This post is all about a morning routine for good mental health and my mindful morning routine!
The backbone of one’s self care practice is a mindful morning routine, especially those who deal with anxiety and depression, a noticeable difference can easily be seen. Trust me when I say this, your morning routine can make or break your entire day. Your morning has to be mindful and full of positive activities that can help you have a good day. And those who are dealing with anxiety and depression, this becomes even more important. These are the things that you must do in the morning. It’s not mandatory to follow ALL the activities that are mentioned below, but yes, the more you include these in your morning routine, the better it will be for you.
Also, read till the end to know what’s my morning routine like!
PREPARE: A successful morning routine is as strong as the bed time routine that came before it. Try preparing the night before for what all you will need like coffee, an outfit, meals, etc. Preparing will help you reduce the stress and chaos.
LET LIGHT IN: Exposure to bright lights early morning gives you the feeling of wakefulness and it is healthy as well. Clear the morning grogginess by turning on the bed side lamp or take morning sunlight from the window.
MAKE YOUR BED: Making your bed is a chore, technically, but also a simple way to make you feel good because it encourages sleep hygiene.
HYDRATE: Hydration is important to activate your cells after a long sound sleep. Hydrating improves cognition. Drinking water is the best way to hand yourself the energy to deal with the symptoms that come with many mental health issues.
NOURISH: When you have been fasting all night (because you were sleeping, but obvio.), eat something rich in protein followed by healthy carbs and fat within 45 minutes of waking up to nourish and improve your mood that will give you energy.
PEN DOWN THINGS YOU ARE GRATEFUL FOR: Gratitude improves relationships and enhances one’s sense of well being. Start your day by writing down few things you are grateful for.
MOTIVATE: A science backed role in reducing sleepiness and promoting a sense of freshly awake. When motivation is hard to come, getting out of bed can be difficult. You must add something in your routine that adds spark of motivation and helps pull you out of bed and boost your mind.
AVOID TECHNOLOGY: You invite a flood of stimulation and negativity to the brain, every time you check out phone after a long stretch of time. You are in a relaxed mode in your sleep so avoid feeding stressors from your technology to avoid mental stress.
MEDITATE: Meditation helps you center yourself for the rest of the day with proven health benefits. Try 15-20 minutes of meditation in the morning in a quiet and comfortable place.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Exercises release endorphins that reduce stress and anxiety in the morning contributing to the sense of being calm. If you have busy schedules then prioritize your time for exercises because it has numerous health benefits.
My Morning Routine
I wake up and sit for 10-15 seconds to say thanks to God and set intentions for the day. Next, I get up from the bed and straight away rush to brush my teeth and wash my face. After that, I go to the washroom and then make my bed. After that I have my coffee. While having my coffee, I either read the newspaper or watch the news on TV. Then is the time for getting freshen’ up round 2 followed by taking bath and doing Puja. After doing the Puja, I write gratitude journal. Then I create a to-do list of the works that I need to do during the day and begin my work. I used to practise Yoga, do meditation and go for a morning walk previously, but now I am not doing any of these in the morning, though I do it when I get time during the hours.
So, this was my morning routine. I hope you will include some of these mindful activities in your morning routine to experience a day full of positivity and goodness.
Also read:
