Morning Lovin': 10 Steps to Establising your Morning Self-Care Routine
Hello Flower Tribe,
I hope to have caught you at the rising of the sun and in your bed. Before you hop out, let's take a second to talk about someone important... Get comfy, because this morning's conversation is all about you.
Who do you wake up to each morning?? You don't have to answer... because regardless of any titles or responsibilities the one person you wake up to each morning, without fail is yourself.
Have you taken time to think about how you begin your morning? Do you just jump straight into the day, constantly hit the alarm clock or wake up to the noises from your children? Regardless of how you wake up, I know life is right there waiting for you, but you do have some choices on how you begin your day. In fact, establishing a morning routine is a great way to practice self- care... and after all self-love is the new relationship goal!
So let's talk about it...
A great way to practice self-care is by establishing a morning routine. As we all know, how your day start tends to be how it finishes. If you've already commited to a morning routine- AWESOME! One suggestion- check in periodically to re-evaluate it. Make sure that it is meeting your needs. It's not unusual to need to switch things up a bit. Routines are great, but sometimes they may need adjusting. A few common times to re-evaluate your morning routine might be during or after seasonal changes, emotional shifts, new relationships, old relationships, new jobs, etc. Just keep an eye on things.
If you have not established a morning routine, I invite you to begin planning today. The planning process does not have to be elaborate. It simply needs to meet your needs. It's time to be reflective.
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Below are a few tips suggested tips on helping you get started.
10 steps to establishing your morning routine:
1. Plan the night before. Glance at your calendar, lay out your clothes, pack your lunch, set your alarm for the right time and make a list of things that you need to get done tomorrow. Your mornings tend to run a lot more smoothly when you're organized and ready.
2. Put your technology away the night before. When you're done with all of your planning, put your technology away and let go of what is going to happen tomorrow. It is good to be prepared, but it better that you get a good night's rest so that you can start your next day off happy and full of energy. PLUS- this will help you with step 4.
3. Wake up on time. No- really! I know alarm clocks are not everyone's best friend, but when you wake up at the time you've pre-determined you will have enough time to honor your morning routine. If you really struggle with being purposeful with your time, take a moment to read my previous blog on "Self-Sabotaging." Also, mornings are a lot better when you don't have to rush.
4. Begin each morning in prayer or mediation. I know it may be really difficult not to grab at your cell phone first thing in the morning but it is really important that you start your day from a centered place. That you not only check in with your emotions, but you establish a positive outlook on the day.
5. Stretch and breath. This step might be included in your morning meditation, but if not it is a good practice. Open your heart, mind, body and soul & allow it to release stale energy and air from the night before. Allow new energy to seep in.
6. Include mantras in your day. Words are energy and they have power...what better person to take power over your life than yourself? Begin each day speaking positively about how the day will go. Speak as if today is already a great day! Remind yourself that you are fully capable of taking on any tasks that may be waiting.
6. Be still. Allow yourself a moment of silence to take in everything. Remember doing nothing is doing something. We all need moments of stillness and quiet.
7. Eat a healthy breakfast. Whether breakfast is your favorite meal or you're "not a fan," it is important that you begin the day with something. Breakfast provides energy for your day. It will give you the energy you need to face the day. Besides, healthy eating regimes are also a part of self-love.
8. Make your bed. I know this may seem small, but it can make a big difference. Take time to make your bed each morning. Clean homes and clear spaces are reflections of mental health. When you take time to tidy up your bedding, you are subconsciously creating order in your day.
9. Establish boundaries. If you are living with children, a partner or both, I recommend that you wake up before them so that you can begin your routine. Also, you can communicate with your children (depending upon their ages) and partner the importance of you beginning your morning with a routine. Be open and let them know about the importance of practicing self-care. This could open some really important and healthy conversations for your partner and/or children on self-care and self-love.
10. Give yourself something to look forward to TODAY! As the saying goes, "stop waiting for summer, Friday and weekends to enjoy your best life." Each day can have something great in store if you let it. Take some time today to give yourself something to look forward to. It does not have to be major. It may be an simple as an evening workout, reading a book or listening to your favorite music, or calling a close friend when you get off of work. It's totally up to you!
Best wishes with you day! I know you'll be off to a bright start before you know it!
-Courtney
Self- Care Matters: Wear the mantra!
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About the author:
Courtney Brookins is a mother, poet, author and educator. She published her first book, Flowering Yourself, which is a collection of poems. She is also the co-founder of OneSun3Flowers with her two daughters, which is an empowerment and leadership organization for women, girls, mothers and daughters centered around practicing self-care and building healthy relationships.
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