Many of us start the day leaping out of bed as if shot out of a cannon. Running through our minds is a myriad of obligations and we send our brains into overdrive by checking phone messages and “consulting” social media.
We also know how we start something is typically how we do it. If your workout starts sluggishly, the result will probably be mediocre, and you likely approached it improperly hydrated, stretched, or rested.
We want to start the day on the right foot but mostly ignore the one task that sets everything else into motion, an inspiring morning routine.
Who. The uber successful frequently credit their morning routine for centering and guiding them before engaging in the busyness of their day. Think a good start applies only to the upwardly mobile professional juggling a spouse, children, and a career? It is equally important for the retired, empty-nester without innumerable obligations. Absent thoughtful preparation, the less-burdened will kill time instead of making an impact.
When. You start and complete your routine before life compels you to do something else. No matter how early the children demand breakfast or the factory whistle blows, you can set your alarm to allow for a morning routine.
Refrain from looking at a screen as it is virtually impossible to return to a calm state after (em)powering your phone to check breaking news or watch TikTok reels. If you must, check your screen for notifications from your elderly parents or college-attending children but not your share-a-daily-joke friends (and don’t be one of those friends).
Do not avoid or miss a morning practice due to impracticality. While not ideal, your best time may be after the children go to school. Less ideal, but better late than never, is a lunchtime routine.
Where. Go to any quiet place that allows you to remain calm, but not in bed. Go to your easy chair, the backyard with its landscape backdrop, or the balcony overlooking a city beginning to stir from its slumber.
What. Googling “how to start my day” yields 12 billion results. While routines come in many forms, the objective is being in a peaceful state conducive to clear thinking.
A combination of meditation, breathing exercises, prayer, journaling, inspirational reading, or listening to soothing music is typical. Remove sleep’s cobwebs and get your blood flowing by moving even if that is only walking down the hall, performing light stretches, or feeding pets who greet you no matter how early you rise.
The routine includes nourishment. Before jolting yourself with coffee, drink a glass of water to replenish the fluid lost during sleep and your morning bathroom evacuation. Activate your digestive system with fruit before assaulting it with a sugary, carb-laden pastry.
In this quiet space and peaceful state, you have the mental clarity to discern the most important, impactful tasks you desire to perform that day, the ones that will provide a great sense of accomplishment. Equipped with this knowledge, you are less distracted by the less important and the coming day does not seem as overwhelming.
The length varies, but anything shorter than fifteen minutes may be insufficient and anything longer than 30 probably (and acceptably) includes one of your important tasks such as a workout or faith practice.
Mine. In the interest of authenticity and transparency, I share my routine: rise, check phone screen for notifications from ancestors or descendants, walk to the kitchen, grab my water bottle, eat a banana, go to my home office, read faith-based material, pray, journal the previous day’s meaningful activities, read the Daily Stoic, and finish by confirming the tasks I desire to accomplish – especially those I want to write in my journal the next day.
Yours. Which practices, how many, and how long are up to you. It is about positioning yourself for success. Just begin, stick with it long enough to form a habit, and the routine will evolve as it should. Once you realize the benefits, it becomes second nature and any reluctance to wake up earlier disappears.
Why. Beginning your day peacefully and with a clear understanding of your objectives leads to greater well-being and accomplishment. Do not miss out.
