As I write this post, I’m probably the furthest away from following a consistent morning routine that I have been in a long time. I can make all kind’s of excuses about lockdown, moving to a new country and working from home. Full disclosure, I’ve just been lazy and unmotivated which has lead to inconsistency in my wellness routine. Can you relate?
We all have those days, weeks or even months where we get our ass in gear and consistently practice a routine that makes us feel incredible. But then we stop… Things like a vacation, a weekend out with friends, or a really stressful week at work can throw us off and pull us back to the side of bad habits.
On top of life’s normal challenges, we’ve just experienced a year like no other. There is no doubt lockdown and the psychological impact of Covid19 has had an affect on our overall wellbeing.
The term ‘Languishing’ has become more known and understood throughout the pandemic. In its most simple form, languishing is described as the ‘blah’ many of us have felt over the past 15 months. Languishing decreases your motivation, disrupts your ability to focus, and increases the odds that you will get less work done than you’re normally capable.
As the world opens up, we get back to into work, socializing, and a relatively normal pre covid routine – what are you doing to ensure you are implementing self care with a focus on your health and wellbeing?
Why Create a Morning Routine?
The first few actions you take in the morning set the tone for your entire day. If you wake up late, scroll through Instagram and inhale a piece of leftover pizza for breakfast, chances are you are not going to have your most productive day (been there…).
By implementing a morning routine, you prioritize your time, focus on living in the present, and set a higher standard for productivity. Productivity is not just how much you can get done in a day but also refers to the quality of your actions.
5 Scientifically Proven Benefits of a Morning Routine
- Increase productivity
- Lower stress
- Develop healthy habits
- Boost energy levels
- Improve personal & professional relationships
My Ideal Morning Routine in 5 Steps
Meditation
Starting your morning in a calm and mindful headspace is a game changer for setting the tone of your day.
As soon as you wake up, you start thinking about work, various tasks, those plans you made last week but don’t want to go to now, and your mind begins a trail of nonstop thoughts.
Set aside 5-10 minutes to meditate in bed either sitting up or lying down. Ensure you limit distractions and allow yourself to fully focus on your practice.
Gratitude
People who regularly practice gratitude experience more positive thoughts, sleep better, and express more compassion and kindness. It has even been stated that incorporating gratitude in your daily routine can have a positive affect on your immune system.
Gratitude does not have to be a recognition of big things, you can even be thankful for something as simple as a smile from a stranger.
Keeping a gratitude journal (The Five Minute Journal is my go-to!) has the potential to significantly increase wellbeing and a consistent positive attitude throughout your day.
Movement
Move your body, even if its only a little! This can range from a restorative yoga practice to an intense spin class.
When you exercise, you release endorphins. Endorphins make you happy so moving your body in the morning provides a literal emotional response of happiness.
Tea & Water
Drinking water and staying hydrated is essential to maintaining good health. Water consumption is vital for many bodily functions such as transporting nutrients, lubricating joints and regulating body temperature.
Want something a bit more exciting?
Try a green, peppermint or lemon + ginger tea to give your digestive system a kickstart in the morning.
Eat Well
A healthy and nutritious diet is essential for overall health and wellbeing. Making conscious food choices lowers risk for diseases, manages weight and positively contributes to a better mood.
Studies have shown there are many health benefits to eating well, specifically in the morning. It improves energy levels and can be a big contributing factor in short term concentration.
+ it feels gooooooooood!
We live in an unpredictable and ever changing world (especially these days), which means there will be days where we get thrown off our routine. It can be particularly disheartening when you miss a day or two while implementing a new routine. What’s important is that you don’t let a missed day derail your progress.
If you miss a step in your morning routine, the day is not done! Fit in healthy habits whenever you can throughout the day and slowly build the habit.
Always remember to be patient and be kind to yourself.
Try adding any of the above into your morning routine and let me know how it goes! Got any great ideas that are not on my list? I would love to hear them. Comment below, follow me @domdesilva on instagram or shoot me a direct message at hello@unlostumbrella.com
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