Aug 18, 2024

16 Empowering Morning Rituals

16 Morning Rituals I Swear By:

What you do in the morning can set the tone for what happens until you go back to bed. Start your day with rituals that make you feel powerful and alive.

Mornings are a crazy busy hectic time for many families just getting everyone out of the door on time, with books, bags and lunch boxes in hand can be a challenge.   We get it.

On the other hand, you and your kids may be spending more of your days at home.  I know my kiddos are home now half the week and at school half the week.   That can be just as stressful as commuting, especially if you’re concerned about your health and finance and trying to juggle it all

Now more then ever it is a most that we have morning rituals and routines that start our day off right!  If we as parents are off to a good start it will definitely help get the rest of the family in that mindset.

The specific habits you choose will depend on your values and goals.Start small and have fun experimenting. Consider these ideas for morning rituals designed to help you kick start your day and kick ass.

Empowering Morning Rituals for Your Body:

1. No Snooze Button. Do you feel tired even after 8 hours of sleep? The trouble could be your snooze button. It interrupts your body’s natural waking process. That can cause sleep inertia that lasts for hours. Set the alarm and get your butt out of bed!
2. Drink Water. You may want to wait on having your first cup of coffee until you drink plenty of water. Plain water will rehydrate your organs and make you feel more alert. I try and drink at least 8 oz. before I have any coffee.  You can add a little flavor with berries, herbs,  cucumber slices, or any natural flavor enhancer will do.
3. Eat breakfast. You also need to refuel. This was something I skipped for the longest time and never again will I make that mistake. Enjoy a balanced meal of traditional breakfast foods or heat up some leftovers. Smart choices include Greek yogurt, eggs, smoothie, fruit, etc. If eating food in the morning is not your thing sty having a green smoothie or any healthy shake.
4. Work out. Complete your main exercise session or move around a little, especially if you’ll be sitting at a computer for hours. Choose an activity that you love, like yoga or swimming.
5. Weigh Yourself Weekly. If you’re trying to lose excess weight, stepping on the scale the same morning one day a week may help. Keep in mind that daily fluctuations are natural, so look for upward or downward trends.  I like to do this the same morning once per week knowing that daily fluctuations are normal and I don’t wait to get too obsessed with a number.
6. Go Outdoors. Morning light wakes up your body and starts a hormone cycle that prepares you for restful sleep at night. Sit on your patio or bike to work or taking a morning stroll around your neighborhood.

Empowering Morning Rituals for Your Mind:

1. Avoid Technology. Resist the urge to lose yourself in social media. Turn off your phone or check for urgent messages only. Don’t roll out of bed and go directly to your phone.  Give yourself a good half hour or no technology when you first wake up.
2. Be Prepared. Starting on tasks the night before can make your mornings more pleasant. Lay out your clothes and pack your briefcase.  Have a to do list ready, know what you want for lunch or have it packed this will help you start your day out right
3. Meditate and Pray. Nourish your spirituality. If you’re a beginner, start with a few minutes of meditation and build up your time gradually.  This is a huge must on my list.  Start with five minutes and work yourself up from there.  Take the time to check in with yourself and ask/listen for inner guidance.
4. Repeat Affirmations. Give yourself loving and motivational messages. Speak in the present tense and keep your statements brief. Looking in the mirror can help you focus.  Write them on your mirror and have post its or words around on your water bottles, glass, etc. to help remind you of your daily affirmations.
5. Connect with Loved Ones. Enjoy family time and make time to fit it in.  Play a word game with your kids while you’re helping them get dressed.  Make affirmations with your kids and talk to them about them.  Sit down for dinner as a family and discuss your day.  Tell your partner that you love them and make time to communicate and show affection to one another.
6. Cultivate Gratitude. Count your blessings. Think of someone who you need to thank today.  Go to bed each night with gratitude in your heart.  Think of what you were grateful for today and wake up with what you are thankful for each day.
7. Continue Learning/Self Development. You could use your mornings to complete your degree online or study more informally. Listen to an audible or podcasts. Read high quality fiction or nonfiction.  Take the time to grow your mind.  You Matter make yourself a priority.  Get up a little earlier or go to bed a little later if that is what it takes!
8. Have a Project. Do you struggle to find time for yourself? The early hours may be an opportunity to engage your personal passions or expand your side gig.  Do something that inspires you and gets your mind excited and inspirational juices flowing.
9. Listen to Music. Research shows that listening to music reduces anxiety and enhances mental alertness and memory. Put together a personal playlist or turn on your favorite radio station.  If I am operating at a low frequency or just not in a good place I will put my music on loud and just start singing and dancing.  This simple step can turn my day around.
10. Plan your Day. Set goals and block out your time. Otherwise, external events can keep you from focusing on your true priorities. Remember to leave yourself adequate downtime for refreshing breaks.

Kick off your day with a morning routine that will make you feel more productive and fulfilled. Adopt positive habits and jump out of bed with a smile

XO- Kjersten