The importance of a morning routine

Last week I wrote about the importance of an evening routine as much as a reminder to myself as to help you in this weird time of staying home, self-isolation and social distancing. This week I’m focusing on the importance of getting our day off to a good start with a morning routine.

For me this is about giving myself priority as I start the day before the rest of the world encroaches.

Like with the evening routine it’s entirely up to you how long or short this is. I know for parents of children, especially small children, the day often starts at a time dictated by the children waking up.

Remember we aren’t aiming for perfection. What we’re trying to do is see what works for us in our circumstances. If the only quiet time you get is two minutes in the shower or the two minutes you clean your teeth – use that. You still have control of when you choose to switch your phone on and check your emails, read the news or scroll social media. It’s about progress not perfection!

Here are some suggestions that you might like to consider. See what works and remember that this can take as long or be as short as you like.

It’s not about trying to fit even more into your day. Instead try to think of it as using the time at the start of the day wisely. How many of us end up scrolling emails, Facebook and the news before we’ve even got out of bed? Give yourself priority before you start the day.

Set your alarm early enough to give yourself some time before your day starts. As little as ten minutes to begin with can make a difference. Instead of reaching for the snooze button or your phone try one or more of the following:

A short guided meditation to still your mind
If like me you choose to use an app on your phone to do this you need to discipline yourself not to look at anything else before you do your meditation. I find leaving the app open on my phone helps as I don’t have to go looking for it and risk being distracted by something else. I use Headspace but I know a lot of people enjoy the Calm app.

Prayer time
If you have a faith or are spiritual it’s a good way to start your day and tune in to your own thoughts. I find it helpful to have guided prayer first thing in the morning when my brain is a little sleepy still. Again there are apps for this. I use Pray As You Go which is a Christian Ignatian prayer app. In this prayer time ask your inner wisdom what you need to ask of God/the Universe today.

Quiet time
If prayer isn’t your thing then try asking your inner wisdom what she wants to tell you today and then be still and listen.

Journal
Starting your day with a few lines to set your intention for the day and priorities is a really good way to tune in to what you want from the day. If you have a few more minutes try asking your inner wisdom what she wants to tell you today and write what comes to you.

All of the above can take as much or as little time as you like. I spend between 20 and 25 minutes on it most mornings but some days when time is short I contract it to between five and ten minutes.

See what suits you, but do give your inner wisdom time to start communicating with you before you let the rest of the world in.

And if you have one of those mornings when nothing goes to plan – the kids are up before you or the alarm didn’t go off then try to fit in the listening and reflection time in the shower. And if some days it just doesn’t happen then remember you’re human, you’re doing the best you can and there is always tomorrow.

I hope this helps. As I said last week, creating certainty through routines during this time of uncertainty helps us to feel calmer and more in control.