A solid morning routine has long been the backbone of my self-care practice. As someone who deals with depression and anxiety, it makes a noticeable difference in my mental health (and I definitely feel an even bigger difference when I skip it). You don’t have to take my word for it, though. Therapists will be quick to tell you the mental health benefits of starting your day this way. “A healthy, low-stress, [and] focused morning routine sets the tone for the whole day,”
- More often than not, we tend to check our phones as soon as we wake up, which is not good as our brains need time to wake up and adjust. Also, what we see on social media may be negative which could start your day off with you not being in a good place.
- Wake up early! Don’t worry: I don’t mean set your alarm for 5:00 a.m. Getting up just fifteen minutes earlier than you would normally can give you the peace and quiet to do things a bit slower, which results in less stress and a morning that starts a little more relaxed.
- Turn on the radio, put on your favourite song. Listening to music has been proven to boost our moods, what better way to start your day with a little bop in the kitchen.
- While having your brekkie write in your journal, check in on how you are feeling, what you would like to achieve today and make a to do list of any activities you wish you need to do.
Incorporate movement into your morning, check out one of my Yin Yoga IGTV videos or go for a walk/run. Doing exercise in the morning, boosts your mood and sets you up for the day.
Whatever way you decide on how to start your day remember its a new day, a new beginning full of new hope!