Start Your Day with Purpose: The Power of Morning Rituals
Our mornings can set the tone for the entire day. Which is why, how we spend them is crucial. Sometimes, it's the simplest actions that can provide us with a sense of accomplishment. Such is the idea behind the popular concept and book, Make Your Bed, by Admiral William H. McRaven. The idea is straightforward: Accomplish one small task right off the bat in the morning, giving you a head start for the day. But what if we could take this a step further?
The Importance of a Morning Ritual
A morning routine can be much more than a list of tasks to check off. It can be a nurturing ritual, an affirmation of your self-worth, and a way to place yourself first. Often, amidst the hustle of family and work, it's easy to neglect ourselves. I remember waking up, getting the kids ready for school, and rushing out the door, with barely any time left for myself. However, I soon realized that to nurture others, I needed to prioritize myself first.
The Shift from Routine to Ritual
So, I chose to reprioritize. I sought out things that brought me joy and made me feel accomplished. These became my morning rituals. Yes, the shift from routine to ritual might sound self-focused or even selfish, but ultimately, it's about self-preservation.
As a mother, I wanted to give the best of myself to my children. When I choose to prioritize myself first, I am teaching my children to respect my boundaries. Which in turn, shows them to learn how to set boundaries for themselves. But more importantly, when I prioritize my wellbeing, I enable myself to become a better listener, a more attentive parent, a more present spouse.
My Morning Rituals
One of my favorite morning rituals is the act of making Matcha. The process is soothing, offering an opportunity to slow down and focus on a single task. It's a quiet space I've carved out for myself, a gentle start to the day no matter what time it is.
Another ritual is making the bed. Walking into a clean room with a made bed is an immediate mood booster. Following this, choosing what to drink – a cup of coffee, matcha, or tea, is also part of the ritual.
Staying connected with my kids has also become an integral part of my morning. I spend around 30 to 45 minutes chatting with them, listening to their plans for the day, and simply checking in. Even though I no longer drive them to school, I still aim to maintain that level of connection.
Beyond The Checklist
What's important here is not what you do, but why you do it. Does it bring you joy? Does it make you happy? Visiting the garden in the morning might seem frivolous, but the joy of being in nature, feeling the sun on my face is an irreplaceable feeling. Take a moment to think about what brings you joy, and incorporate it into your morning ritual.
Prioritize Yourself
Remember, we are not machines. We need to prioritize ourselves and our well-being in order to give the best of ourselves to others. So, start your day with purpose by creating meaningful rituals for yourself. And remember, it's not selfish, it's self-care and self-preservation. When you prioritize yourself, others will begin to follow suit. Set the example and watch as the world around you changes for the better. So, start your day with intention, prioritize yourself, and see the positive impact it has on your life. You deserve to be nurtured and cared for, so make sure to carve out time in your morning routine for self-love and self-care. Trust me, it will make all the difference in your
Conclusion
Incorporating rituals into our morning can help us start the day with purpose and set the tone for a fulfilling day ahead. It's not about checking off tasks; it's about finding meaningful activities that bring happiness and nourishment to our lives. So take
So, think about the purpose of why you do things in the morning. Shift from a morning 'routine' to a morning 'ritual'. Make it something that has a deeper meaning to you and contributes to your mental health and well-being, rather than just ticking off tasks on a checklist.