I love mornings. And yes, I realise that some of you may not understand this statement at all. I love the feeling of waking up early with a new day ahead, full of promise. Mornings are when I feel most productive. But even I can find it challenging sometimes to leave my comfy bed, which is why I love my morning ritual to help ease me into the day.
Our brains thrive on habits and routines because they give space to our grey matter to learn, think and make decisions. And because mornings can be chaotic as you try to get out the door, while still feeling a bit groggy, letting your brain guide you through a set routine may be just the boost you need to start the day on the right foot.
Each morning I begin with exercise, my morning skincare and then a nourishing breakfast. I don’t have to think about what I’m going to do once I get up; my body craves and follows the regular practice I have established to get my day started.
When I first started learning about the importance of morning rituals, I saw suggestions to start the day an hour earlier than normal. And while I aspire to adding meditation, journaling and reading to my ritual, this has not translated into my alarm going off 60 minutes earlier. Yet.
Other morning rituals you might consider include: reciting affirmations, drinking hot water with lemon, yoga and reviewing personal goals.
Please note, checking social media and email do not form part of a successful morning routine. This is because they do not allow you a gentle transition from sleep to wake focusing on gathering your mind, body and spirit together to carry you through the day.
If you’re just starting to establish a morning ritual, I highly recommend starting with just one activity. While this may grow to include others as you discover the power of the morning and how starting it consistently sets your day up for success, it’s always important to be realistic when integrating new routines. Taking smaller, thoughtful, achievable steps will help you be successful in establishing this ritual.
Perhaps equally important to the slow, steady approach of morning routine establishment is the commitment to go to bed at a regular time, allowing enough sleep so that you wake feeling well rested. Sleepis so important to our bodies and minds and with the best will in the world, if you don’t get enough sleep, your morning alarm won’t sound like an invitation to start your day right, but rather a loud reminder that you are tired.
Do you have a morning ritual? What do you do?