I'm not into morning routines, however...
Small things I do to start my day in a positive way
Hello, I’m Jodie. I write about my life lived a little slower post burnout! You cam Subscribe to support my work & to read more. Or, join our Slower Space community to access all content, meditations, events and the monthly journaling club! Can’t wait to see you there…
How do we feel about morning routines? Do you have one?
This used to be mine…
5:30am: wake up (cheers hustle culture), usually check socials and scroll for abit in bed
5:40am: open my laptop straight away to work on my blog/ Instagram before my full time job
6:45am: go to the gym for an intense 45 minute session
7:45am: rush through the door to get ready
8:30am: get out of the door asap/ wolf down breakfast at my desk at home while getting logged on for the day
*I’m exhausted thinking about the fact I once did that*
It was a routine that on paper would seem pretty good.
I was exercising, fitting in my business and managing to get ready each day… but, it was a routine that started my day off in the most hectic, dopamine fuelled way, and after years of living like this, I got to the point of exhaustion and realised I needed to slow things down, right down!
My issue with routines
I know for a lot of people routines can feel really supportive, but I’ve found it more helpful to think of rituals instead. The thing about routines is that they’re often rigid, and they don’t take into account how different we can feel day to day!
It seems to me like there needs to be a balance. A balance of self discipline to do the things that are best for you, but also intuition, knowing when although it’s “part of your routine” it may be best for you to do something different that day - and trusting that’s okay!
Your day doesn’t have to start off with this long checklist of things to do, even if you are leaving the house at a set time!
How I map out my mornings now to boost my mood
A few years on from my hectic morning routines. Here’s how I think about and do things differently…
Write down and think about how I want my morning to feel and look the night before. This is where the discipline comes in for me, having a plan in some way allows me to start the day intentionally. e.g. if the weather’s nice I’ll plan in a walk, if not I’ll choose to stay home and practice Yoga/ meditation. I’ll also make a note of my breakfast to take some decisions out of the start of my day.
Change how my morning looks based on the phase of my cycle and the season. I wake up earlier in spring/ summer. I read in bed more in winter and save exercise till the evening. Reviewing what I’m doing regularly and adapting it has been SO helpful. When it’s raining, dark and cold and I’m due on my period, going to the gym is definitely not what’s going to feel good to me!
No social media before 8am. I try not to have too many rules, but, I do have a few things I live by to protect my mental heath, this being absolutely crucial for me. I’m pretty sure I have undiagnosed ADHD, and starting my day off socials sees my overall screen time for the day go up hugely.
Listen to music instead of podcasts before 9am. Honestly, this is just one I do because I know it boosts my mood.
No news first thing... Regardless of how sensitive you are (I’m v sensitive), I don’t think it’s great for anyone to be waking up and instantly seeing what’s happening in the world - it’s overwhelming. My nervous system says thanks, but no thanks.
Have a decent breakfast that’s higher in protein.
Are any of these part of your morning already? I’d love to know if there are any non-negotiables for you!
Your 30 Minute Mindful Morning Yoga Practice
If I’m practising Yoga, it’s likely to be something like the 30 minute mindful morning session I shared on Sunday. I’ve been teaching Yoga for over 2 years now and this style of practice is my favourite - easy to fit into your day with lasting impact.
If you’re after a gentle morning Yoga session that combines releasing movements (suitable for all levels), breathwork and meditation - this is it ❤️
Once purchased you will have unlimited access to the recording for 3 months.
Until next time,
Jodie x
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I am one of those people who really enjoys a rigid morning routine. I do the same steps every single morning at the exact same time. I am someone who gets overwhelmed quite easily and having a rigid morning routine that looks the same every days helps me cruise on autopilot in the mornings. But, my morning routine does include many of the rituals you've mentioned. Move my body in a way that makes me feel good, no social media before 8:30 AM, maybe some reading.
I confess I'm reading this at 5 a.m. I've been awake since 4 because my wife and recently decided to get divorced so I'm not sleeping well. Just a little mapping out of the weekend as I work on the plan for downsizing our home....My morning routines ground me. I make coffee, have home made granola and yogurt with fruit. I read National Geographic or the Smithsonian. Do a bit of yoga, walk the dog. Log on for work as a supervisor for a great team of social workers. Mid-morning I make Jasmine tea.
I am so relieved we finally made the decision to end this marriage. I have a strong network of friends and am looking forward to this next phase of my life at 59!
All right putting down the phone to journal. Thanks for reading!