7-minute read
We’ve all heard the saying, “How you start your day is how you live your day.” It’s true. The way you begin your morning sets the tone for the rest of your new NOW to unfold under your design.
Incorporating self-care into your morning routine is a simple yet effective way to prioritize your self-care and ensure you’re starting your day off on the right foot. Here are some self-care activities to consider adding to your morning routine.
Take a moment to breathe
Before jumping out of bed and starting your day, take a few minutes to focus on your breath. Inhale deeply through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth. This simple practice can help to calm your Mental Plane mind, reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and give you time to notice your Physical Plane body while still in a bit of an Alpha state of inner awareness.
Hydrate
Drinking water first thing in the morning is a great way to hydrate your body and give your metabolism a boost. I place a glass of water by the bed, to drink upon rising, to flush the toxins out that my body worked on during my sleeping. Once up and moving, I drink another glass of water.
As your NOW progresses, consider adding a slice of lemon or lime to your water for a welcoming flavor and added health benefits. If you struggle to drink enough water, may I suggest setting an alarm every hour or two, reminding you to tip your glass? Many eating distractions are not so much about being hungry but more about your body trying to tell you that it is dehydrated. A very real reminder for me is the fact that, when you become dehydrated, your body must go into your intestines and bowels to find the water it needs to function. NOW, that recycling thought makes downing a glass of water easy!
Stretch or do yoga
Stretching or doing yoga as part of your morning routine can help to gently wake up your Physical Plane body and prepare you for the day ahead. Gentle time in the morning also helps reset your Mental Plane mind to begin your NOW in a relaxed state. You don’t need to do a full hour-long practice, even just 10-15 minutes can make a difference and power up your NOW while supporting your whole body-spirit-person-needs.
Journal
Your morning routine should prioritize a few minutes for journal work to jot down your thoughts, observations, and feelings that surface during your stretching, your body scan breath work, and your yoga or exercise time. This can help you to release any negative emotions and set positive intentions for the day. I make one-minute videos on my cell phone while I am out on my 6-mile run. It’s my best meditation time and a simple way to get my thoughts out of my head.
Eat a healthy breakfast
Eating a nutritious breakfast is important for fueling your Physical Plane body and Mental Plane brain for the day ahead. Consider incorporating healthy foods like whole grains, fruits, and protein-rich foods into your breakfast. I prefer not eating right away to give my body time to work on cleaning and burning while still fasting. Breakfast literally means break-the-fast. Once you eat, your body focuses on digestion.
Practice gratitude
Before actively starting your day, take a moment to reflect on the things you’re grateful for in your life. This can help to shift your mindset to a more positive and grateful outlook and that helps control Mental Plane self-talk about what is wrong and what you should be worrying about.
Incorporating self-care into your morning routine doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Even just adding one or two of these activities to your morning can make a significant difference in how you feel throughout the day. Remember, taking care of yourself first is not selfish, it’s essential for your well-being and the guarantee that you are protecting your new NOW promise not to miss another moment of your extraordinary life. Prioritizing self-care in the morning is a powerful way to start your NOW and sets a positive state of awareness for the rest of your day.