You’ve probably figure out that the way you begin your day sets the tone for how the rest of the day will likely go. So, be thoughtful about how you start it! After reading all the “How To Create a Perfect Morning Routine Articles” that I found in every magazine from Runner’s World to Inc. to Writer’s Digest to Self, I used to beat myself up about not beginning my day with a few yoga poses, some green tea and time to meditate with my higher power. It seemed like that’s what I was “supposed” to do. It seemed like that was the “best” way. Now I’ve realized that
1. Beating myself up about stuff is silly and pointless and 2. That yoga stuff isn’t what I need right now to create the morning routine I need.
No matter what your morning routine is, it should be something that centers you mentally, emotionally, physically. It needs to put you in a positive place to be ready to take on whatever your day holds for you. That is different for each of us because, well, each of us has something different we’re expecting throughout the day. For you, green tea, yoga and meditation might give you what you require, but for me, I know I need to get moving as soon as I can. I love the feeling of the endorphins pumping through my body, I love the satisfaction of lifting a few heavy weights and feeling strong, so I start bright and early with an exercise class followed with coffee, a shower and ten minutes of journaling. This allows me my endorphins, the comfort of coffee, the functionality of my hygiene routine and the centering practice of writing. Then I’m ready to head to work, whether that’s in my home office or somewhere in person.
I’m not saying that’s the way you must begin, but again, the point is to create for yourself a routine that gives you the opportunity to begin your day in a proactive response state rather than a reactive one. I had a good friend that used to begin her day ten minutes after she hit the snooze button on her alarm clock for the third time, jolting from her bed in a mad dash routine of throwing on clothes and makeup, scarfing down breakfast and dashing out the door. I’m sure it’s not hard to believe her days were often stressful and she usually complained about feeling behind.
Beginning our days in such a way puts us immediately in a state of stress and triggers our reactive brain which is not capable of thoughtful problem-solving and strategic thinking. I don’t know about you, but I kinda need some strategic thinking skills throughout my day! SO, what to do, where to start? I urge you to spend some time thinking about what you need in the morning to feel calm. Do you need a cup of coffee and time to chat with kids before they head to school? Do you need a sit-down breakfast? A run? Block the time to make that happen. Then schedule the time it takes to get showered and dressed, working backward from what you want your start time to be. I’m probably not telling you anything new. But, again, I stress the importance of really thinking about what helps you feel your best and be your most productive self.
My number one power tip on creating a strategic morning routine was to prepare for my mornings the night before. These days before I go to bed I take 20 minutes to put away loose papers and notes on my home office desk, prepare my morning coffee and set the auto-drip timer, and put my workout clothes and water bottle on the counter, ready to go. That is a game changer! Okay, that’s all I’ve got for now. I’d love to know what your go-to morning moves are and how you trained yourself to get there.
