morning routine
Hand made meditation cards made by yours truly!
I have wanted to write this post for a while but I always seem to get side tracked by wanting to share a new tasty recipe. But not today!
Over the last year, I have been exploring and experimenting with different morning routines. There have been a number of books recently published on this subject. After listening to Hal Elrod being interviewed on the Deliciously Ella’s podcast (Season 4, Episode 10), I delved into his book, ‘The Morning Miracle’ which was a fascinating read. If you research this topic online, you will soon learn that the most successful people in the world all have a specific morning routine. While everyone’s morning routine might be a little different, there are also many shared commonalities. Meditation, movement, positivity, affirmations, breath work and creativity all appear to be the major components of many morning routines. While I loved Hal Elrod’s book, his recommended morning routine typically takes about an hour. As a working mother, I definitely don’t have an hour to myself in the morning (unless I want to wake up at 5am, which I don’t!). So, I have been figuring out what I do have time for and what gets me out of bed in the morning! Here is my morning routine..I try to do all of these every day. It doesn’t always happen but it’s something to aim for. Most of the items are small and don’t take a long time. It’s really about prioritizing me and my needs upon waking and not letting my day be dictated by other people’s needs and their energy. In an ideal world, I try not to look at my phone until after I have showered.
I should add that in order for me to complete all of this without being interrupted, I get up about 15 to 20 minutes earlier than the rest of the family. I love the quiet and don’t feel guilty about being needed as everyone else is asleep!
Hydrate/Cup of Tea
Upon waking, I drink a glass of water and then make myself a cup of tea. My current favorite is Republic of Tea’s, Vanilla Almond Black Tea. It’s delicious. Just the smell of the tea makes me smile!
10 Minute Morning Meditation
Then I find a cozy place to sit (right now, that’s in front of my fireplace) and I meditate, armed with my cup of tea. I don’t sit cross legged on the floor. Instead, I wrap myself in a warm blanket and sit on my sofa. It’s super comfortable and perfect for first thing in the morning. I either meditate with Headspace or on my own. Depending upon the time, I join a group meditation with Headspace but if not then I work my way through one of the many courses or daily meditations on the app. The guided meditation keeps me focused and because it’s only 10 minutes (you can choose the length), I know that I have time to complete the meditation. Other times, I use hand made meditation cards (made by yours truly) and spend 5 or 10 minutes reflecting on the chosen word and repeating it to myself.
Daily Gratitude
Next, it’s time for a gratitude practice. I simply write down three things that I am grateful for in my life. It’s quick and easy.
Invigorating Shower
Time to shower. I use an invigorating sugar or salt scrub to rehydrate my skin. My current favorite is a combination of wild orange and lemon essential oils with dead sea salt and Vitamin E oil. Oh so good!
Movement
After dropping Jade at school, I return home and head outside for a walk or roll out my yoga mat for a little mindful movement. Whenever possible, I opt to be outside as I can soak up the beauty of nature while also exercising. It’s a double shot of happiness!
In an ideal world, once all of the above is complete, then I sit down (probably with a smoothie) and start my work day. I am invigorated, refreshed and ready for the day ahead.
So what does your morning routine look like? Take a moment to really think about your morning routine. Does it benefit you? What could you differently to benefit you? What makes you happy first thing in the morning? How could you incorporate some of the above ideas into your day?
Creating a routine should be fun. Try something new but if it doesn’t work for you, then don’t be afraid to change it. I have spent the last 10 months refining my routine so know that finding your own routine, may take a while.
Morning Positivity Kits can now be purchased at my newly created Etsy Shop called ARainbowADayCreations. The kit includes a set of meditation cards, a gratitude jar and an essential oil roller.
Enjoy!