Your mental health starts when you rise, so take the time to set yourself up for a positive start to finish.
Have you ever felt as if you were awake for plenty of time in the morning, but you are still rushed to get out of the house on time and your headspace feels cluttered? I totally get it! This has been me on and off for years, but I am here to tell you, this doesn’t have to be our story. Morning routines are such an important part of my days now. Not only do they let me ease into my day, but they are proven to improve our peace of mind from the start of the day to the end. In turn, you are more focused and productive throughout the day. Win-win!
Ready to start? Do it! Start by not hitting the snooze button. Give yourself 30-90 minutes. You will not regret making time for yourself and showing up for it, even if it means waking up a little earlier. According to Jim Collins, it is not about adding another thing to your plate but rather taking away what is not necessary from your mornings. Try taking out scrolling through social media and emails as soon as you wake up and replacing it with an intentional morning routine. That does not mean technology cannot play a part in your morning. It is just best to set your boundaries with how it will work FOR you. Intentionality is the name of the game.
So what do you do with that time?
- Move your body- Moving wakes up your body and prepares you for the day. It doesn’t have to be anything intense (unless you want). Yoga, stretching, or a walk are perfect!
- Practice stillness- Meditation, breathing, and prayer practice stilling your mind. It is not about forgetting all thoughts, but instead, identifying them, letting go of them if necessary, and making space in your mind. This mindfulness is proven to improve focus throughout the day and short term and long-term mental health.
- Fuel your beautiful body- This may take some prep the night before, but it is worth it! Fuel your body with yummy and nutritious foods.
- Start your day with water- Starting with water starts your day by giving your body what it needs to function. It is recommended to start your morning with 8-16 oz.
- Feed your mind and spirit- Reading, journaling, or listening to podcasts are great ways to start your day with positive energy and reflection.
- Listen to music- Music is known to light up all parts of the brain. It improves people’s mood, and it can enhance any practice you choose to include in your morning routine.
Regardless of what morning routine you choose, my #1 piece of advice is to be flexible. My routine has gone through many changes with each new season of life. Keep what serves you and feel free to let go of what does not. It is not ironclad. Just be consistent and continuously evaluate how it is going. Most importantly, remember that this is about showing up for yourself, so you can keep being fabulous!
Content written by: Anna Bratton
annabrattoncopywriter.com