Hi ,
For the longest time, I thought I couldn't stick to a morning routine. I'd make plans to wake up at 4:00 AM every morning, do an intense workout, journal, eat breakfast, and then get ready for work. I actually stuck with this routine for a while but it just wasn't sustainable.
Why? Because that routine didn't actually meet my desires and needs. I thought I had to follow it in order to be "successful" at reaching my fitness and career goals but I now know that's not true.
The first thing I needed to do was figure out what my body truly needed. It didn't want or need 4:00 AM high-intensity workouts. It didn't want a scattered brain from scrolling on social media or reading work emails before the sun came up. My body was craving ease at the start of the day, not chaos.
I reassessed what worked and what didn't and came up with a routine I love. This routine does wonders for my mental health and it really nourishes my body before I take on the day.
Here's what I've been doing every morning before work:
- Drink water and make tea
- 10 or 15-min guided meditation
- Practice a 20-min easy yoga flow to open my hips and release any tension from the night's sleep
- Journal anything that comes to mind; reflect on the previous day
- Finally, check phone messages and emails and get ready for work
As a reminder, I recently quit my full-time job so I have a lot more free time in the morning than I used to. But , that doesn't mean that a new morning routine isn't available to you if you have more responsibilities. Could your morning use a refresh? Here are a few small actions you can take that can go a long way:
- Pick out your clothes the night before
- Make your bed
- Light a candle
- 5-10 minute yoga or meditation
- Avoid social media or work emails when waking up
Have some other ideas? What's one thing you can refresh about your mornings? I'd love to hear from you.
