7 Ways To Create A Morning Routine That Works For You (Part 2)
So what do I actually do? Most days I do seven things religiously, and the whole routine takes about half an hour. Depending on how I feel after my staple seven, and what else I have happening, I may also add an eighth practice of ‘soaking up inspiration’.
This usually takes 10-15 minutes on its own and involves reading a page in a book like Heart Thoughts by Louise Hay or Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach, listening to an inspiring podcast or checking out one of your favourite blogs or the like.
The reason I like those books is because they are broken down into single page topics or individual chapters for every day of the year. But I don’t make time for this every single day.
Here are the things I do make time for daily, in order of how I do them, and that might work for you too.
1. Give yourself time to wake up
Instead of rubbing your eyes and jumping out of bed, lay there for two minutes more. Feel your body, stretch your toes. Give thanks for waking to a new day and thank your body for the amazing job it does.
2. Re-hydrate
Have big glass of water (or two) after you wake up. There are many benefits for doing this but the main reason I do is because even if you don’t feel like it, your body needs it! You have just gone 7-8 hours without drinking anything!
3. Stretch
How good does it feel to stretch!? You might feel good by doing some basic stretches of your limbs, trunk and neck in your bedroom (or shower – just be careful!) or you may prefer to do a more structured routine such as tai chi or yoga. This can take as short or long as you like. Most days I simply do a 5 minute sequence, unless I feel like I need more.
4. Meditate
This is one of my favourite things to do. In the beginning it was hard. It was awkward. I was trying to be still and clear my thoughts but my head was in overdrive saying ‘hurry up’. ‘I’ve got to do this, this and this before we can go’. ‘Ohhh I have a meeting at work this morning. ‘Oh gosh I have to make sure I go to the shops in my break to get coconut oil’. ‘Uggh, that bill is due today’… You see where I’m going! It didn’t take long for me to be able to stay in the moment for a little longer, then the next week a little longer, until before I knew it, it was just happening.
There are stacks of guided meditations available too, such as Headspace. I really enjoy lighting a beautiful candle or putting essential oils in my diffuser while I am doing this also. Your practice doesn’t need to be for half an hour, anything is better than nothing! I usually aim for around 10 minutes.
5. Journal
Straight after meditating I like to journal. More often than not this only takes me 5 minutes as I do the bulk of my journaling at night. In the morning I use my journal to set my intention (or goals) for the day. I also write down my affirmations or ‘I am’ statements such as ‘I am rested and energised’. Of course if there is anything else that I need to get out onto paper at the time, then I will do that too.
6. Spread happiness
This usually takes me about a minute. A simple message, text or note to someone to let them know I am thinking about them, or I love them or am wishing them well for something specific such as a birthday or event. Not only do you make yourself smile, but usually someone else too!
7. Make a list
I am a notorious list writer. You know the type that writes ‘make a list for x’ on their current to do list? Yes, that’s me. I always feel much more relaxed when I get things down on paper so I don’t need the thought lingering around in my brain anymore. It might include things I need to do or get that day. This only takes a couple of minutes.
As you can see, my whole routine only takes about 25-30 minutes. And by spending that time with myself it definitely sets me up for the day. If you can do one or more of these things outside in the sunshine it would be even more amazing!
I also have a ‘do not disturb’ setting on my phone that activates between 9:30pm and 6:30am. This setting disables all sounds and notifications during that time – a great feature to use instead of flight mode in case someone needs you in an emergency. Once my staple seven are done, of course I then usually check my phone!
What are the things you feel could make a difference to your day. What will help set the tone for the day you want? What routine is going to work for YOU?
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