If you’ve been keeping up on this series, you’ll know we’ve been diving deep into the power of routines. Especially routines that help you get your day off to a GREAT start.
I thought it might be helpful to see what my own personal morning routine looks like!
I typically wake up naturally around 5:30 am because I go to bed around 8:30 – 9 pm. We also have a sunrise alarm clock that has been soooooooo beneficial for waking up gently. It emits a soft glow that builds in intensity just like the rising sun. It’s a lovely, natural way to wake up without the screeching sound of an alarm clock.
As soon as I wake up, I open the bedroom curtains (they are blackout curtains to help me sleep). Getting sunlight first thing in the morning is one of the healthiest things you can do! In the winter, it’s still dark outside, but in the summer the sun can come up really early and I find it invigorating to let the light pour in.
I will then meditate before heading to the kitchen to make a latte.
One of my favorite things to do in the summer is to go outside and inspect my garden, chicken coop, and beehives. The fresh air, movement and sunlight is good for my body, mind, and spirit. I’ll often sip my coffee in the garden, while inspecting the plants.
Then I’ll head back inside the house and journal, usually asking myself a question. I’ll write the question in my notebook at the top of the page, and then write down whatever thoughts come up – no judging or self-editing what gets written. It’s like channeling a higher power. This often yields some interesting and creative ideas for my life and business.
After journaling, I’ll switch gears a little and read from one or two books. Typically, a classic 100+ year-old book to flex my mental muscles, a business book or some poetry to expand my mind. I ALWAYS read from a physical book. I find staying away from electronics first thing in the morning to be very grounding. I call this my “Renaissance Time” and it has made me a happier, healthier, more focused person. My quality of life has improved since I began doing my morning routine.
NOTE: I DO NOT TOUCH MY PHONE OR LAPTOP in the morning and I have Do Not Disturb on my phone so I don’t get interrupted. I try not to talk to anyone. I do not look at social media, or turn on the tv, or listen to music, podcasts or the radio. I consider this quiet morning time sacred. For at least one hour, I don’t have anyone asking me anything and I don’t have any outside information influencing me. I am in reflection, not reaction.
My #1 priority for my own morning routine is REFLECTION. I want to start my day in a calm, peaceful way, tapping into my higher power, so that I feel centered. I feel like I have already won the day before I even log into my laptop and check my work emails.
If you’re interested in getting started with your own Renaissance Time, I recommend starting small, maybe twenty minutes in the morning. It took me about six months to work my way up to two hours, and it happened naturally because I enjoyed my mornings so much that I began to go to bed earlier so that I could get up EARLIER in order to have more Renaissance Time. Every time I go to bed, I look forward to waking up!
I know that not everyone can afford an hour or two of reflection and introspection in the mornings, or even want to. But a little personal time is so important for our mental health and well-being!
I am very fortunate I can work from home. I run a company but I have some time flexibility. I am busy, but I do not have children or any dependents requiring my time from the moment I wake up. I know Renaissance Time would be so much more difficult if I had to drive to work, care for an aged parent, or had young children that needed help with breakfast and getting ready for school.
Your routine will probably look different than mine but I hope that you will consider carving out a morning routine for yourself that includes some “me time”. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
For example, I have communicated my need for “Renaissance Time” – a morning of personal reflection – with my partner, and he understands and supports this quiet time and leaves me alone. Heck, he even walks the dogs in the morning so I can meditate. I hope your partner is equally generous and understanding.
At Adele Frizzell LLC we believe a holistic approach is the absolute BEST and SUSTAINABLE path to results! Be sure to check out our programs and services at https://www.adelefrizzell.com/programs-and-services/.
What does your morning routine look like? Let us know in the comments below. We’d love to hear about it!
Care to share it in our Facebook Group as well?
