Morning habits

Good morning….  I've got a question for you…

What is the first thing that comes into your mind when you wake up? 

i.e. What do you have to do today?

• What's for breakfast?(Why not exercise in a fasted state? Intermittent fasting anyone?)
• lunches to be packed …(No bread...please)
• school uniform to be ironed …
• after school activities to get to … 
• work …
• dinner – who's coming for dinner …
• which friend of your child/children is coming home with you…

I get it, the endless chores… the stress starts to mount at the beginning of the day.

Rather than going with the stress flow, how would you like to start your day happy, full of energy and so have less stress? 

Yes, you can… it starts when you make a conscious choice on how you WOULD like your day to look. 

Can I suggest – start the day doing something just for yourself instead. When you are feeling great, connected to yourself and happy, your approach changes. When you are happy, you will be sharing your "happy energy" with your family and anyone around you. 

So here are five things that would greatly benefit you that you can do before getting out of bed: 

1. Set your intention for your day

Your first thoughts of the day are important, as they will set the tone of your day ahead. Intention establishes a direction of energy and activates the experiences you want. So when you set your intentions from a place of clarity and presence, you set your energy in motion and the environment for the intentions to manifest the way/how you want it. 

2. Journaling 

Have a pen and your journal on your bedside table, and journal in the morning while your mind is fresh and relaxed.  Journaling is one of the most useful tools to help clear your mind daily. It helps reconnect with yourself, processes change and uncovers insights about what is emerging in your life, and so you can understand who you are and what you want in life. 

3. Morning stretches and exercise(Check our the Exercise label on this blog - never forget your biomechanics)

I am not the best model for exercise; however, I will aim to get the stretches done. For a winter morning, you can do stretches in bed, just stretch and release all the tensions in the body.

Extend your daily stretches and exercises when you get out of bed. Any movement that encourages you to connect to your being, feeling stronger and allowing the blood to circulate will make you feel more joyful and happier in the day. 

4. Mentally list 1-3 things that you are grateful for

Every night before you head to bed, think of one thing that you are grateful for. Use that opportunity to remind yourself about the many beautiful things in your life, your work, home, family… And every morning before you get out of bed, again think about something that you are grateful for.

Gratitude will turn your day into more joy and happiness, and turn life challenges into opportunities for growth and blessings. Gratitude grounds you in the present and provides an opportunity to be in touch with your core. 

5. This is my favourite – connection with your spouse

I would really like to encourage you to make 15 minutes every morning to devote to your spouse.

Why?

When you are in your twenties and before children, you would have had your own careers to pursue, great carefree interesting pursuits, a decent disposable income to do whatever you wanted, and the chance to travel whenever you wanted. When you start a family, you may take on the role of the caregiver, and your spouse may take off with their career. Two of you may be walking different paths for a while.  However, you and your spouse need to be mindful that you should not forget about your lives as a couple. The easiest and best way is to have breakfast together – even for 15 minutes, for solid quality time together.

Have a connected day with yourself. Remember, self care is NEVER selfish.

Make a point of reading this blog every day!!!