How To Create A Self-Care Morning Routine That Sticks
For years I used to come up with a brand-new plan every few months on how I’m going to make a complete revolutionary change in my daily habits OVERNIGHT.
I solemnly believed that somehow I will manage to do all these 20 new things at once, on top of my already ridiculously full schedule, and not...
completely lose my mind,
decide to rebel against being such “a good girl”,
and end up binge eating and watching YouTube videos
for the allotted time a swore I would spend on my “perfect” morning routine.
Does this sound familiar?
I used to hate routines!
I always felt like I wasn’t disciplined enough, smart enough, tough enough to build in a sustainable self care routine that would super charge my day for being an ultra kick-butt kind of superwoman.
Over the years, however, I have found that the more I want to help other people,
the more I have to fill up my own cup first so that I have the energy to help everyone else.
This is why I have spent years curating, not a morning routine, but a self-care morning RITUAL.
What's the difference between a routine and a ritual??
Routines:
Are rigid and boring.
Kill creativity and imagination.
Require discipline (and if discipline is required, my incredibly powerful and persuasive procrastinator side is sure to come out and bite my perfect plan in the butt).
Feel mechanical and soul sucking.
Are always something you dread doing and end up rebelling against.
Versus Rituals:
Are fun and inspires creative juices to flow.
Are flexible and changeable.
Can be made into anything you want
Let you listen to your ever-changing needs.
Are your built in “ME time” to nourish your whole body, mind and soul.
Feed you in every way… so there is no need to rebel against them!
Stop beating yourself for not sticking to your "perfect" boring morning routine.
Instead, create a self-care morning ritual that you will always look forward to!
Creating a Self-care Ritual to Supercharge Your Day
The first time I heard of having a morning ritual instead of a routine was through an amazing mentor who introduced me to creating an “Hour of Power." Here you get to create your own super-charged hour (of flexible, changeable blocks) of cool things to do for yourself to start your day right.
This could be a literal hour, or just a few minutes, but the concept is that you just set aside some regular time to get yourself ready to have the most amazing life!
If you had a full hour, you could break it up into 3 twenty minute blocks and do 3 things that will help you get into gear for the day.
These blocks can include:
Reading inspirational books,
Meditation, prayer, listening to relaxing music
Some type of exercise or yoga, Qi Gong, stretching, breathing
Walking, sitting in nature, watching the sunrise
Journaling, writing exercises, dream journals, taro cards
Anything you want, just be creative and have fun!