GET INSPIRED: CREATE A MORNING ROUTINE
Morning routines. We’ve all got one don’t we. Some are wonderfully effective and kick us off on the right foot for the day and others… well others can leave us feeling stressed before we’ve even stepped out the door.
Like most, I’ve had both and everything in between. One thing that I’ve learnt though, is that when I’ve set myself up with a great routine, one that I love, my day goes a little better. I hate to say though, and it may not be that cool or sexy but the routine is always the most powerful when ample time is included - this my friends often means an early night. More on that in my Sleep posts.
So, back to an effective routine. It’s funny but it actually took COVID for me to really hit that sweet spot of a successful morning routine - I had the time for trial and error and I didn’t mind if things didn’t work. I wanted to start out with that message here - to get a really great routine, you will probably need to try things a few times before you land on one you love, so get ready to experiment!
WHY IS A MORNING ROUTINE IMPORTANT?
Did you know that 77% of women report feeling overwhelmed or stressed in their everyday life? This statistic highlights the importance of starting your day with intention and mindfulness. By creating a consistent morning routine, you can reduce stress, increase productivity, and improve your overall well-being. Here are some science-backed tips to help you get started:
Wake up with intention: Rather than hitting snooze multiple times, take a few deep breaths, sit up and set an intention for the day ahead. I know, I know, there’s something about that snooze button but don’t be seduced - it doesn’t help, not one little bit! By starting your day with a clear purpose - with a stated intention, you'll be more motivated and focused throughout the day. It doesn’t have to be grand, something simple is perfect. Think about how you want to feel as you move through the day.
Hydrate and nourish: Hydration is key! It sounds so simple doesn’t it but it’s a pretty powerful way to start the day. Hydrating your body with a warm cup of water with lemon or herbal tea (before the coffee! It’s taken me years to learn this, I kid you not!). This will help stimulate digestion and boost your immune system. It will also help if you plan to meditate as well. Follow up with a healthy and nourishing breakfast, such as a smoothie bowl or avocado toast. By nourishing your body with healthy foods, you'll feel more energized and focused throughout the day.
Practice mindfulness: You didn’t think that mindfulness would be left out did you? Adding any form, even just a little mindfulness is a brilliant way to start. So think meditation, journaling, breathwork, yoga, visualisation … Research has shown that mindfulness practices can help reduce stress, improve focus and mental clarity, and increase feelings of happiness and well-being. Why wouldn’t you want a super power like this in your toolkit?
Move your body: Even a few minutes of gentle movement, such as stretching or yoga, can help wake up your body and get your blood flowing. It can even be star jumps (yes, I have done this), a walk, pilates, whatever hits the spot. This will help increase energy levels and reduce stiffness throughout the day.
Reading: Reading is really making the grade when it comes to a powerful morning routine. Even a quick couple of pages can make a difference. Make sure that it’s not on your phone though!
Practice gratitude or Journal: Take a few minutes to reflect on what you're grateful for. Write down three things that you appreciate in your life. Focusing on gratitude can help shift your mindset towards positivity and increase feelings of happiness and well-being. Want to go further, then try Morning Pages.
By incorporating these simple practices into your morning routine, you'll set yourself up for a more peaceful, productive, and fulfilling day ahead. Remember, creating a morning routine is all about finding what works best for you and your lifestyle. Experiment with different practices and find what makes you feel most centered and energized. You don’t have to do them all, try just one for a week and see how you feel - remember, it’s a marathon and not a sprint.