It seems like morning routines are all the rage now, aren’t they?
(I will refrain from inquiring whether you, too, have a morning routine.)
Instead, how about a peek into mine? (I know – we’re insatiably curious about someone else’s life.)
And if you do want to begin your own morning rhythm, well… you may just pick up a couple ideas along the way.
Sound good?
Let me take you behind the scenes into my own life.
Component 1
The first thing I like to do, just to get myself in a good frame of mind for the new day, is to get dressed.
Not full-on, hair-and-makeup dressed; just out of my pajamas.
It can be workout clothes; it can be the outfit I planned to wear later that day to go out. My only criteria: not my comfy-yet-sloppy attire from the previous night.
Yes, you can work, be productive, and get down to business in your loungewear. I’m not arguing otherwise.
But for me, I’m more productive when I change clothes. It’s almost like the outfit shift signals my brain to sit up straight and pay attention.
Component 2
The second thing that must happen – or risk not getting done at all – is exercise.
I know, because I’ve tried it.
Afternoon, late morning, or worst, early evening – none of those times work for me. I drop the ball on consistent movement, almost immediately. (In fact, I don’t know if I’ve ever made it to Day 2 during those experiments!)
Quiet is what really lays the groundwork for me to have a successful day.
I just get caught up in my day – doing all the things, crossing off to-do lists, feeding the kids – I’m sure you can relate.
So for me, I’ve got to get over the motivation hump first thing. Before the kids are awake. Before I’m staring at that nice, neat to-do list.
When that’s the only thing (other than hopping out of bed) I have to do.
It works – so that’s a win for my health.
Component 3
Lastly, I make sure to work in some quiet.
Dedicated quiet, you understand. Not just a sleepy haze of do-I-really-have-to-be-awake-now quiet.
This is where I get really intentional about my day (and what I miss most on the weekends, with no alarm!).
Although the specifics vary, one thing stays consistent: I have to have deliberate, set-aside time – even if it’s just a couple minutes – where I look over the day. See what’s ahead.
Get myself in the right frame of mind.
This can look like:
- affirmations
- journaling
- faith practice
- prayer
- meditation
- setting intentions
- just sitting in quiet for a few moments, taking deep breaths
Whatever it is, whatever I choose that day, it’s the key. The cornerstone.
What really gets me going – sets the tone – and lays the groundwork for me to have a successful day.
Perhaps it’s not surprising, then, that as an introvert, quiet would be what I prize most.
So what would you choose, if you had to? (And I’m not saying you must make up a morning routine, you understand. I’m just opening the conversation.)
What would feel most life-giving to you?
