In the maelstrom of modern life, a calm, focused morning routine can be a lifesaver. It can lay the foundation for a productive day, reducing stress and helping you to maintain inner balance. Whilst the specifics of the routine can vary, setting up the right routine for you is one of the most empowering things you can do. Let’s take a look at how to create a calm morning routine that’s easy to stick with and won’t start to feel like a chore:
Understanding and Tailoring Your Routine
Begin by identifying what you want to achieve with your morning routine. Are you looking to exercise, meditate, plan your day, or get a head start on work? Understanding what you actually want the morning to do for you can be a big help. Tailor it according to your needs and lifestyle; a morning run might work great for somebody, but not necessarily for you. If you know you’re going to be tired and tempted to flop straight onto the sofa when you get home from work, lay out your loungewear sets before you leave. If you don’t fancy cooking on certain evenings, use your morning to get a ready meal out of the freezer or pop something in the slow cooker ready for when you get home.
Embrace Consistency
Establishing a consistent routine is paramount. Your body responds well to routines. By waking up, eating, working out, and even going to bed at consistent times, you’re helping set your body’s internal clock, which can make waking up easier and the rest of the day smoother. Over time, a routine that you may have struggled with at first will become effortless, and you will even come to anticipate it with the same eagerness that you anticipate your morning tea or coffee.Â
Creating Serene Spaces
Your environment plays an essential role in setting the mood for the day. Make your bedroom an oasis of peace and calm. Decluttering your surroundings can provide mental clarity and help to reduce stress levels. Keep the décor minimal, use low, warm lighting, opt for calming wall colours and introduce air-purifying plants like ferns or snake plants. The simple act of making your bed can also bring an immense sense of satisfaction and order to your morning routine.
Incorporating Mindfulness
Mindfulness plays a crucial role in creating a calm morning routine. Consider starting your day with five minutes of mindfulness meditation. This can ground you, reduce anxiety, and bring clarity. It’s about bringing awareness to the present moment. If you’re short of time, you can incorporate mindfulness into your morning routine by really tasting your morning coffee, listening to the birds, or feeling the cool air on your face during your morning walk.
Enjoying Breakfast
Jumpstart your day with a nutritious breakfast. Try not to rush it. Sitting down to eat can be a mindful act and a lovely, calming start to your day. Opt for foods high in fibre, protein, and healthy fats to keep you full and focused throughout the morning.
Exercise to Energise
Consider introducing exercise into your morning routine. Whether it’s a full-on gym session, a jog around the park, or a simple stretching routine, exercise can energise your body and release endorphins, which will kickstart your day in a positive way.
Remember, the most successful routines are the ones that you genuinely enjoy. Make your routine something you look forward to, and it will naturally become a seamless part of your life. Your morning routine is your time; make sure it serves you in the best way possible.
