Wellness Wednesday: Morning Routines

The Importance of a Morning Routine

Not so long ago, my morning routine consisted of sleeping until the last possible moment, then watching the morning news shows while I drank my coffee.  If I didn't have an early morning class to teach, the morning routine would stretch into another cup of coffee and another morning show.  Before I knew it, it was 9 or 10:00 and I had accomplished nothing.  And that would set the tone for the day.  I was lazy and unmotivated to do anything more than what I absolutely had to get done.  I didn't like myself or the rut I had put myself in.  I needed a little inspiration and was ready for a change.  I couldn't continue to waste my days without a purpose or focus.  I was just going through the motions and it was a very unsatisfying way to go through life.  
That's when I discovered the idea of a #MindsetReset. If you change the way you think, you can change the way you do.  This is the brain child of Mel Robbins.  She is a motivational speaker, but what makes her different is that she backs up her ideas with science.  And what she talks about makes so much sense (if you are unfamiliar with her, Google her).  
Having nothing to lose, I decided to give her theory a try.  So I started the new year off by NOT making any resolutions. Resolutions are too big an idea, with no real plan.  That's why people can't keep them.  Instead I set a goal for myself - a measurable and achievable goal.  I was going to make better use of my morning!  I was going to take the first 15 -20 minutes of each day for me.  My thinking being that if I started the day doing something positive for myself, I would stay positive and focused throughout the day.  
Well guess what?  It worked!  It was hard the first few days.  I didn't really know what to do.  So I made a plan.  First I would meditate - just a few deep breaths to get the energy moving through my body (something I never seemed to have enough time for), then I would read my inspirational quote for the day (I had just pick up a new book).  Next, I would write in my journal (also a new purchase).  Finally, I would go through my calendar to check on appointments for the day.  Creating this time for myself was a game changer.  Instead of putting these things at the end of the day and never getting to them, they are now my first priority.  I am my first priority.  
This time in the morning gives me a chance to focus on the things I need to do for the day.  I schedule in my workout time as well.  If it goes in the calendar, it is a commitment!  I wouldn't cancel a doctor's appointment or an important meeting.  Why would I cancel out on doing something that is going to improve my physical and mental health.  

I became very goal oriented.  I learned that setting a small goal and making a plan to achieve it helps to keep that goal attainable.  I shared this idea with my R!E!A!C!H! followers on Facebook and we spent the the month of February completing a program I designed called "Start Where You Are". It was a series of daily videos.  Everyday I would share an inspirational quote and then I gave them a prompt - an idea to get them to think about where they were and what little things they go do to create change in their lives.  We talked a lot about setting goals (big and small) and how to create a plan to achieve them. I did the program along with everyone else.  I learned so much about myself and what I am capable of  if I stay positive and focused.  

And now here I am writing this blog...something that was never on my radar.  But a funny thing has happened since the first of the year.  I just keep setting goals and looking for new challenges.  I have found my voice and I have ideas I want to write about and share with anyone who is interested in reading and going on the journey with me.

And it all started because I decided to give myself a gift; the gift of time.  Time for myself.  Time to focus on me.  I sleep better at night.  I get up most mornings before the alarm goes off.  I stick with my routine and I am so much more productive.  I feel better about myself.  I am confident and have a more positive outlook.  I know I am a better person because I treat myself better.  

One little change set off a chain reaction.  What is the one little change you could make today that would set you on your path to achieving a goal you have for yourself.  Change the way you think! Change the way you do!  

Would you like more information about how to break goals down to make them achievable.  Contact me at sadaley81@gmail.com.

I can help you identify a goal and then help you create steps to achieve it.