Morning Routine

I wake up and before my eyes are really open I begin to list the things for which I am grateful. It can be my husband (always grateful for him!), my health or some aspect of my health that is better, sleeping well, a new day, good things happening in my businesses, etc. It puts me in a positive state of mind to begin my day. I sometimes continue this as I walk to the window to look outside.

I head to my kitchen, drink at least one full glass of water with lemon, locate my phone and earbuds, and head to my quiet space upstairs to meditate for a few minutes. I use an app called Insight Timer which I really like it, but there are many out there. I do this before life tries to pull me away. How long isn't the most important thing. These days I'm around 17 minutes working my way back up to 20 minutes. But, it's was only 10 minutes when I finally began a regular meditation schedule almost a year ago. Anything is helpful and it has truly made a big difference in my day and my sleep. 

Next,  I do some rebounding for just a few minutes. At least 6 minutes, but it depends on my time on a particular day. It's great to help move lymph system, so for those like me with high breast cancer risk and/or thyroid issues it can be a wonderful way to improve your immune system. Plus, it's good anytime to clear your head and shake off tension.

I head to the treadmill, if I'm not going for a walk outside which is ideal. Getting fresh air, sunshine, and exercise....that is the best way, but many days it is my treadmill. I listen to podcasts and the time just depends on the day. It might be 30 or it might be 15 minutes (on a busy day). I know that isn't much, but it keeps me in the routine and any movement is better than no movement. What I add to that just depends. Sometimes yoga, sometimes floor exercises like push-ups, leg lifts, light weights, or whatever I can do. If that's all I can do, then that's okay that day.

Breakfast is next and it varies as well. A cup of tea and then it is up to what ingredients I have or how much time I have. Smoothies or coconut/almond yogurts with healthy add-ins, chia porridges, grain-free pancakes (usually weekends), overnight oatmeal, savory quinoa bowls, various veggies with eggs, a made ahead and frozen sausage muffin (which can be chicken or turkey) with add-ins, and even chocolate pudding! Yes, chocolate pudding or a chocolate smoothie can have some very healthy add-ins and be a terrific start to the day.

So, it's not a big list and it's not everything, but it includes the things that I really try to make a part of my life every morning. I don't start off by looking at emails, checking the Internet, chatting much or I would never make it to the meditation cushion. I find I'm much calmer, less anxious about things that made me anxious in the past, I sleep better, my weight is more stable, I have more energy, and I'm just plain happier than I have been in the past. 

So, what would you like to change or add to your morning routine? Are you trying to exercise? Or add easy and healthy choices to your breakfast that are fast? Are you really stressed and need a way to deal with that? Any one of these three components can help with stress. Meditation, exercise, and or a healthy breakfast can each make a difference in your day and your ability to deal with stress.

Reach out and let me know your thoughts. Where do you most need help? Interested in working with me? There are different programs to choose from based on your needs. Even, affordable group programs which can be super motivating and help boost accountability. Contact me for a free discovery call to allow us to get to know each other! The path to real change begins with the first step.