People ask me how I get so much done during the day, as if I have some sort of super-power. The reality is simple: I set the pace & tone of the day by sticking with my morning routine.
Our bodies function much better when they are in sync with the sun and the seasons. That’s why it’s ok to hibernate a bit in the winter and be far more active in the summer. Our bodies and nature work together at a level that we can’t see, so sometimes it’s hard to remember that they like to be in synchrony.
I strive to get up around 6:30 and go to bed around 9:30/10. This way I get at least 8.5 hours of sleep and I still have the whole day to do things! When I wake up I gently roll out of my bed and onto the floor where I begin to focus on my breathe, waking myself up with the reminder that I am alive and my body is working. Then I begin stretching and go into a yoga flow. After 2o-30 minutes of yoga I go into meditation for about 20 minutes. After meditating I go over my goals for the day, so that I have a clear view of what needs to be done. I write my goals down in Evernote so I can edit and refer back to them later. Once that’s done I take 15-20 minutes to read a book. Usually in the morning I read a classic, like Walden or Civil Disobedience. I’m currently reading some books by Dale Carnegie.
Afterwards, depending on my schedule for the day, I either make breakfast or exercise.
And then, vuala! The day is off to an incredible start!
When I wake up as late as I can, until I have go to work or school, rush, eat an nutritious breakfast, and don’t give myself time to be mindful and create a clear view for the day, life becomes more scattered and unaware. If I don’t set goals and get my body and brain working in the morning, my whole day is off and unfulfilling. I’ve learned that taking the time to plan out the day is never a waste of time, but is important and makes the day far more enjoyable!
Why do I read a book every morning? Because books contain invaluable knowledge from our ancestors to help us along. Gaining knowledge through the classics and biographies can help us learn through others mistakes, without having to make the mistake ourselves. It also allows us to see life from different lenses and grow in our understanding of the world. I read when I wake up, when I eat lunch, and before I go to bed.
My roommate, Gianna, reading about the art of healing and modern medicine in our cozy corner of books, inspiration, & creativity.
One aspect of a good day that can’t be forgotten: movement! Yoga is a great way to move, but moving in a more intense way will get the heart rate up, provide an endorphin rush (the nice pain relieving chemical), and increase the oxygen in the brain. Newton’s first law of motion: Objects in motion stay in motion. Move in whatever way suits you: hiking, biking, climbing, surfing, running, swimming, high intensity workouts. Just get movin.’
So here’s an overview:
1. Become one with the sun, sleep and wake up with it.
2. Get 8+ hours of sleep.
3. Gently stretch and breathe in the morning to wake the body up.
4. Mediate to clear the mind for a new day.
5. Review & write down the daily goals.
6. Read a book for 15 minutes.
7. Get movin.’
And then proceed on with a killer day!
Do you have a morning routine? What is it and how does it help you? Leave a comment to discuss how good days are made.
Onward & Upward!
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