The Simple Morning Routine that Changed my Life
Last updated on March 21, 2022.
I know we’re not all morning people. I for sure wasn’t. Honestly, I’m still not. But, as a mom, having a morning routine has helped me so much in several areas of my life.
If I hadn’t started this morning routine when I did, I know I’d be super lazy and sluggish during quarantine. I’d still be waking up as late as possible (every minute of sleep counts, duh). I would be rolling out of bed and dragging myself in my pjs to my work computer. Or even better, just grabbing my laptop and bringing it into bed.
Instead, I wake up earlier to enjoy some “me” time before I need to work and do my mama duties. These early mornings are typically the ONLY time in the entire day that I have to myself. I’m sure a good amount of you mamas know what that’s like. I love spending time with my son, but I still need some time for myself to make sure I’m ready to take on the day and be a happy mama.
Instead of being groggy and grumpy from letting my son wake me up (which I used to do), I get to wake up before him, have some quiet time to myself and be a happy mama waiting with open arms when he wakes up. Doesn’t that sound a lot more pleasant? (The answer is yes.)
So, what does this morning routine include, you ask?
1. Affirmations
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I usually start off with reciting and writing down an affirmation or two in my journal. I have used a deck of cards to pull my affirmations. Sometimes, I’ll pull one off the good ol’ internet if I don’t have my deck with me or if I just want something new.
Lately, I have been using the “I am” app. It has some great affirmations for different situations and it’s free! (There is a premium version to access more features, but totally not necessary!) You can even set up daily reminders and notifications where the app will send you affirmations throughout the day.
Reciting affirmations is a great way to practice positive thinking and improve your mindset. They are short, encouraging phrases to help manifest and motivate you towards your goals.
I am a good mom.
I am successful.
Today will be a great day.
I realize that I have the power to control my own happiness.
I allow myself to be who I am without fear of judgement.
I will not stress over things I can’t control.
These are just a few of my favorites. It can be anything! Keep saying it throughout the day until you start believing it or as a little pick-me-up when you need a positive reminder to keep you going.
What are some affirmations you’d say to yourself?
2. Gratitude
We all have things to be grateful for, but do we ever consciously sit down and think about all those things? Writing in a gratitude journal is a great exercise that has really helped me appreciate all the things that I have in my life; big and small.
There are a bunch of gratitude journals to purchase with prompts that will guide you through the gratitude process. You can even just grab a notebook or piece of paper to write down your gratitude.
Sometimes, I’ll write a list of 3-5 things that I’m grateful for. Other times, I will go into a bit more detail about my gratitude for one specific thing.
I try my best to think of something new each day. It’s harder than you think, but it’s so great to reflect and realize how much you truly have.
3. Journaling
Journaling has really helped me during my mental health journey. Journaling is a great way to get your thoughts organized, whether it’s to share something exciting, to release stress, or to plan out your day. This can also be tied into your gratitude. Just write whatever you feel!
If you have no idea where to start or need a little inspiration, check out my blog post with 30 journaling prompts.
4. Personal Development
Reading personal development books can help you understand yourself and your values better. We are constantly evolving and adapting, so we must continue to learn about our ever-changing selves. Being self-aware will help us form and reach our goals, whether personal or professional. When we are more aware of ourselves and our values, then our goals become clearer. Once we are self-aware, we can also be more considerate of others and what they might be going through.
If you’re not into reading, you can always try audio books or podcasts. These are also great for when you’re in the car or getting ready for the day.
Whichever way you choose to consume personal development, it’s a great practice to incorporate into your daily routine. Just a few minutes/pages per day to stimulate your brain, expand your knowledge, and work on yourself.
Check out my blog post with a few of my top favorite personal development books.
5. Meditation
Meditation is something that I recently added to my morning routine. It hasn’t been easy, but I have enjoyed having the moments of peace, quiet, and reflection. I have been using the “Calm” app for guided meditation practices. Sometimes, I will even just spend a few minutes sitting in silence and focusing on my breathing. Of course, there are thoughts that flow through my head and I get distracted during meditation, but with consistent practice, I’m hoping to be able to master meditation.
6. Exercise
Deciding to workout is what started this entire morning routine. I think we all know that exercising is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, but actually doing and committing to working out is tough.
I am grateful for my fast metabolism, but I’m done taking advantage of that. I felt how out of shape I was when I climbed stairs or tried keeping up with my little toddler.
I started off with a three week program, 21 Day Fix Real Time, which really helped ease me into exercising after a long hiatus from working out. It was tough getting back into it, but I would keep reminding myself of my goals and reasons for doing it.
Even on days I don’t feel like exercising, I try my best to just get up and move. Whether that’s stretching, having a little dance party with my son, or going out for a walk; I just feel so much better on the days I move my body.
I made the decision to work on being a happier, healthier me – for myself and for my family. I want to be able to run around and play with my son until I’m old and grey. I want to be able to join in on the annual family soccer games. I want to be strong and healthy and, damnit, I want to look good too.
That’s my morning routine!
My morning routine has really helped me during my wellness journey. I try my best to wake up early so that I can take my time going through each step and truly reflect on my goals and gratitude. I am inching my way to the 5am club!
I am constantly changing and adjusting my morning routine as I read more personal development books and discover new things to enhance to my routine. I believe that it will continuously change as my life and needs change. These are the steps in my routine that currently help me. Even on days where I don’t have much time in the morning for a full routine I will try to shorten it and incorporate as much as I can.
Your routine doesn’t have to look exactly like mine, but it’s great to have a routine that helps you to start your day off feeling relaxed and positive, so that you’re ready to take on the rest of the day.
"There’s no better day than today to do the things you’ve been putting off. Take action; it’s the only way to change your life.” - Hal Elrod
Let me know in the comments if you have a morning routine and what that includes!
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