Start Your Day Right!

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I have done several blogs and posts on the importance of having a morning routine.  I always come back to this because we are always so busy I believe it is really important to take time for yourself.  If you are like me, if you don’t take time in the morning, you won’t get any at all.  So I am here to remind you that if you want to take some time for yourself and practice self care, it helps to start by working on your morning routine. If you are just hopping out of bed, grabbing breakfast, and running out the door, you are probably already stressed by the time you get into your car. Here are a few tips to create a better morning routine.

Catch up on a Good Book
If you can set your alarm for an earlier time, it gives you the chance to catch up on your reading. Find a book that is inspirational and helps motivate you for the day. Read just a few pages or a whole chapter, depending on how much free time you have. This can be while you are having your morning coffee, or when your muffins are in the oven. Take advantage of these quiet moments and become absorbed in your favorite book.  I love devotionals for this or books with quotations.  I leave time for this but not a lot so I like something short and sweet that positively sets my outlook for the day.

A Little QT With Some Caffein
Whether you drink coffee or tea in the morning, you can make this part of your self care ritual. Try to have your first cup of coffee in the morning all alone and in silence. You can read a paper, write in your journal, or sit on your patio and listen to the birds chirping as the sun comes up. This is another great reason to wake up a little earlier than everyone else in your household. You will be amazed by how much better you feel with just a few minutes to yourself.
 I do this a little differently, and I feel this is important to note, you need to find what will work for you! After I get downstairs I make my tea, breakfast and lunch at the same time.  While I am doing this I usually listen to a book on audible.  I have my quiet time in my car in the parking lot at work while I eat my breakfast and drink my tea.  I do this because if I leave early enough I don’t hit traffic, and then I am completely relaxed while I eat.  No stress about leaving on time or possibly getting to work late.  I am sharing this because morning routines can look very different for everyone.

Unplug 
When you are trying to start a new morning routine for self care purposes, you should try unplugging all devices. Don’t try to enjoy a few minutes to yourself by using your cell phone or checking email. At the very least do not check or go on social media first thing. Checking social media too much can add stress and this is what we are working against. I use my phone for audible but possibly for you it would be a good idea to turn all electronics off during your self care time in the morning and not turn it on until you absolutely need it. If you choose to do this, a good practice to try is to turn your cell phone off after the alarm goes off to wake you up in the morning.  This one can be hard as I use my phone to check the time but if you have other clocks this is a great option.

Meditate
The morning is also the ideal time to meditate and repeat mantras. Mantras are sayings or words that help to center your focus and make it easier to meditate. You can also try breathing exercises or traditional meditation. Even just five minutes of this can be extremely helpful in facing your day.  If you want to and have time to, take a walk in the morning and that can also help you to meditate.  For those of you who find exercising in the morning works best for you, yoga is a great option here.

Setting up your morning routine should be fun!  Maybe at first it will be hard to wake up a little earlier but the pay off is amazing.  It can definitely change your mood and for the better.  It is just an example of what small simple shifts in life can do for you and your family!

​Have a great day!