Let’s chat about morning routines! I’ve always been a big believer in having a consistent morning routine and one that empowers me for the day. Our morning habits can create the flow of our day and helps set the stage for our mental state of mind. Starting each day energized, with clear mind and open heart begins with having a morning routine the works for you not against you.
My morning routine has been ever fluid based on what season of life I am in. A few basics that have always been a part of my morning routine are lighting a candle, reading, praying and meditating, exercise and enjoying a cup of coffee. Of course, I can’t leave out the fact that I love eating breakfast and getting a good nutritional start to the day! Doing these things puts me in a good space and fills me up. I also suggest writing or journaling and if I am not in the mood to journal, I at minimum write down a few things I am grateful for so that is at the forefront of my mind.
Morning routines can vary from person to person because you need to establish practices of how you begin your day of things that give YOU energy, fuel your body, mind and soul so you can enter the day with balance, focus, enthusiasm and curiosity. My most active energy comes in the earlier part of the day and morning workouts have always been what’s is best for me, however, there is no right way to structure that. Some people absolutely hate exercising in the morning and have a more natural rhythm later in the day. Beware of anyone that says you must do these things…. xyz… only in the mornings such as you must exercise in the early mornings. I do feel it is a helpful morning practice to ensure you get the body energized and get you some movement in the day before so many other circumstances can distract you from working out but exercise any time of day is beneficial. Your self awareness of knowing what works best for you is what matters most!
When I was a young single, working mother, mornings involved rising VERY early to get my quiet time. I would read, pray and enjoy a cup of coffee before doing a workout. Workouts were at home in the mornings or sometimes they would have to be after work at the gym if I had someone to help watch my son after work. Other times in my life, my exercise would always take place early in the morning because I learned my body and found that my prime time is morning and I didn’t have as much energy for evening workouts. Again, self awareness comes into play here and knowing when exercise or what routines work best for you.
Take the time to discover what routines best sets you up for the most success for each day. Determine what practices (in the morning or as you begin your day) best support you and energize you. Sometimes, it takes a little trial and error before settling into what works and feels the best, but play around with your morning routine until you are in a good groove. Your morning routines should leave you feeling refreshed, focused, encouraged, energized, grounded, and empowered.
Below are a few ideas to included in your morning routine to set the tone for your day:
- Exercise
- Journaling
- Gratitude lists
- Prayer/Meditation
- Walking
- Listen to music
- Reading
Be responsible for your mood, mindset and how you approach each start to the day. Living out your desires and dreams starts with consistent practices, discipline and mindset. Create a routine that makes you feel the most empowered state and ready to thrive through the day!
