Mindful Mornings

Why is it whenever I get the busiest/most stressed out and could most benefit from mindfulness it is the first practice I stop doing? I know that I feel better when I do stress management practices, and that doing them will better help me to get through my day, but I just say "I don't have time for that" and STRUGGLE through the day to day without the tools to help me. This choice leads me to feeling so worn down by the end of the afternoon, that I no longer have the energy or the drive to do the things I love or see the people I enjoy after working. As I'm sure many others find themselves in this position, it is important to note that it is NOT SUSTAINABLE.

At university I took a few stress management classes (shout out to Dr. Olpin - he has a website for those who weren't his student and it is definitely worth looking up!) and learning what all in our mind and body can be greatly effected by stress is jarring, because it is truly a lot! Stress if left at high levels and goes unchecked for an extended period of time can be detremental to the body, so I can't emphasize taking care of your pyshical self and your mental health enough - if you want to know a little bit more here is a link to my short podcast episode about stress and stress management. From these classes I learned to put together a morning routine that helped me feel refreshed, motivated for the day, and all around just a lighter mood. I was more productive and I felt like when I did have low moments, I was better able to take them in stride. Here is a list with just a handful of examples of practices you can include in a morning routine:

• Wake Up at the Same Time Everyday

• (Guided) Meditation

• A Yoga Flow

• Stretching

• Restricted Screen Time

• Take a Shower

• Drink a Glass of Water

• Exercise

• Journal/Set Goals for the Day

• Eat Breakfast

• Make Your Bed

• Spend Some Time Reading

• Personal Hygiene (Wash Your Face, Brush Teeth, etc.)

The list could go one for a long time! There is no right or wrong answer when it comes down to it, just as long as it is something that works for you and you can stick to it! One thing I do recommend for EVERYONE is not actually done in the morning, but starts the night before... You NEED/MUST (for the love of all that is Unholy (feat. Kim Petras) by Sam Smith) get enough sleep! This is going to set you up the most for success. I personally know should get 8-8.5 hours of sleep each night - This is when I feel the most rested and best equipped to take on the day, but this number is so different for everyone based off age, sex, etc. If you feel the best on 6 hours of sleep, that is what you should plan to get every night, but if you're like me please make sure to give yourself that full block of time every night... you'll thank me when you get used to it and realize you never want to go back to the way you were before!

For accountability (and as an example) here is the morning routine I plan to complete (ideally) every day, but we'll emphasis that goal later, now is just making a conscious effort to do it as often as possible. Say it with me: ANY PROGRESS IS PROGRESS! So with that, my planned routine-

(Night Before)

-Reduce phone time 1 hour before bed (NIGHT MODE SET ALWAYS - Your eyes will thank you!)

-Set alarms for 8.5 hours from the time I plan to be asleep

-Play a guided sleep meditation (Thank yooou Spotify for sleep timers - Also, lemme know if you want to see some of my favorite guided meditation creators!)

(Morning)

-Wake up and run though the hygiene routine

-Either a 10 minute yoga flow or a guided meditation (If you have time for a longer one that is great! I just usually have to be to work by 6:30 AM and I have to be resourceful with my time)

-Drink a cup of water

-Find a grab and go for breakfast

-Goals for the day as I drive to work

*Do my make up routine

*Journal (My favorite place to do this is at a local coffee shop!)

*Read for 30 minutes to an 1 hour

*To be included on a day off or when I have more time in the AM!

That's all I have this time everyone, thanks for reading along! I hope if this resonates with you that you are able to put a morning routine, that works for you, into practice. What you are most excited about adding to your morning routine?!