Daily Routine
Creating and establishing a productive morning routine has long been a staple in the lives of the most successful and peaceful people around us. Doctors and therapists like clinical psychologist Ryan Howes, Ph.D., confirm:
“a healthy, low-stress, focused morning routine sets the tone for the whole day.”
But fine-tuning a morning routine that works for your individual needs can be daunting, and creating a new habit can feel downright impossible. We’ve all been there! Coffee pot gurgling, yoga mat unfurled on the floor, and...somehow we find ourselves back in bed, scrolling social media and giggling at memes, justifying it as our last hit of serotonin before heading to the office.
So, how do we effectively implement the change we want to see in our mornings? Consider the following as you make your first steps:
Start small.
It takes about 30 days to make or break a habit, no matter how inconsequential it may be. So begin your morning transformation with tasks that ask for no more than a few minutes of your time! Then it will seem unreasonable to skip them in the morning, and you’ll find the habit builds itself. Consider:-
Make your bed!
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Drink a glass of water
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Stretch
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Make a to-do list for the day
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Write down 5 things you’re grateful for
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Make a cup of coffee or tea
Be consistent.
We’ll never tell you that there’s a magic time to wake up each morning. Everyone’s life is different, and everyone’s internal clock ticks uniquely, so your wake-up time is up to you! The important thing is to commit to waking up at that time consistently. Teach your body what you need in order to start your day right.
Check in.
You’re setting great goals for yourself that will enhance your mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Make sure you’re checking in on your progress! Keep a journal in which you jot down notes about how you’re feeling about your new routine, and don’t be afraid to admit when something is just not working for you the way you thought it would.
Be adaptable!
Not everyone is built for a daily yoga practice, and not everyone likes the same morning beverage every day. Be flexible and prepared to make changes as needed: this is about you and your needs, after all! You’ll know best.
More than anything, developing a morning routine should mean building habits that serve you and your lifestyle. Only you know what the best version of yourself looks like, and only you can be the one to deliver it to you. Move forward with patience and grace, and watch as a more considered life unfolds before you.