Begin with this 5-step routine

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When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive — to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love. — Marcus Aurelius

Every morning is a gift. It has taken me years to realize it, but I’m there. My morning is now my favorite part of the day, and I have five essential parts that set me up for a success.

#1: Guided meditation

Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom. — James Allen

Although it doesn’t have to be guided meditation, this is what works for me. When my Hatch gently wakes me up, I do a few stretches in bed. I flex my toes, hug my knees to my chest, and then stretch overhead before getting up.

I head to the kitchen to grab a glass of water. I try to drink one full glass and then grab another before I settle into a seated position on the couch with a blanket draped around my legs. I take one more drink and begin my guided meditation using the Calm app.

You don’t have to use a guided meditation. Even taking some slow deep breaths to center yourself before getting up will work wonders. I also advocate for moving away from an alarm that blares you out of bed. Who wants to start the day with a loud, obnoxious sound? 

After meditating, I take the one medication I need to for my thyroid (at 56, I will take only being on one med), and then I drink another glass of water. After a night of sleep, it’s imperative to start the hydration process as soon as possible.

#2: Bible Study

“Study the Scriptures daily; it is your day to day spiritual food.” — Lailah Gifty Akita

Connecting with my higher power is the next step after guided meditation. I use a daily devotional on my phone. Each day is a different focused devotion with two or three bible verses. It centers my spirit and provides me with another layer of calm to begin my day. 

#3: Journaling

After meditation and bible study, I go write into a 10 minute brain dump in my journal. I used to put pen to paper, but now I use Notability on my iPad. I wasn’t sure if I would like it, but I’m now 52 days into it. Sometimes I jot notes, write the Bible verse of the day, set my intentions for the day, note what I’m thankful for, and/or word vomit. It’s a great way to get rid of the cobwebs.

#4: Exercise

From this point, I do 30 minutes of exercise. Most of the time it’s either a walk outside or on the treadmill at the gym, or I do a strength-training workout at home. Strength-training is all about a full-body workout for me. I do supersets of upper and lower body. In 30 minutes, I can get in 8–10 different moves. Throughout, I make sure that I drink another 16–32 ounces of water.

If I’m running short on time in the morning, I do 10–15 minutes of gentle yoga instead and then increase my step count throughout the day. 

My physical well-being is my priority, because when I feel good physically it positively affects my mental, emotional, and spiritual states. Believe me, I can tell a difference on the days I don’t work out. I feel imbalanced, not as patient, and a little anxious.

#5: Nutrition

I’m a very basic person when it comes to my daily breakfast. I make the same thing every morning so that I don’t have to think about it. It’s one less decision in a day that is full of them.

I make a basic egg and cheese omelet with seasoning, fruit (half banana, strawberries, frozen mango, or a mandarin), a piece of toast with butter, and coffee with flavored creamer. 

I could eat healthier, but this works for me. As a middle school English teacher, I won’t eat again for another six hours; therefore, I need a fairly hearty breakfast…and caffeine. (If you teach middle schoolers or if you’re a parent of a middle schooler, you know.)

Wrapping It Up.

Honestly, I’m not a morning person. This is a routine that has taken deliberate effort over time, but it’s been completely worth it. Because I start the day doing things for myself, I’m ready to then give of myself to others.

If you have a morning routine, I would love it if you left a comment. Building community happens when we interact with each other, and I’m excited to learn from what others do. 

Until next time…

Be well, friends.

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