When I first started meditating, I resisted an early morning meditation practice. I opted instead to meditate later in the day.
But it wasn’t long before I realised that other things were getting in the way. I took the advice of my teacher and made a commitment to meditate upon waking.
While initially, I didn’t love meditation at dawn, it wasn’t long before I came to recognise that this morning routine was the most helpful way to set the tone for the rest of my day. It gave me an opportunity to connect with myself and the space to reflect on the things that are most important in my day. These days, I can’t imagine my life without it.
Here are my tips for creating your own perfect morning routine.
Design your own version of a morning ritual
Think about what you’d like to include in your morning routine. You might begin with a short meditation or some mindful movement, maybe you can spare the time for journalling or some other form of creative expression and later, you might choose to eat breakfast mindfully and shower or dress without rushing. Ideally, choose activities that energise you rather than those you think you should be including. If you have young children, it’s also helpful to keep your expectations realistic.
Choose yourself before your phone
Make a commitment not to look at email or social media until after you’ve completed your full morning routine.
Set up your space
If your living arrangements allow for it, choose a room where you can be on your own. You might like to create a little ‘altar’ of sorts. Include objects of beauty or things that are meaningful to you. In my room there are always flowers, a scented candle or a diffuser with essential oils as well as books and objects we’ve collected on our travels.
Wake before your family
This was the most difficult part for me but now I’ve come to realise that waking before anyone else is up, is an absolute gift. It might take you a few weeks to get used to a 5am or 6am alarm, but the trade-off will be worth it.
Be disciplined but flexible
I commit to my morning routine every weekday morning but I’m flexible on the weekends. As with anything in life, if you hold on too tightly you run the risk of feeling irritable if your morning ritual doesn’t go to plan. Life will occasionally get in the way – and that’s ok.
Finish with a mantra, an affirmation or an intention for how you’d like to approach your day
At the end of your routine, choose a few words or a simple intention to close out your morning ritual. For me, this also involves setting the intention to approach my day with love and patience.
