How Important is a Routine?
I don’t know about you guys, but quarantine and summer has thrown me off my A-game. I have become VERY aware that my routines are all over the place and if I am honest non-existent. I have been listening to some podcasts lately as well as reading several articles to help motivate me to get back on track and wanted to share with you! Since I feel like there is a lot to tackle, I will start with one of the most important…morning routines. This in the past has made me feel my best and most productive and it is 100% something I have let slip in the past few months.
Morning Routine:
Do you have one, why does it even matter? It is said that a morning routine boosts your happiness, reduces stress levels, increases your productivity, and gets you grounded for the day ahead. A routine creates intention for the day, in other words YOU run your day, not your day running you. This of course goes for the weekdays, (whether you are working, retired, running all things household) weekends, and vacation days, as it sets a great tone!
One important thing to note is that this is not a one size fits all approach. I am an early bird (most of the time) and cherish the quiet in the morning when the world is still asleep. Some of you may be much different and that is OKAY but it is still important to have a plan/routine in place, whether it be 5 minutes or 2 hours.
I believe there are 3 components to a morning routine and I’ve given some ideas in each that you could use to help build, reinvent, or dial in your own morning routine.
Mental
- Set Goals – maybe try 2-3 post it notes that include one goal each for the day
- Make a List – if there are things you know you need to do (this will free your mind of the “worry” of it)
- Create a Schedule/Plan for the Day – what are you going to do and when
- Read – take 10 minutes, or maybe it’s 10 pages of something that fuels your mind
Emotional/Spiritual
- Gratitude – write down or say out loud 3 things you are grateful for, they don’t have to be different every day but definitely dig deep to find gratefulness, even for the little things
- Hug/Connect – with your spouse, kid, pet or a friend you could text something encouraging to
- Meditate/Breathe Work – this falls into both the emotional and physical bucket, taking a moment to connect to yourself, find stillness and your center
Physical
- Movement – maybe this looks like a full workout, maybe it’s a 5 minute yoga practice, stretch, or a walk. Figure out what works for you and then commit to some sort of movement
- Drink Lemon Water – before you reach for your first cup of coffee hydrate yourself, if not lemon water than for sure a full glass of water
- Clean Your Physical Space – this may involve making your bed,doing the dishes, or tidying up around your home so that you are starting the day on a fresh foot and clean slate with no clutter
You don’t have to do all of these things but shoot for one in each category and write yourself out a plan to work on consistently every day. Do this for a few weeks and see how your energy, mood, and day shifts. I am committed to getting back on track with this kind of consistency right a long with you!
