3 Easy Steps for a Healthy Morning Routine

Welcome to the portal of your best day yet! In the chaos of our busy lives, finding time for self-care often takes a backseat. But what if I told you that just a few simple steps each morning could transform your entire day? Today, we’re diving into the power of a healthy morning routine, just 3 easy steps – a trifecta of practices designed to set the tone for positivity, productivity, and well-being. So grab your favorite mug of warm coffee, tea or whatever, cozy up, and let’s explore the three essential steps to crafting a morning ritual that nourishes your body, mind, and soul.

Disclaimer: These are just my personal essentials, and as you journey through crafting your own morning routine, you’ll discover what works best for you. Feel free to tweak, tailor, adapt, or expand upon any of these practices to suit your unique needs. The key is to prioritize what brings you joy and makes you feel your best. 

Crafting Your Ideal Morning Routine: 3 Steps for Busy Lives

1. Bed Yoga: Waking Up with a Stretch

Ever considered starting your day with a downward dog in your PJs? Sounds amusing, right? But trust me, it’s a game-changer. You may already have a yoga practice, and that is okay, this is not a replacement so just keep reading.  This unconventional practice is more about easing your body and mind into the day ahead. I vividly remember the first time I tried it. I was on a getaway with my friend Jen, who is also a certified yoga instructor,  in Ireland.

Imagine this: morning light filtering through the curtains and as I turn to say good morning I see Jen grabbing for her feet and rocking ever so slightly in happy baby pose.  I see where she is going with this and immediately start my own yoga routine, trying to imitated her practice in my super single bed, all the while praying that I don’t topple off.  After just one go I was hooked, the feeling was pure bliss.

So maybe you do not sleep alone, it’s okay, bed yoga really does not take up a lot of space, but if push comes to shove you can also have your yoga mat on the floor and silently slink out of bed.  But be aware that bed Yoga may also spark an interest in your partner who might want to join in or it may prompt another activity that is also good for activating your body and starting the day off right (you know what I mean). 

So, if you’re up for it, give bed yoga a shot. I promise you won’t regret it. And if you do not know where to start here you can find a link to Jen’s bed yoga practice which will have you never getting out of bed again with stiffness.  

2. Creating Your Zen Zone: Journaling Space Essentials

Once I’m done with my mini-yoga session, I head to my designated journaling spot in the living room, but it can truly be anywhere comfortable, warm, and quiet. I’ve set up a cozy nook with a soft lamp (well not too soft as my vision is getting worse and worse as I get older), a flickering candle for ambiance and yummy smells, and some soothing background music from a pre-made Spotify playlist.

Oh, and let’s not forget my warm lemon water – a habit I picked up also from Jen, who swears by its morning benefits. My coffee is usually seeping in my French press as I cannot go too long without my morning dose after waking up.  I am human after all and I like to indulge in caffeine, a lot of it. 

I have my journal out and usually have a whole set of colorful pens so that I can decide according to my mood or emotions that morning which color best suits me.  Having a comfortable setting, the right music, scents, a beautiful journal that I love holding, and my pens I feel more inspired to write and by having everything I need within arm’s reach, I eliminate any distractions and ensure a seamless transition into my morning routine.

3. Journaling for Mental Clarity: My Daily Detox

Ah, journaling – my daily dose of mental detox. I used to scribble thoughts sporadically throughout the day until I stumbled upon “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron. Her concept of writing three pages every morning, no matter what, resonated with me. And let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer. I remember the first time I attempted it, armed with a journal and a pen, unsure of what to expect. But as I poured my thoughts onto the page, something shifted within me.

Those days are long gone and to be more realistic, I have aced the 3 pages and usually just write whatever I feel, which ends up being 2 – 3 pages, but without the pressure. Its important to remember the pages are yours and you can write whatever you want no judgment here.

This is how I always start; date, a greeting to myself (Something like “Good Sunny Morning”), a few sentences of gratitude, acknowledging the simple joys of life like having this moment to myself. Then, it’s time for some free-flow writing – a cathartic release of thoughts, emotions, and plans for the day. Sometimes, I draw inspiration from a book or a motivational quote, letting my thoughts wander freely. Finally, to top it off, I always sign off with a positive affirmation (Something like “I love myself”  or “ You are a badass”), and of course, a smile on my face, setting the tone for the day ahead. 

Okay, Okay……I know this all may sound kind of corny but try it for a week, tailor it to yourself, and your needs, and prioritize what makes you feel the best.  After that…..we will talk again.  

Finding Balance in the Chaos

In a nutshell, these three steps form the backbone of my morning routine. Even on the busiest of days, with a bit of preparation, If needed I can flow through the whole process in about 10 minutes. And trust me, those 10 minutes are worth their weight in gold when it comes to mental well-being.

To keep myself motivated, I indulge in little treats like scented candles, certain scents can cheer us up, calm us down, or energize us so choose the one that sets the mood for you.  Also, I like to have a plethora of colorful pens, each color in the spectrum has its own vibe, so pick which one you want to rock out to that particular morning.  Most importantly my journal, I get excited about finishing one, knowing just what I have accomplished, and look forward to choosing my next morning companion, one that speaks to my soul.

It’s these small details that make my morning me time feel like a cherished ritual, setting the stage for a day filled with self-love and gratitude. So, the next time you close your journal or book, take a moment to smile. You’ve just invested in the most important relationship of all – the one with yourself.