Create Your Own Vibrant Morning Practice
by Suzanne E. Sky, MTOM, Life Resilience Coach
Are you a morning person? Do you have a morning routine that puts a smile on your face and helps you feel prepared for the day? Or do you grab a cup of coffee, check your email, and head out the door?
As a young girl I was not a morning person; starting with being averse to the loud sound of the alarm clock – it was too alarming to be jolted awake like that. I learned to wake up minutes before it went off so I could have a few minutes before getting up. My cheerful, chatterbox mom and brother learned that I was an early morning talker, preferring to quietly eat my cereal.
Later, when I'd moved out on my own, living with friends, I discovered the joy of running, and later just walking, every morning. It was my quiet time, I was moving, and outdoors. It set the tone, energized me, and gave me calm clarity. I became a morning person. From here, I continued to integrate other morning practices that got my day off to a good start so I could give my best. Now I love my mornings.
These days, countless articles are available suggesting the best morning routines or the morning habits of successful people, hinting that we to can become successful like them. While there is wisdom to be found, actually, the best morning routine is the one that works for you. You can create morning practices that send you off ready for work and whatever the day brings.
First. Habits to Leave Behind
Also important to consider is actions that can wait until later. I'm just as prone as most to sneaking a peek at my email or the headlines while my dog is eating her breakfast. But do I really need to? Very rarely. If you can, take a break from the digital world from sometime in the evening through the morning.
Supportive Habits to Engage
Hydration.
The best way to greet your stomach and body in the morning is with a small cup of room temperature or warm water. Cold water can cause stomach distress for some people and chill the system down. . Save your tea or coffee until a little later. Start with water, which refreshes your system.
Breakfast.
A hearty, balanced breakfast gives you mental and physical energy and stamina so you can give your best at work. As a clinician, people often came to see me complaining of fatigue with difficulty making it through their work day. I always began by asking them about their morning routine and breakfast. 99% of them skipped breakfast, zipped off to work, and often might have only a salad for lunch. Of course they are fatigued! Just like your car would stop on the road if you forgot to refuel at the last gas station.
The brain and the body need healthy protein, carbohydrates, and fats to function. So whether your job requires brain power, brawn, or both a hearty breakfast and hearty lunch is what supports you through the day.
Morning Practices to Consider.
Here's a few suggestions. You may have other practices.
Meditation, Prayer Time, Sitting Quietly,.
Many of us savor this special way to start the day. There are so many styles and practices and tons of research on the benefits of meditation. It calms and nourishes the nervous system, engages higher brain functions, and helps us be present. Even 15 minutes in the morning can be delightful.
Journaling.
You may like journaling; either as a proccess of self-reflection, to write about your personal goals for the day, or just writing for 15 minutes or an hour.
Somatic Practice: Centering Practice.
Strozzi Institute offers a simple practice that helps us center, become open and aware. You can do this anytime throughout your day, but starting your day by centering and stating your commitment or purpose can be a powerful practice. You can do this Centering either sitting or standing. You can spend two minutes or twenty minutes.
It would take to long to write out the process so here's a couple of videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Kry2W-yegI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNIDYqVwO30
Movement.
Morning movement is the best way to start the day. What's your preference? Anywhere from 20 minutes of movement to a two hour workout and every option in between. Any activity from relaxing Qi Gong or Yoga to an exhilarating run or bicycle ride.
Create a movement routine that suits you. Enjoy it every morning. Change it up seasonally or once in a while for variety. Find a buddy if that helps engage you. I've got my sweet dog Ginger who gets me outside walking every morning, rain or shine!
Streamline. Engage. Enjoy!
Your morning habits set the tone for your day. Find the practices that help you acheive your goals and desired feeling. Do you want to feel calm and centered as you head off to work? Pumped up and ready to engage? Energized and nourished? Create your mornings and change them up as needed; but mostly be consistent. Most of us notice multiple benefits from a morning routine including enhanced focus, clarity, joy along with ongoing energy, stamina, and productivity.
Would you like to receive my free Journal - Create Your Morning Radiance? Yes?! Click Here.
From my heart to yours, Suzanne Sky - Life Resilience Coach
As a Life Resilience Coach, I offer a heart-centered approach to support purpose-driven women in transition in creating the meaningful life they love. We work together in a collaborative coaching process to identify practical steps you can take in alignment with your abilities, core values, and life vision so you can live your heart and create the impact you want. My whole person coaching integrates compassionate awareness, collaborative dialogue, gentle inquiry, and an invitation to engage in journaling and embodied awareness practices.
I offer a free 30-minute Connection Session to discuss the possibility of us working together. I'd love to meet you!
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