How we start the day is crucial in setting the tone. It’s our chance to establish positivity, creativity, and all the good vibes we need to power through. It’s also a great opportunity to focus on ourselves. Creating a mindful morning routine is more than meditation or exercise.
It’s about starting the day without distraction, focusing on whatever it is that we need to fulfill our minds and bodies.
So let’s get started building a mindful morning routine…
It starts at night.
A great morning routine starts with a solid nighttime routine. It also depends on a good night’s rest. So get those Zzz’s…
Establish a consistent wake time.
A routine, by definition, requires doing the same thing each day. That includes the time you wake up. We all love sleeping in on the weekends. However, when you deviate too far from your regular schedule, Mondays can be that much harder.
Avoid all digital things.
Your mindful morning routine should be about you. Not about social media or emails. Once the alarm goes off, flip your phone over so you can’t see the screen to help avoid distractions. There’s nothing peaceful seeing how many email notifications you have first thing in the AM. Personal Growth Lab wrote a fantastic article sharing 3 reasons to avoid screens for a quick, interesting read.
My best days start with minimal to no screen time, before it’s time to dive into work. The only exception is turning on my favorite insight timer meditation.
Dedicate time for something you enjoy.
Whether that means spending a few minutes outside or reading the paper while sipping a hot cup of coffee, take time for you. It’s easy to get caught up in the day once it begins. Starting it off by indulging in something that brings us joy is the first step to a productive, fulfilling day.
This is also the time to add in a meditation session, stretching, journaling. If you have a goal to work out for 20 minutes each day, place that here. There’s no concrete amount of time this part of your mindful morning routine has to be. Whether you have a 10-minute routine or 1-hour routine, is completely up to you.
Gratitude and Affirmations.
When it’s time to sit down at your desk and get started, begin with a pen and paper. Before you look at your phone, before you open the laptop…take 5 minutes (or even just 2 minutes) to write 3-5 things you’re grateful for and an affirmation to take through the day.
If at any time during the day you start to feel stressed or overwhelmed. If at any time something bad or negative happens and it gets you down. Go back to this piece of paper or journal and read your gratitude list and affirmation out loud. If you need help getting your mind reset, add to the list of things you’re grateful for. Showing gratitude has been scientifically proven to improve everything from mental strength to self-esteem and relationships.
Need some affirmation inspiration? I share a daily affirmation inside my Content Confidence for Creative Entrepreneurs facebook group!
Schedule the Day.
Now that you’ve started the day off on a rather positive note, it’s time to get started. Open your calendar, your productivity app, and any other tools you use to stay organized. Create your “schedule” for the day with to-do’s, meetings, calls, and anything else.
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It’s time to conquer this day. Get started and remember that you are capable of wonderful things and living your best life, every day!
Tell us a little bit about your morning routine. What is something you always do first thing in the morning?
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