Years ago before I established a morning routine, I would set my alarm in the morning allowing myself just enough time to hurriedly down a cup of coffee and get dressed before work. Needless to say, I had no extra time in the morning to exercise, pray, or make daily goals. I had always desired to exercise in the morning, have time to pray, and write down my goals for the day. I also had a dream that I would be able to go running in the mornings but never thought it was possible being I had never run a day in my life.

I had heard before that the most successful people get up at 5 am and have an established morning routine with their top (5) priorities being done first thing in the morning. I laughed at the mere thought of waking up so early, as I didn’t like mornings and I enjoyed sleeping; but I was in a quandary as I wanted to have time to exercise and have some time for myself in the morning.

I already knew what I wanted to get accomplished in the morning. I got my journal out and wrote out those goals. I must admit I was a bit overwhelmed when writing out these goals, but I then took the large goals and broke them down into smaller, more manageable goals. I knew I needed to start getting up at 5 am to have the morning routine I so desired, but waking up at 5 am seem nearly impossible. I didn’t try and wake up at 5 am for at least a month, instead, I set my alarm clock 30 minutes earlier every week until I was at my set goal of 5 am.

Counselor’s Advice: I recommend not making abrupt and drastic changes, but gradually making adjustments to your daily schedule to avoid quitting early on. If you work towards the changes you want for at least 30 days continually, you will be forming new patterns that will stick and become automatic to you.

These are the top (5) morning routines that I wanted to establish:

Relax with a cup of coffee.

Walk and eventually begin running.

Spend time with God-pray, read the Bible, journal.

Set daily goals.

Make a nutritional smoothie after exercising and take vitamins.

I have established my morning routine now for the past several years, and if I need to tweak some things in the morning now and then, I can. For instance, there are occasions that I will allow myself to sleep for an extra 30 minutes or I give myself extra time to pray. I also allow myself to sleep in an hour later on the weekends and I don’t exercise on Sunday. If I am on holiday or vacation, I keep a morning routine but adjust the routine so that I am in a more relaxed state. I don’t put pressure on myself to keep the same routine on vacation.

If you want to get more done in the morning the first step is to write down your large goals, and then break those down into smaller goals. Reward yourself as often as needed, daily or weekly. Rewards serve as a motivation to continue as you are making huge daily adjustments to your already set routine. I love my morning routine. I feel so productive by 8 am! I feel calmer and more peaceful when I can take the time for myself in the morning before the world begins to awaken. I mean, who else is getting up at 5 am? This is a perfect time to have quiet time before the day begins.

Counselor’s Advice: I recommend making sure you refrain from checking your phone, emails, and social media before your morning routine. Nothing will hinder and distract you more in the morning than checking your phone and posts on social media.

Reflect and respond:

What changes do you want to make in your mornings?

How will you go about establishing your morning routine?

Share:

What are the top (5) morning routines that you have made? 

Stephanie R. Reck, LMSW, LBT, BCCC
Stephanie Reck, Coaching & Consultation Services
www.stephaniereck.com
[email protected]
Stephanie Reck Coaching & Consultation Services, @2024
Author of, "Disciplining Your Mind 30 Days to a Better You!"