Creating a morning routine is not focused on who can accomplish the most or check off more boxes than everyone else. Instead, it is about allowing yourself to begin your day with confidence, peace, and a positive attitude.
The morning routine helps us set the tone for the day, better allowing us to control our schedules rather than our schedule controlling us. As we start each day fresh, we can better focus on what is in front of us, where to prioritise our time, and, ultimately, increase our productivity.
Emotional & Physical connection:
Feeling good, physically, can certainly influence how we feel emotionally. We usually don't walk around having the flu with a smile on our face or being overly optimistic.
Additionally, our emotional health can be impacted by how we feel we are managing our day. When we are constantly in a rush and trying to make the next appointment, always running behind, or feeling lost in a sea of tasks, we can easily become overwhelmed, stressed, sad, and frustrated.
Over time, if this were a continual pattern, it makes sense that we could possibly begin to feel hopeless as if we'll never catch up!
Helpful Strategies:
Give yourself time:
Set a reasonable time to wake up.
Don't hit the snooze button.
Give your routine between 30 to 90 minutes.
Try using a light alarm clock - this can be soothing way to start your day
Move your body:
Your previous morning routine might have been to wake up and immediately grab your phone, laying in bed for 45 minutes, scrolling through Instagram, or even checking emails for work.
Remember:
Don't stay in bed when the alarm goes off.
Any movement is helpful, it doesn't have to be intense.
Pilates & yoga, and walking are good examples. Try one of our express 10-15min rise & shine classes :)
Practice stillness:
Yes, we have just told you to move your body but never underestimate the power of stillness. Activities stated below can help you feel grounded, focused, and ready to effectively prioritise your day.
Remember:
Stillness is just as important as movement in the morning.
Practicing stillness helps us learn how to focus our energy.
Meditation, prayer, breathing exercises are good examples.
Fuel your day
The most important meal of the day!
As a child we've likely heard the message that "a good day starts with a good breakfast." And... its true, a healthy breakfast allows us to fuel our bodies properly and can lead to more consistent energy levels, as well as feeling more alert and focused.
Don't allow yourself to make impulsive decisions about food.
Take time to plan and prep a healthy breakfast.
Healthy foods to incorporate include protein, fruit, and whole grains.
Review your day:
As you wrap up your morning routine, it can be helpful to then take an intentional look at your day. Reviewing your day with intent allows you to maintain control over your schedule rather than your schedule controlling you.
Be honest with yourself as you look at your day.
Remember that not everything can be a top priority.
Focus on one thing at a time.
What If I'm Not a Morning Person?
You don't have to naturally be a morning person in order to develop a great morning routine. How you design your morning routine is up to you and based on what you feel motivated to try and what you feel you could be consistent with over the long term. A morning routine won't be effective if it only lasts a few days.
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