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So much about our lives has recently changed, because for the first time in 11 years, the only people living in our home is our immediate family, and as exciting as that is to finally just be the 5 of us, it has impacted our dynamic so much.
The last several years, I have have had the blessing and the honor of having not only my cousin, but my aunt live with me. Having those two additional hands made it so that when I transitioned to a mom of three littles ones, and pivoted into another full-time career, that we had the support around that we needed to get things done.
Recently, my family has moved on to other endeavors, and although it hasn't and didn't come as a surprise, it has taken a lot of adjusting for me to move from part-time mom with help, to full-time mom with no help. I recently discovered, that in order for me to operate effectively, I am going to have to have lots of structure and discipline and an insane amount of focus.
In order to avoid burnout, I started working on a morning routine. The mornings are sacred for me because its the only time in the day that the house is quiet and I get the opportunity to check in on me. Adding a morning ritual, takes that time and brings intention to it. A morning ritual is a great way to start your day off on the right foot and set yourself up for success and for me to move the way I want to, I need all the help I can get.
As we get ready to welcome a new year, many of us are thinking about how to be more productive, take better care of ourselves, and find extra time in our day. Surprisingly, the answer might just lie in starting a simple morning routine – a small change that could make a big difference.
Here are a few tips I've learned on how to create a morning ritual:
Wake up at the same time every day. Having a consistent wake-up time will help regulate your body's circadian rhythm and make it easier to wake up in the morning.
Plan your day the night before. Take a few minutes before you go to bed to make a to-do list or schedule for the next day. My general rule of thumb is to prioritize things that will give me back more time or make me more money. Those go to the top of my list. Next, anything that requires me to be at my optimum (ideas, pitching, brainstorming) are next in line. I leave things like cleaning, laundry and mindless task for when my brain is the most tired so that I am not using precious brain energy on tasks that don't require it.
Start with a small task. Begin your morning ritual with a small, manageable task such as making your bed or preparing a cup of tea. This will help you feel accomplished early on in the day. I start with a glass of water and The 5 Minute Gratitude Journal
Incorporate mindfulness practices. Meditation, yoga, or journaling are all great ways to start the day with a clear and focused mind, and if you're a Christian like me this is a great opportunity to lean into prayer and practice strengthening your prayer life.
Eat a healthy breakfast. Take the time to sit down and eat a nutritious breakfast, rather than eating on the go or skipping breakfast altogether.
Get some physical activity. Exercise has been proven to improve mood and increase energy levels. You can include a quick workout, a walk outside or do some stretches as part of your morning routine.
Get fresh air and sunshine. if possible, spend some time outside, even if it's just a few minutes. Sunlight helps to regulate your body's production of melatonin, which can improve sleep and wake patterns.
Avoid distractions. Try to avoid checking your phone or email as soon as you wake up, as these can be major sources of stress and distraction, one of the ways I guarantee this is by putting my phone in "do not disturb," turning off notifications and waiting until a certain time every morning to respond back to any digital distractions.
Be flexible and adjust. Be open to adjusting and experimenting with your morning ritual to find what works best for you. It's not one size fits all.
Have a good attitude. Finally, approach your morning ritual with a positive attitude, and remember that this is your time to set intentions and take care of yourself for the day ahead.
Keep in mind that creating a morning ritual takes time and practice, so be patient and keep experimenting with different activities and routines until you find a routine that works for you.
Do you have a morning ritual or routine? What does it include? What do you love about it? Share with me below in the comments and let me know how creating space in your day to focus on you has impacted you!
with wisdom and courage, for His glory,
Tash