Starting the Day in a Blissful Way: My Current Morning Routine

Morning routines are super trendy, I know. But, there's a reason for that. For many folx having a set routine of practices and activities to perform first thing in the morning gives a foundation of self-care and intention to the rest of the day.

Now, not everyone needs this kind of structure. I know more than a few people who cringe at the idea of planning even a moment, let alone every single morning. So, if you're one of those people, this post isn't likely to do much for you, except, perhaps, to give a glimpse of how other people live their lives.

But, if, like me, you do well with a little structure built into your days, then read on, friend.

Contrary to some popular beliefs there is no special formula for creating a perfect morning routine for everyone. We are all one, but we are all different parts of the whole. That means we're all unique. We each have our own special flavor that we add to the stew. That's what makes the stew taste so damn good.

So, what I'll tell you is that the only truly brilliant formula for creating your morning routine is to get clear on what will be most beneficial and fun for you, and incorporate that into your routine.

I also think it's important to say (write?) that you don't have to commit to just one morning routine. You can have as many as you want, and switch them up as you fancy.

I find, personally, that I will create a morning routine for myself that will serve me for a while, but, then, in true Manifesting Generator style, I'll get bored and it'll be time for a new one. (Or time to go without for a while.) So, I guess what I'm saying is: First rule of Morning Routines is that there are no rules.

Here's what's working for me right now, for those of you who might be looking for a little inspiration:

1. Rise time—On weekdays, I try to rise at roughly the same time. I use an alarm on my phone to make this happen. Using my phone lets me wake up to the gentle sound of wind chimes and that feels much nicer than one of those blaring alarm clock buzzers so popular in tabletop clocks. On weekends, I forego the alarm and sleep until I wake.

2. First things first—I'll do a few quick cat stretches in bed before making my way to the loo. Emptying my bladder first thing is a must, as is brushing my teeth and scraping my tongue. If I'm especially tired, I'll splash some cold water on my face.

3. Time to move—Now it's to the yoga mat. I don't set a particular amount of time to move my body, but it usually ends up being 20-30 minutes during these morning movement sessions. I keep the format loose, but I always stretch my spine, do some exercises for my anterior pelvic tilt, and a few yoga asanas … whatever is speaking to me in the moment.

4. Time to sit—From the yoga mat to the meditation cushions! I begin with three rounds of three affirmations. I speak them aloud. Lately, I've been choosing affirmations to correspond with my chakras. These were taken from a book called Chakras and Their Archetypes, by Ambika Wauters. I chose these, specifically, to help me continue to move into the highest expression of each of my energy centers. After speaking my affirmations, I meditate. I started with ten minutes, and I add more time as it becomes more comfortable. Meditating has never felt easy for me, unless it was a group guided situation. So, I start small. Some days I have elaborate vision quest-style meditations, and others I just sit, uncomfortable, trying not to judge myself too harshly when my monkey mind is at its most ADD. After meditating, I write in my journal. No set time limit or goal about how much I write … I just write whatever comes out, and then I'm done.

5. Drink up—Once I've done something nice for body, mind and spirit, I prepare a hot lemon water to sip as I get on with my workday [on the weekdays]. On weekends, I'll set out for a long meandering morning walk where I'll pick up a hot chocolate with almond milk (and maybe a little cayenne and cinnamon) and explore my town on foot. There's nothing like fresh air and sunshine to lift my spirits and get me ready for whatever else I have planned for the weekend.

And that's it! That's my morning routine. It's a pretty balanced mix of fluidity and structure. And that is really working for me right now.

I hope you've found something interesting, inspiring, or at least informative here. If there's anything you'd like me to explore here on the blog, please message me with your thoughts, requests, and ideas. I'd love to hear from you!

Big love, blissmakers! xoxo