Hello everyone. As Jess mentioned yesterday, I’m Kelley and I’m really excited to be a contributor.you can learn more about I am here, but I believe that over time we will get to know each other. Thank you for welcoming me to this amazing community.
New Year’s resolutions sound good in theory, but are they really sustainable? Are you looking to start the new year with something new that you can really make into your routine? Join us for a morning ritual that sticks.
We all have a friend who spends their day in a quiet, peaceful way – with a hot cup of tea or coffee in hand, meditating as the morning light illuminates their faces. god i want that, we think when we wake up in anxiety and go into our day. guess what? this is possible. You can have it, you deserve it.
I recently started a morning ritual as part of my yoga and meditation practice. Honestly, there are days when it doesn’t happen at all, and it’s those days that I suffer. On the days I make time for morning rituals, I’ve noticed a significant change in my mental health. This is really important. But so are kids, work, and any other responsibilities you might have. So give yourself grace and do your best. Remember, this is for you, it’s not for stress, it’s for stress relief. I promise, once you make time for yourself, you won’t regret it.
Tips for Starting an Easy Morning Ritual
Make time every day.
Start with something small and reasonable. This might mean setting an alarm 5 or 10 minutes early and using that time in a specific way. You may find yourself starting to crave more time and decide to spend 20 or 30 minutes instead.
Find a peaceful setting for your ceremony.
I started the practice in a small room connected to our bedroom and it didn’t work. I could hear my husband’s snoring and my baby’s cries, and it wasn’t quiet at all. Make sure you choose a space that has the peace and quiet you need and deserve in order to make this time work for you.
Set realistic goals.
If you aim for an hour-long morning ritual, chances are you’ll avoid it and then feel guilty, ashamed, and defeated. Womp, womp…that’s the opposite of the goal here. Remember to start small, you can build anytime. Keep things simple. If you try to do too much, you will feel overwhelmed and create more stress for yourself. Pick one or two things that are important to you, and do it. You can switch anytime according to your mood. Some mornings I journal, some mornings I meditate. Feel your mind and body and find the groove that works for you.
Take it easy on yourself.
If you slip and miss a few mornings, that’s okay! We are our own worst critics. If you don’t have a morning ritual practice start celebrating the fact that you do, whether it’s three times or one. That in itself is a success. It’s a self-care practice that makes you feel better, not just another stressful event in your life.
Are you an extrinsically motivated person?
each other. Find a morning ritual partner. Check your morning routine with your friends and help each other be accountable. No shame in being on target. Help each other inspire and celebrate success. Discuss how this morning ritual has helped, and it will encourage you to keep up with it.
Personalize your morning ritual.
Everyone is different and everyone has something for them. Trying to force yourself to do yoga every morning when it’s not your thing can make you dread your morning ritual and in turn it won’t last. What makes you feel good? What makes you feel relaxed, energized, and rejuvenated? How would you like to start your day?
6 Ideas for Morning Rituals
Have a cup of coffee/tea.
Sitting quietly with a cup of coffee or tea is a relaxing, relaxing way to start your morning ritual. It’s that simple.
Yoga and meditation.
If you love yoga and meditation, there is no better way to start your day. Let your mind and body relax into the day and prepare your body and mind for whatever comes your way. I fluctuate between 20 and 40 minutes.Sometimes I do my own guided exercises using a playlist that suits my mood of the day, and sometimes I use Glo class. I love Glo, but you can also access free classes on youtube, or you might have a favorite local teacher who offers a virtual option.
Journaling and reading.
If you’re a reader or writer, these practices are a great way to start your day from the inside. For many of us, the first thing we see when we wake up is our cell phone. This immediately puts our brains on autopilot. Getting your mind to work through the day by using one of these simple practices is a healthier way to wake up your mind and examine yourself. If you’re looking for something to guide you through your journaling exercises, try this – I’m a huge Glennon fan, I just bought a bunch as a gift, and of course one for myself… get the wild diary. As always, try your local bookstore first! 👍 If you’re looking for nice lined journals to keep those ideas flowing, I love it too These personalized notebooks on Etsy.
bath.
How extravagant is it to take a shower in the morning? I haven’t done this personally, but I’ve heard it’s an effective way to wake up to 60% water in our body.
make a fire.
If you have a wood stove or fireplace, the ritual of lighting a fire first thing in the morning can be very comforting and soothing, especially this time of year. It feels almost meditative, bringing warmth and love. It might even take a little fiery energy to start the day. You can even try making a saucepan with some essential oils, fruit or herbs. Try mint for a refresher, rosemary and lemon for a refresher, and cinnamon, orange, or pine for a seasonal feel.
walk/run.
If you’re the active type, getting out and moving is the first thing to do, which can help release some of that pent-up energy and keep your day balanced. Moving our bodies is not only good for our metabolism and body, but it’s also a great way to improve our mental health. Walking or running without music/podcasts can help us get inside and listen to our inner voice, but if you need some motivation, try Spotify’s themed mood playlists or a podcast of your choice. Jesse and I will also recommend the podcast later in the week 🙂
Let us know what the goals of your morning ritual are. If you’ve already started – how’s it going? We did it together!
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