The Mindful Morning Routine

If you have never set a good morning routine for yourself, I would strongly encourage you to start!! A good morning routine can set the tone for a productive and intentional day! Here's a suggested morning routine that can help you be more intentional with your time, productivity, and health:

• Wake up early: Try to wake up earlier than kids (if you have them at home) and at the same time each day.  Giving yourself enough time for your routine and to start the day on a positive note, really helps set the tone for how the rest of the day is going to go!  Even if you have to start waking up just 15 minutes sooner and slowly ease yourself into getting up earlier, that's ok!  The most important thing is that your mindful of it and you start on step in that direction.
• Hydrate: Drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up to rehydrate your body after a night of sleep. I like to add a lemon or a slice of cucumber to make it more refreshing.(after the water, I make the coffeeeeeee…. ) 
• Mindfulness, meditation, or prayer: Spend a few minutes practicing mindfulness, meditation or prayer to center your mind and set a positive tone for the day. Focus on your breath, observe your thoughts without judgment, and cultivate a sense of gratitude. This doesn’t have to last long, but it’s a good activity to just focus on our thoughts and thankfulness before the chaos of the day begins. 
• Movement: Engage in some form of physical activity to energize your body and mind. This could be a workout at the gym, a jog, a yoga session, or even a simple stretching routine. Find something that suits your preferences and get your blood flowing, even for just 15-20 mins.
• Plan your day: Take a few minutes to review your goals and priorities for the day. Write down your to-do list (what can be finished by 1pm??) or use a productivity app to map out your tasks and schedule. Identify the most important tasks that you want to accomplish and allocate time slots for them. (Aka: get your time blocks ready and be aware of what they are!) 
• Healthy breakfast: Make sure you’re eating something other than a processed bowl of sugar… Getting some protein, fruits and veggies is a good way to start the day!
• Learn or read: Dedicate 20 mins to learning or reading. This can be in the form of reading books, articles, or listening to podcasts or educational videos. Choose topics that interest you and help you grow personally or professionally. (Doesn’t include fiction)
• Avoid distractions: Minimize distractions during your morning routine. Put your phone on silent mode or use it only for essential tasks. Stay away from social media or other time-consuming activities that can derail your focus. Waking up before anyone else can also help eliminate distractions from family members. 
• Practice gratitude: Cultivate a mindset of gratitude by acknowledging the things you are grateful for in your life. This can be done through journaling, affirmations, or simply taking a moment to reflect on the positive aspects of your life.

Remember, the key to an effective morning routine is consistency. Stick to your routine and make adjustments as needed to find what works best for you.  I'd love to hear if you have a morning routine that includes any of these point already or if you're willing to start one! 

Chat soon!

Dawn Marie