleep:
A consistent morning routine can also promote better sleep. When you wake up at the same time each day and engage in activities that promote relaxation and calmness, such as meditation or stretching, you can improve your sleep quality. Good sleep quality can help improve your overall health and well-being, including your mood, energy levels, and cognitive function.
A morning routine can be a powerful tool for improving your overall health and well-being. By providing structure and stability, setting a positive tone for the day, improving physical health, boosting mental clarity and focus, increasing productivity, providing time for self-care, creating a sense of accomplishment, and promoting better sleep. A morning routine can have numerous benefits. Whether you prefer to exercise, meditate, read, or engage in other activities, finding a morning routine that works for you can positively impact your life. So why not start tomorrow morning?
