The Value of an Intentional Morning Routine

Start your day off right with a morning routine

With some tips and ideas to get you started.

A few years ago, I was driving cross country from Sedona to the Outer Banks, with my dog Sienna and my cat Smeagol (who has since passed). I love to travel but at some point I noticed I was feeling a bit frazzled. It dawned on me that I might be feeling this way because I was skipping my typical morning routine in order to hit the road early. From that point on, I did an abbreviated version of my morning routine, even while I was traveling. And, you know what?  It worked, I quickly felt more grounded and centered.

Begin the day with what matters most

I encourage you to create a morning routine that helps you start your day feeling connected to what matters most to you. It doesn’t have to be lengthy or involved. In fact, at different times in your life, you might have less time to spend, such as when you’re raising a family or caring for an elderly parent. The length of time we spend doesn’t matter as much as the mindfulness and intention we bring to the activities we choose.

I started an intentional morning routine when I was my early thirties, during an 8-week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) class that freed me from an eight year battle with panic and anxiety attacks. Back then, my morning routine included a 45-minute mindfulness meditation (recommended by MBSR), journalling, spiritual reading, and prayer. Being an early riser, I did all of this before my young son woke up.

I must admit I was highly motivated, as this routine, especially the meditation, was essential to healing the anxiety. But I also discovered that the mindfulness meditation and journalling helped me connect more deeply to myself, while the spiritual reading and prayer helped me feel closer to the Divine. And all of that combined is what inspires me to maintain a morning routine more than twenty-five years.

Include meaningful practices that you enjoy

Eventually, as the seasons of my life changed, so did my morning routine. These days, I meditate less (about 15 -20 minutes) and I’ve added Yoga and Qigong on alternating days. I have to admit, I love my morning routine! And that’s another key to creating a sustainable morning routine, it needs to include activities you enjoy.

Here’s a sweet little addition to my morning routine:

How to create your ideal morning routine

There’s no one size fits all when it comes to creating a morning routine that feeds your body, mind, and/or soul. Here are a few questions to ask yourself to help you create an intentional morning routine:

• What do I value most? Is it self-care, spiritual growth, feeling fit and strong, mental, emotional and/or physical health, or something else?
• What morning activity will help me honor what I value most?
• How do I want to feel?
• What do I want to experience today?
• What grounds me?
• What helps me feel energized and focus?

Also here is some curated content to inspire you:

• 3 Questions You Must Answer To Create A Morning Routine That Will Transform Your Life (an article)
• The Entrepreneurs Morning Routine (Including Tips to Create Your Own) (a podcast)
• 12 Morning and Evening Routines That Will Set Up Each Day for Success (I love the S.A.V.E.R.S. tip!)

I’d love to hear from you, what is your favorite morning routine? Post a note below … your comments and ideas might inspire someone else!

Have a fabulous start to your day!