A few years ago, I had a never-ending to-do list, no time for myself, not being able to achieve my goals, and my anxiety was off the charts. I was overwhelmed and living in survival mode. Something had to change and it started with my daily routine.
Creating a morning and night routine has several benefits for your physical and mental well-being. Daily routines boost productivity, help develop healthy habits, and improve sleep. Below is the morning and night routine I currently have.
Morning Routine
A well-structured morning routine can set a positive tone for the rest of the day and contribute to your overall success. Here’s my morning routine, but feel free to tailor it to your needs:
Just Get Up
The alarm goes off, don’t hit snooze, and get up out of bed. Don’t pick up your phone!
Wake up Early
I wake up about 2 hours earlier than needed. Waking up earlier did not happen overnight but was a gradual process that started with 15-minute increments.
Move my body
I made time to exercise in the morning to eliminate the excuses such as being too tired, kids to manage, dinner to fix, chores to complete, etc. After a short 30-minute workout, I’m done and hit the shower!
Silence
This step is what helped my anxiety the most. I meditate for 10 minutes to calm my mind, reflect, and start the day with positive thoughts. Apps like Calm, help guide meditation and track progress.
Read
Next, I read to gain knowledge and grow. I spend 15-30 minutes reading a book or listening to a podcast. Focus on topics that provide the tools and knowledge I need to continue to grow and achieve my goals.
Night Routine
A night routine helps to clear your mind, improve sleep, and set you up for tomorrow.
Plan for the next day
Take a few minutes to review your schedule and set priorities for the next day. List the most important tasks and ensure you have the time to do them. This helps you stay focused and organized.
Gratitude
Express gratitude for the positive aspects of your life to improve your mindset. Jot down in a journal two positive things that occurred in your day. I incorporate this practice into our family dinner conversation.
Clear your Mind
It can be difficult to fall asleep when your mind is full of thoughts., ideas, and to-do lists. Our brains can only hold so much information before we forget or become overwhelmed. “Brain dump” all those thoughts into a journal or notebook to clear your mind. Clearing your mind allows you to rest.
Connection
Spend a few moments connecting with loved ones with quick calls or quality time together. Positive social interactions contribute to improving your overall well-being.
Resources to help you:
Customize your routine based on your specific needs and priorities. Adjust the timing and activities to fit your schedule. Remember, the key is consistency. Practicing these habits can contribute to a successful and fulfilling life.
