The Power of a Morning Routine

I used to hate routines.

I thought that it meant that you were stuck in your ways, boring, too predictable.

Little did I realise back then, how powerful routines are and, surprisingly, how they can actually help with anxiety!

Let me take you back to 2015, I had had a breakdown and was in bed, diagnosed with anxiety and depression.

I knew that things needed to change.

It's funny, because, even then, I would tell myself that I didn't have time to do things. I mean, it wasn't like I was doing much of anything else!

Just goes to show you what your mind will tell you and convince you that it was true, right?

I won't go into the story of my first steps to getting up and about, I have shared that on other blogs, but, what I will do is to share with you what I do every day.

Now, as you know, I take a holistic approach in looking after myself and in my coaching practice.

And so, my morning routine makes sure that I am considering all aspects of my wellbeing, not just my mental or physical health.

So, here is my morning routine...

• Before getting out of bed, before I reach for my phone, I spend a few minutes with my eyes closed and I pay attention to my body. I focus on my breathing, not to change the rhythm, but, just to be aware of it. This helps me to stay mindful and present in those first few moments after waking up.

• Then I do my journaling. I have one where I write down my affirmations, gratitude and manifests. The other is where I journal my thoughts and feelings.

• Sometimes I will get dressed and head straight to the gym at this point, on other days I will shower, get dressed and head out for a walk.

• I always listen to a podcast or something motivational whilst walking. I am really aware of what I consume these days, making sure that I focus my energy on things that inspire, motivate and lift me up.

• When I get home I have my breakfast - usually cereal with chopped fresh fruit and my morning cup of tea.

• Then I am ready to start work.

You can see that, each aspect of my morning routine is supporting my holistic wellness - physically, mentally, spiritually and socially.

Having a consistent morning routine can significantly improve energy, productivity and overall wellbeing by providing structure, reducing stress and promoting positive habits.

Here's some other reasons why it's important to have a good morning routine:

• A well structured morning routine can help you to wake up feeling refreshed and energised, ready for the day ahead.

• By establishing a sense of predictability, it can help with reducing stress and anxiety. Helping you to start the day feeling calm and with a more focused mindset.

• Incorporating habits like exercise, meditation and mindfulness into your daily routine can promote overall wellbeing.

• By structuring your morning routine, you can prioritise time for your own selfcare, a really important aspect of everyone's day. This helps with creating that feeling of balance in your life.

• Every day that you stick to your routine, you are actually strengthening neural pathways in your brain. Over time, your routine will be the norm, something that you just do automatically.

What a fantastic start to your day, right?

So, with all of this in mind, why not take a moment and consider what your current morning routine is and how you feel as you begin your day.

What could make that better?

What small steps can you take to help you to get your day off to a great start?

Click here to download my free mindful selfcare guide.

The 5 daily habits that I share in there will help you in creating an amazing morning routine.

Thanks for reading

Anne-Marie

xx