I'm not too sure about you guys, but, when I wake up in the morning I'm not exactly dying to do things that are hard. Like, the minute I roll out of bed, I don't want the first things I'm doing to be complicated. I like to start slow, peaceful, maybe energized and motivated, but not a daunting checklist of tasks that need to be crossed off.
So, this week's blog post & episode of Be Well With Steph, the Podcast is about:
What I think the difference is between 'morning routines' and 'morning rituals' (an important distinction I've discovered!)
2. A little bit about what my morning rituals look like, and
3 ways to help you create your own!
Anyone ever googled "morning routines for successful people"? If not, I don't recommend it. Seriously! Some of these routines are like, 14-step lists that start at 5 am and involve things like cold showers, intensive meditations, things that just sound really overwhelming to me.
Even if your routine is a bit less intense and includes activities that you genuinely enjoy, like a workout, reading a book, and doing a meditation, the problem here is that most of us simply don't have the time to do all of these things, every single day.
I've tried so many different routines because I know it's important to have good habits and the beginning of your day can really set the tone for the whole day - but nothing was working, until I started thinking of it as my "morning ritual".
Rituals; the little stuff, that has big meaning.
These are the things that we do almost instinctually, because they are the things that bring us joy, and peace, and when we feel good we can be motivated and productive.
Even just the sound of each word: ritual sounds so much more personal, fulfilling, made with intention. Routine just sounds boring, it sounds like a task that you're being forced to do.
Let's start the shift from Morning Rituals to Morning Routines!
Wake up with my phone still in focus mode.
I always keep a book and a journal next to my bed, and keep my access to podcasts & music open during focus mode in case I need something to motivate myself, or wake my brain up.
Take a few intentional breaths, start my self-talk positively (repeating mantras or just giving myself a few positive thoughts to start my day with)
Making coffee in my french press is an important step for me. It just makes me feel good, it's meditative, and it brings me joy!
Honestly, that's it. These are the few steps for me that pretty much stay the same every day. I give myself the freedom to let the rest of my morning look differently each day, depending on how I'm feeling, what I need to do, or how much time I have.
But these simple steps right here are what set the tone for my whole day, and give me the energy, focus, and mental strength to move through the rest of my day!
3 Ways to start creating a morning ritual for YOU
Breathing: Allow yourself deep, full breaths. Just becoming aware and connecting with your breath. Let your breath bring you into the present moment.
Self-talk: Give yourself the type of words or thoughts that you would like to carry into your morning. It could be a mantra, a quote or phrase you love, a piece of advice that you would give to yourself, to tackle the day. You could repeat it to yourself, write it on your mirror so you see it right away, whatever feels good to you!
Senses: Activate a new sense. It could be lighting a candle to spark your sense of smell, washing your face to spark your sense of touch, coffee or tea or lemon water to activate your taste buds.. Make this something personal and special to you, that feels peaceful, calming, and connecting.
Need more inspiration on how to create your own morning rituals? Lucky for you, I've created this FREE GUIDE to give you more inspiration!
I hope you enjoyed this episode, and feel inspired to make the shift into morning rituals, if you haven't already.
I'd love to hear from you, and what areas of your Wellness Lifestyle need the most support.
Set up a free Discovery Call! Www.bewellwithsteph.com/workwithme
Prefer to listen to this topic? You can, here!
(I elaborate a lot more on some of these important, ideas, too.)
Was this helpful to you? What changes to your morning ritual will you be adapting? If you already have a strong morning ritual, what does it look like?! Let me know in the comments! ♡
You are worthy of living and capable of creating a healthy lifestyle you love. 🤍