14 Ideas to Create a
Soul-Nourishing Morning Routine
Which
of these two scenarios do you relate to most?
Scenario
One:
Your mornings are spent relaxed, focused and thoughtful. You take time for a
nourishing breakfast, some quiet reflection or exercise, and you start your day
primed and ready for what ever it is you'll be doing.
Scenario
Two:
Your mornings are... definitely not that. You're lucky if you have more than a
few minutes to shower, breakfast is on the run (or not at all), and you start
your day rushing.
The
first one sounds amazing, doesn't it? It sounds like pure indulgence... imagine
if your mornings were quiet, relaxed and thoughtful. Imagine starting your day
feeling focused, energized, ready, and with a clear idea of what you want to
accomplish.
Make
it happen: Try a 20 minute morning* routine.
This
might mean getting out of bed 20 minutes earlier, but trust me -- it will be
worth it.
*Little
ones might make achieving this in the morning tough. If you prefer, you might
like to shift this routine to the evening -- after baths and bedtime!
Create
your routine by choosing some ideas that appeal to you from the list below. You
might need to try a few different things before you get a routine that you
like, and that's fine. Find the combination that suits you best.
Julia
Cameron suggests this practice in The Artist's Way. The idea is to pick up a
pen as soon as you wake, and write three pages of anything. Anything that comes
to mind, even if it's, "This is weird and I don't really know what to say,
but I have to fill three pages with words, so I guess these words will
do." You don't need to think about it. Just write. This exercise helps to
rid yourself of random thoughts, worries, questions and anything else you may
have on your mind.
2.
Yoga
You
get a beautiful, whole body stretch. It's gentle and relaxing but challenging
too -- your muscles are stiff and tight in the morning... you may struggle to
touch your knees, let alone your toes! It doesn't take long to loosen up,
though. You'll find your flexibility will progress much faster by doing yoga in
the morning. YouTube is a great resource to find yoga routines that you can do
at home.
If
you haven't meditated before, the "sit in silence and think of
nothing" style can be difficult. Alternatives such as gratitude (or
empathy, or love, or another similar emotion) meditation may be more enjoyable
when you're starting out. This involves sitting comfortably in a quiet space,
closing your eyes and concentrating on emitting gratitude out toward the world.
Visually, this can look however you want. Conjure the feeling of gratitude, and
let it flow out of you. Imagine gratitude beaming out, flowing out, or you
giving it to people.
4.
Music
Create
a playlist that makes you feel great in the morning -- whether it's relaxing,
upbeat or mentally stimulating. What you listen comes down to personal taste,
of course, but I would avoid anything too heavy first thing. Choose something
that reflects how you want to feel throughout the day.
5.
Podcasts
A
motivating podcast playing in the background while you're making breakfast,
running or even having a shower is a great way to motivate you for the day
ahead.
6.
Online #Inspiration
If
you do jump online in the morning, keep it positive. Avoid emails, Facebook,
news -- anything that distracts you or alters your frame of mind. The exception
to going online in the mornings is for a little inspiration. This might be for
a uplifting blog or video, or a hashtag and Instagram account. I put this in my
morning routine if I'm getting up earlier than I usually do, as the light from
the phone and mental stimulation wakes me up instantly... and this is why you
should avoid your phone or iPad before you go to bed! There is a fine line with
this, of course -- you don't want your time online to dominate your morning.
7.
Run
Jumping
out of bed, tying your shoes up, and hitting the pavement can give you a
powerful and invigorating start to your day. Make it easy for yourself by
having your running gear ready to put on as soon as you get up. You'll find it
easier to stick to if you practically roll out of bed and into your shoes!
8. Herbal Tea
You can make your own fresh blend by picking homegrown herbs and steeping in hot water, or stock up on your favorite blend. There's something ceremonial about tea -- it slows you down, but in a good way. Everything about tea is relaxing, it's a moment to be savored and enjoyed. Coffee, on the other hand, is fast -- could you imagine ordering a herbal tea to takeaway? Although, if coffee is more your thing, go for it. Turn it into a ceremony in itself -- quality coffee, a special mug, a drop of honey.
9.
Lemon and Water
Try
fresh lemon squeezed into a glass of warm water to kick start your metabolism
and get your digestive system working.
10.
Prayers or Mantra
Create
your own ritual and incorporate stretching, any sort of mantra, chanting,
poetry, prayers or singing, any type of meditation or relaxation you like. This
can all be done within five to ten minutes -- longer if you wish.
11.
Walk or Sit Outside
You
can't beat crisp, fresh air in the morning. Go for a short walk, or just spend
a few minutes sitting outside and relaxing. You might like to combine your
outside time with yoga, your morning pages, your tea, coffee, or breakfast, or
meditation. If you have a beautiful view or garden, this step is almost
mandatory!
12.
Wake With the Sun
If
you're lucky enough to have your bedroom window positioned away from street
lights, try sleeping with your curtains open. The natural light will wake you
in the morning (use an alarm as a back up to start!) and leave you feeling
refreshed. It's a beautiful way to be woken each morning.
13.
Breakfast
You're
busy. You're active. You're getting it done. And to pull this off, you need
fuel. Even if you find it difficult to eat early in the morning, increased
activity in the morning will usually work up your appetite. At the very least,
try a fresh fruit salad. At the most - pretend you are serving up a special and
fancy breakfast for close friends who have come to stay. Set the table, use
silverware, have a flower in a vase and enjoy. Even something as simple as
eggs, toast, fruit and tea can look like a Sunday treat.
14.
Daily Planning
Breakfast
can be a great time to plan out your day. Take a moment to jot down your daily
tasks, any phone calls or appointments you have, and any simple To Dos you need
to check off. You can also highlight the three most important things you need
to get done that day -- even if nothing else gets done, you want to at least to
check off those three things.
What
would you like to try?
Combine
the ones you like the sound of, and trial your routine for at least a month.
See what changes you enjoy. Hopefully, you'll find yourself more relaxed,
focused and positive throughout your day.
Misty Sansom Writer and Personal Coach at mistysansom.com
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