“Each morning we are born again; what we do today is what matters most.” – Buddha
Mornings can set the tone for your entire day; therefore, it is essential to use your time wisely. The first 30 to 120 minutes of your day should be utilized as a foundation. That time should be filled with what makes you feel your personal best.
So, why take the time to create a morning routine?
A study found that adults perform cognitive work best in the late morning. Therefore, creating a valuable morning routine allows you to wake up with a good mindset during this peak period of time.
No matter how chaotic your day ahead will be, having a morning routine is like a rock. It gives your day a sense of normalcy and calmness. But for those days free for leisure, a morning routine can also help limit your wasted days. Many times we can lose track of the hours in the day by sitting on our phones and computers and realize we’ve wasted the day away. A strong morning routine gets your day rolling. One of the most important benefits of a morning routine is that it generates momentum. Scientists have studied those that start the day by moving forward, in turn, establish a positive momentum, which is more likely to progress into positive things throughout their day.
The more you focus on creating meaningful morning routines, the easier it will be to stick to it every morning. Eventually, your morning routine can become a habit in your overall life.
Approximately 40% of our daily actions manifest as habitual behaviors. These habits not only shape our present existence but also play a pivotal role in determining our future.
What goes into your morning routine is completely personal to your wellness needs. Wellness is a holistic integration of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, fueling the body, engaging the mind, and nurturing the spirit. Studies have found that common areas to focus on for an optimal morning routine include diet, intellectual practices, fitness, stretching, meditation, journaling, and planning.
References:
Stoewen, Debbie L. “Dimensions of Wellness: Change Your Habits, Change Your Life.” The Canadian Veterinary Journal= La Revue Veterinaire Canadienne, Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, Aug. 2017