Morning rituals invite balance and harmony into your life. A morning ritual is the practice of carving out time in the beginning of your day to allow yourself peace, stillness, and power—whatever this looks like to you. Employing a morning routine in your daily life can set the tone of “I trust myself” and “I show up for myself.” By committing to a morning ritual, you signify to the universe that you are ready to take the world as it comes. You are your own best friend, why not show up for yourself first thing each morning?
Like so many of us, I spent years of my life checking my phone first thing in the morning. I can remember periods of my life where I would wake up so miserable that I would play a song off my phone just to take my thoughts out of my head and into a distraction. Little did I know this distraction was only making my thoughts heavier and dissociating me from what I needed: stillness, peace, and power – a morning ritual.
It has been said that willpower is a finite source. We can only face so many decisions in a day before our judgment begins to falter and our rationale starts to waiver or collapse. So, when you wake up early in the morning do you really want to make about ten decisions about your next steps? Overall Do you really want to drain your willpower that can be harnessed later into the day for unforeseen circumstances? Absolutely not. Power of routine strikes again. Find such a rock-solid routine that your mind can relax, your body can awaken, and your heart can begin to open to what it is you are needing that day.
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The most potent morning ritual for myself has been meditation.
Generally, this word can be intimidating and usher in a host of emotions and insecurities we have about our fidgety thoughts and minds. However, if it is for me—I can bet it’s for you. In the age of Spotify and YouTube you have access to thousands of meditations. Every length, intention, and topic are a few searches away. If this doesn’t sound appealing to you, I recommend setting a timer and sitting in silence with your eyes closed. Use this time to empty your thoughts or visualize a happy place or your highest self. Know that in doing this, you are meditating. You are creating a morning ritual. You are stepping into your power.
Meditation not for you? Here is a short and sweet list of our favorite morning rituals
Hot water and lemon
During breakfast add an fresh squeezed lemon to hot water and drink slowly.
Benefits:
- Stimulates digestive system
- Boosts immune system
- Balances pH levels
Cold shower
Shortly after taking that blissful breakfast, now, you should spend 30-180 seconds under cold water in the shower.
Benefits:
- Improves circulation
- Increases creativity
- Promotes alertness
Related Article: 5 Steps To An Effective Daily Wellness Routine
Read ten pages of a book
Commit to reading ten pages no matter what! And soon this will become a habit.
Benefits:
- Stimulates creativity and curiosity
- Reduces stress
Journaling
Occasionally, spend time with your pen to paper. Whatever comes to mind, write it down.
Benefits:
- Increases confidence and self-esteem
- Reduces anxiety
- Cultivates your inner voice.
Related Article: 5 Ways We’re Practicing Self-Care in the Age of Social Distancing
Gratitude practice
List overall the things you are grateful for no matter how many or how minimal is its impact. And when you have the thought of it in a sudden. List it! On your paper or anywhere!
Benefits:
- Increases cognition
- Promotes kindness
- Boosts mood