6 Ways To Cherish The Morning & Enjoy Time With Yourself
Written by Pamela Smith
Wouldn’t it be fantastic to awake early in the morning, before the rest of your family, and feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to conquer the day?
In my younger days, I was not a morning person. I slept as late as possible, hitting the snooze button numerous times. Breakfast consisted of eating in the car while driving to work or school.
My brain would think of a wise old proverb that I didn’t know applied to me. "Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." As I grew wiser, it now makes sense, and it is true.
When I got married, my husband and I formed the habit of getting up 2-3 hours before work to have quiet time, eat a nutritional breakfast, and exercise. After 30 years, my morning routine is part of my core being, and I feel healthy, happy, and more productive.
Anyone can become a morning person with consistency and discipline. It only takes 10 days to develop a habit, so you can establish a morning routine with a strong mind, willing spirit, and perseverance. If you are looking for ideas on what and how to implement a morning routine, I have some ideas you may be interested in.
Sleep
#1 Most Important
✓ Get to bed at a decent hour and get up early while striving to achieve between 7-9 hours. This will be hard at first but become easier over time because you will feel more tired earlier in the evening after rising early every day.
✓ It will help regulates your circadian rhythm.
✓ You will sleep deeper
Water
✓ Wake up by splashing your face, forehead, and eyes with cold water.
✓ Drink an 8 oz glass of water
✓ Flavor your water with a squeeze of lemon, ginger, or apple cider vinegar
✓ Pour yourself a cup of tea or coffee and sip slowly in your
favorite mug.
Sanctuary
✓ Find a space in your home that is meaningful to you and surround yourself with whatever makes you happy. Family photos, beautiful plants, crystals, books, paintings
✓ Light an organic soy candle
✓ Play soft instrumental music with the sounds of nature or water flowing
✓ Be mindful
✓ Be grateful for all you have and who you are as a human being.
Wisdom
✓ Meditate, pray, reflect.
✓ Read something inspiring like the bible, spiritual or self-help books
✓ Journal
✓ Practice gratitude through implementing what you learn from your readings
Nutrition
✓ Make a nutritious and delicious breakfast.
✓ Eat slowly and mindfully, savoring every bite.
✓ Be grateful for no interruptions from the family
✓ Give thanks for your food
Exercise
✓ Yoga, walking, weights, biking, or running are exercises that can be done at home and only take a half-hour. Be creative and use what is available to you.
✓ You may decide to exercise first thing in the morning, but I prefer my quiet time to start my day.
✓ You can do a cardio activity in the morning and a strength-training activity in the evening, or vice versa.
If all of this seems overwhelming, start slow with rising 30 minutes earlier than usual and work your way up to 2-3 hours. The results will be a healthier and more productive you, and you’ll feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to conquer the day. You will be so happy you did, and you will look forward to your morning routine.
