I’ve started getting up at 5:00am. Yes, I’m now one of those holier-than-thou wankers. I’m on the cusp of taking regular ice baths, drinking turmeric shots, and eating keto (not really. I’m way too in love with bread, for starters…).
Why the hell have you been getting up so early? I hear you wisely ask. Well, I listened to a podcast with some guru fella one time who said it was awesome. I was sucked in. I tried it and I was hooked. It’s a time carved out exclusively for me. I get to practice yoga, meditate, journal, drink tea. No phones, emails, to-do lists, zero pressure. Some days I have a proper workout. Others, I just lie on my mat and watch the sun rise.
And what have I learned the past two years of doing this? A regular yoga, breathing, and meditation practice in the morning makes every other process in my body and brain work better so I have an overwhelmingly better day. I’m suddenly more patient when I’m stuck in terrible traffic, and with my mum when she asks me how to copy-and-paste (again). I feel more in control, more confident, more compassionate towards myself and others. Not to mention the yoga classes I teach feel way more intuitive and I physically feel way more capable.
I’m not writing this to tell you that you, too, need to wake up stupidly early to be in with a chance of feeling better. No. What I AM recommending you to do is to make more time for you first thing in your day, even just for half an hour.
Here’s my 4 favourite things to incorporate into a morning routine that’ll make you feel more alive:
1. Meditation
Quiet, reflective, emotion-feeling time is a complete game-changer. Take it from me. I’ve tried mornings where I pick up my phone first-thing, versus mornings where I meditation first-thing. And guess what? The days I prioritise myself and my meditation practice are almost always calmer and less reactive. Try the daily meditations on my membership dashboard for a new session every day.
2. Journalling
Another small thing that can make a huge difference: journalling. I use the app MorningPages (search for it wherever you get your apps)—although you could use any notes app, or a pen and paper if that’s more your jam—and I write around 500 words every morning. Nothing specific, just how I’m feeling, what I’m thinking about, how I want today to go. I look forward to this every day. It’s as if the action of writing out the mush in your mind actually helps you find some space and clarity within it all. This is my favourite part of my routine, I really encourage you to try it.
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3. Movement
This doesn’t have to be a big deal. In fact, if I set myself up to just do a 20-minute practice, I’m way more likely to actually do it. Maybe you’d rather take a walk, or head out for a run. It doesn’t matter. Adding movement into your morning routine is a win/win. Not only are you working on your fitness and your physical health, but you’re energising yourself for a good day.
4. Skincare
I’m a massive advocate for a regular skincare routine, too. Every morning I make sure to use my favourite serums and moisturisers from my favourite skincare brand Face Theory (my members get an exclusive discount, just head to your perks page).
Bonus: take a second to uplift and energise your face by using big, upward sweeping movements and gently tapping your entire face and neck to finish the routine. This is a great way to end your morning self-care routine and start the rest of your day.
The takeaway
Your mornings have the potential to change your entire day. Incorporating some (or all) of these tools into your first hour of waking life can make profound and lasting impacts. This as the sign you need to start this regular morning self-care routine, it’s as if the universe has conspired to get you to this blog post.
In the meantime, join my Joy Collective for free for more insights, inspiration, discounts, and exclusive classes.
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