Ep 7 – Morning Routines

If there is one thing that the pandemic has taught us, it is to be patient and accept all the things beyond our control. And, one of the things that has truly helped me through this period of uncertainty is sticking to my usual Morning Routine, irrespective of what’s going on around me.

So what is a morning routine?

It is a series of steps or activities you perform in the morning before you start your day. A few of us already have a semblance of a routine – brushing, scrolling social media, a shower (hopefully), watching the news, making breakfast – before you start your main work of the day.
 
Often, people rush into doing these things. You might sleep late, wake up exactly 15 minutes before you have to step out of the house, or in today’s circumstances 5 minutes before your call starts and are late even before you get off your bed.

Why is a morning routine important?

Mornings are a lot more difficult for many of us. But it is important to start your day on the right note. This has several benefits that cannot be overlooked. Starting the day mindfully helps set the tone for the rest of the day. If you start your day running crazily, catching up right from the get-go, chances are- you are going to be running around all day with that stress and anxiety.

Furthermore, establishing a morning routine can help increase your productivity. It is because having the right start to the day can bring clarity which will help you focus on things you want to achieve throughout the day.

Sticking to a morning routine boosts morale significantly. Every night when you go to bed you make a promise to yourself to wake up at a certain time and do something. And every time you keep that promise, you boost your confidence as you start to trust yourself to do it.

So, how can you get started with creating the right routine for yourself?

Get up and get started

There is only one part of your morning routine that takes the longest- your decision to get up. So, start with something small.

If you wake up usually at 9 am every morning don’t set the alarm for 5 am for the next day and expect it to sustain. Rather, move back by one hour from your usual waking time and begin.

Given that there is no set pattern for what you should do – You could consider a combination of few things that work best for you from the list below-

1- Practicing Mobility : Dynamic Stretching of your body to make it more pliable. This improves circulation in your body and helps reduce muscular soreness.

2- Gathering Mindfulness : A simple centering meditation or deep breathing to bring your focus to the NOW.

3- Maintaining a Journal : A prompt based on simple things like “How do I feel today” or a word-vomit. It could even include you writing down your dreams or things you wish to do.

4- Following Gratitude : Saying thanks or reminding yourself the things you shouldn’t take for granted.

5- Setting an Intention : What is it that you wish to achieve today? What will you call a win for the day? Set your purpose for the day.

You need to create a routine that suits you the best.

My usual Morning Routine

It is simple. I start most of my days with a morning run, to open up the body and activate the spine before going into a 20-30-minute meditation.

I then spend some time journaling. The journaling usually involves 3 things I am grateful for and 3 things I look forward to doing or achieving on that day. I then pen out my to-do list and only after that do I unlock my phone. I speak to my family, have breakfast, drink coffee, and then I am ready to get going.

“With the rising sun comes a new beginning.”

How are you planning to start this glorious day to make the most of it?