I know intuitively that I should participate in more self-care when I'm feeling under the weather. However, I haven’t always practiced this concept well, slouching instead into a pinched sleep and foggily procrastinating my way into hustle-mode. I used to rise each morning with about 45 minutes to throw myself together, tend to my dog, make coffee and dash out the door either right in the nick of time or later than desired. My husband, refers to this as my old routine of frantically dropping things and cursing. With some personal life shifts, a move and getting married, along with stressful current events, my anxiety was at an all-time high beginning this winter. Not only could I feel a constant vibration of nervousness, my anxiety had begun manifesting itself in my daily interactions, my skin, eating habits and a terrific eye twitch that once lasted for a full two-week period. Fun times! With the onset of winter and the election of a certain evil, orange troll, any semblance of calm had totally retreated from my life. My complete lack of control over my mood was evident.
So, when Chris, my wonderful husband, finally suggested something seemingly very obvious--getting up a few minutes earlier each morning, I wondered why I hadn’t tried this before. I tried just 15 minutes to start. The difference was insane. My entire day’s momentum changed! I disliked the idea of giving myself an unflinching alarm or rising time, so I decided to give myself an acceptable window of time to wake up. I feel as though I’ve given myself a gift: the gift of time and peace. My mornings no longer feel strangled or rigid, but rather light and filled with ease. I connect with myself more at this time of day than any other and the subsequent parts of my routine (my commute, work, etc.) play out in an easier pace. If you happen to be curious, here’s a little outline of my typical morning routine.
6:30-7:00
I set aside this time to gently ease into awake-mode. I spend time cuddling with my dog and husband and setting intentions in my head. I allow myself to check Instagram and TimeHop, while intentionally avoiding Facebook and Twitter, which have been known to put me into an immediately reactive place. I let our dog, Maggie, out and wash my face during this time too.
7:00-7:15
I feed Maggie. I also prepare my breakfast, which usually looks like toast or cereal with green juice and coffee. I like to listen to a podcast while I do this part.
7:15-8:00
This time is the delicious part! Most days, I write in my journal and include things I'm grateful for, my daily intentions and an affirmation for myself. Then, I eat and drink my coffee slowly while usually watching YouTube interviews (usually Oprah) or catching up on some reading. Sometimes I will indulge in both. I try to avoid watching the news or dramatic television during this time and opt instead for spiritual or educational content that lifts me up first thing in the morning. I let myself look at my phone but usually wait a couple of hours before checking Facebook or Twitter and postpone texts as well. This particular rule frees up my mind for more meaningful things that set a better vibration for the rest of the day.
8:00-8:35
I get dressed and ready for my day. Since I shower at night, this is a rather quick process and I try my best to lay out my clothes and toiletries the night before so that I avoid that frantic "I've-lost-my-deodorant!" feeling. This is another way I give things to my future self. I do the prep work, so future Jordan has an easier time in the morning. Gosh, I am so nice to me sometimes.
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So, there you have it; my morning routine! It isn’t anything fabulous, but it has worked wonders for my anxiety. I’ve always been interested in others’ morning routines and know now that there is no right or wrong way to have one. If you feel wound up all day long, try changing up your mornings. It doesn’t have to be anything special. I just try to do what lights me up intentionally and the day expands. Best of luck if you decide to give your own morning routine a shot and let me know how it goes!