The way you begin your day is so vitally important for how the rest of your day will go. There are many scientifically proven benefits that come from developing a morning routine.
They include
Increased productivity
Improved focus
Lower stress levels
Gets you in the right state of mind for the rest of your day
Stops the day from controlling you
Helps to develop healthy habits
Boosts your energy levels
Combats forgetfulness
Releases physical and mental tension
And much much more
Just the thought of a morning routine can put people off straight away. For all you late risers, I get it I was once you.
I loved my bed, the warmth, the comfort, all of it. When my alarm went off I would snooze, snooze, snooze. When I finally got up I still felt tired and I would end up in a ‘I can’t be bothered with anything’ mindset.
Its taken a while but honestly a morning routine has brought so many benefits into my life.
Here are my simple strategies and the routine I use pretty much everyday:
1. I get up at the same time everyday, 6am, apart from Sunday’s (I do this on the days I work which are mon-sat).
2. I use an alarm clock and not my phone (if you automatically go straight to your phone you start your day off in REACTIVE mode instead of PROACTIVE mode).
3. I choose to make it a priority and not an option
I have the same routine;
Alarm goes off, I sometimes snooze it but very rarely and ONLY ONCE!!!!!
I go for a shower
I get back into to bed and do a meditation
I go downstairs and have my coffee
I take Kobe (my doggie) out for a walk
Come back and have my breakfast
Then I start my day
Even though I am pretty strict with my routine it does sometimes change. Just because you have created a structured morning routine doesn’t mean it won’t sometimes need to be adapted, allow life to flow but if the intention isn’t there then you won’t ever do it.
People have different routines, some might go straight to the gym or do a workout, some might do yoga, some might read a book, some might listen to a podcast, some might go for a swim. Choose a mindful movement that is free of WATCHING things on your devices. Listening is good as long as its motivational of educational. Get yourself in the right frame of mind in the morning and it’s easier to maintain that throughout the day. Fail to do this and you are giving the day permission to take control. You get to choose.
Break it down and make it easy for yourself.
Start by getting up 20 minutes earlier and do a 10 minute yoga practice and a 10 minute meditation or a 20 minute walk or 20 minute run etc.
Then when it becomes a habit you can increase the time and add more beneficial things into your morning routine.
It is hard at the start and that’s why I just started with 10 minutes and not an hour. I was getting up at 7am, then it went to 6.30am and now its 6am. This gives me time for a meditation, a walk and a podcast, all before I sit down to eat breakfast and then start my working day.
Try it for 1 week and just notice the positive changes it has to your mindset and perception of the day as well as your reactions. You may notice that you don’t react the same way as you once did to challenging situations.
The most important thing in order to keep this consistent is to make it your own. Make it work for your lifestyle.
Here is a sneak peak of my morning routine, hopefully it helps to inspire you:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CanNkmpKC9K/
Sending love and light
Jen
Xxx