In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding moments of peace and clarity can be a challenge. However, many successful individuals attribute their achievements to the consistency of their morning rituals. These rituals are not just about starting the day on the right foot; they're about setting a tone for success and well-being.
I'll admit it—I've always been a bit of a serial morning ritual starter. I'd get inspired by all the benefits of starting my day right, and I'd dive headfirst into a new routine. But inevitably, life would get busy, motivation would wane, and before I knew it, I'd be back to my old habits of last-minute wakeups and stumbling out of bed in a daze.
Sound familiar? If you've ever found yourself in the same boat, you're not alone. The struggle to maintain a consistent morning routine is real, and it's something many of us struggle with.
But here's the thing: I've also experienced firsthand the transformative power of a well-crafted morning ritual. Those times when I managed to stick to my routine, I felt more focused, energized, and productive throughout the day. I approached challenges with a clearer mind, and I felt more grounded and centered in my life.
So, how did I finally break the cycle of starting and stopping my morning rituals? It wasn't easy, but it was worth it. I discovered a few key strategies that helped me stay on track and make my morning routine a non-negotiable part of my day.
First and foremost, I had to shift my mindset. Instead of viewing my morning routine as a chore or an obligation, I started to see it as a gift to myself—a precious opportunity to nourish my mind, body, and soul before the demands of the day took over.
I work in an office with a start time of 8:30 am every morning. To accommodate my morning routine and ensure I have ample time before heading to work at 8 am, I've adopted the habit of waking up earlier. Previously, I would typically rise at 7 - 7:30am, but I've now adjusted my schedule to wake up at 5:45 am. This change has proven to be effective for me, allowing me to accomplish what I need to do in the morning before beginning my workday.
I actually stumbled across a video on YouTube and it was an interview with Mel Robbins, who is an American podcast host, author, motivational speaker, and former lawyer. Basically, she was talking about The 5 Second Rule" which is a transformative book she wrote that introduces a simple yet powerful technique to overcome self-doubt, hesitation, and procrastination. Based on neuroscience research, Mel explains how counting backward from 5 to 1 can interrupt negative thought patterns and spur action.
One of the examples Mel used was getting up when the alarm goes off in the morning. Instead of hitting snooze you give yourself 5 seconds to count down and get out of bed. I have been incorporating this each morning as I used to be a chronic over sleeper and let me tell you- it works!
I have linked the video I watched below for you!
Next, I got real about my priorities. I realized that if I wanted to make my morning ritual stick, I had to be willing to make some sacrifices. That meant saying no to late-night Netflix binges or scrolling tik tok on my phone, and setting a firm bedtime to ensure I got enough sleep.
I also embraced the power of habit stacking—the practice of anchoring new habits to existing ones, which i read about in Atomic Habits, by James Clear. By piggybacking my morning ritual onto activities I was already doing, like brewing coffee or brushing my teeth, I made it easier to stick to my routine consistently.
Finally, I learned to give myself grace. I accepted that there would be days when I slipped up or hit snooze one too many times. Instead of beating myself up about it, I simply recommitted to my routine the next day and moved forward with compassion and kindness toward myself.
Today, I'm proud to say that my morning ritual is no longer a sporadic habit—it's a cornerstone of my daily life. And while I still have the occasional off day, I know that I have the tools and strategies I need to get back on track and start my day off on the right foot, every single day.
One common element of morning rituals is mindfulness meditation. Taking just a few minutes to center oneself and focus on breathing can significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels, setting a positive tone for the day ahead. To me this is extremely important as I have ongoing struggles with anxiety, and this helps me quieten my mind. There are so many free YouTube videos that are great resources for guided meditation. Arianna Elizabeth is a wonderful guide to all things Yoga, Meditation and much more! Definitely check her out :)
I have been starting my morning writing down three things that I'm grateful for. I write them in my notes in my phone and date it each day. This practice, I find, helps my overall mood and outlook on life, promoting feelings of happiness and contentment. Additionally, expressing gratitude regularly has been linked to reduced stress levels, improved self-esteem, and increased resilience.
Physical activity is another essential component of many morning rituals. I did a post recently about the benefits of walking which I have been doing each morning. Basking in the gentle warmth of the early morning sun on my face while inhaling the crisp, refreshing air is truly delightful. Whether it's a brisk walk, yoga session, or quick workout at the gym, getting the body moving early in the day boosts energy levels, improves mood, and enhances overall well-being.
Below is a photo i took on my morning walk this morning!
Nutrition plays a crucial role in morning rituals as well. Starting the day with a healthy breakfast provides the body with the fuel it needs to function optimally throughout the day. Many people also incorporate practices like drinking warm lemon water or herbal tea to aid digestion and hydrate the body. I have been trying to have warm lemon water every morning. My mum swears by it too, she has been drinking it for years and also sometimes cuts up fresh ginger to add to the stove and brews it up with the cut up lemon and water.
I have been getting really into my oatmeal recently!
Oatmeal is not only a delicious and versatile breakfast option, but it also offers numerous health benefits. Packed with fiber, oatmeal helps promote digestion and keeps you feeling full for longer periods. Oatmeal is also easy to customize with toppings like fruits, nuts, and seeds, allowing you to create a nutritious and satisfying meal tailored to your taste preferences.
In addition to these things, morning rituals can include a wide range of activities tailored to your preferences and goals. Some of you may choose to spend time journaling, setting intentions for the day, or reading an inspirational book or listening to an inspirational podcast. Others may prefer to use their mornings for creative pursuits like writing, painting, or playing music.
Regardless of the specific activities involved, the key to a successful morning ritual is consistency and doing what's right for you!
By establishing a regular routine and sticking to it day after day, we can all cultivate a sense of discipline and self-mastery that spills over into all areas of life. By starting each day with intention, mindfulness, and self-care, individuals can unlock their full potential and create a life of purpose, passion, and fulfillment.
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