Morning Rituals for a Balanced Day
Rise and Shine
May these morning rituals enhance your day!
I’ve been guilty of it… rolling out of bed after hitting the snooze button one too many times, shuffling over to the coffee maker, drinking a cup before hydrating myself with water or any kind of nourishment, and maybe even scrolling through social media before taking a moment to connect with my true self. We all know it’s not the ideal way to begin the day. And when I take the time to start my morning with intention, everything that follows seems to flow effortlessly.
Now that I have some simple morning rituals in place, I find that I have a sense of ease and calm throughout the rest of my day. But the key to my morning rituals is that they begin the night before.
Rituals for the night before:
· Next-day outfit - I put my clothes out for the morning (that usually means athletic clothing, so that I am not in a rush to yoga… because rushing to yoga defeats the purpose)
· Hydration - I place a glass of water by my bed, so that I hydrate upon waking. You can add a lemon wedge if you would like.
· Plan my day – I have the most amazing Daily Planner Pad, and I like to physically write out my schedule rather than rely on my phone. That way, I don’t get sucked into my phone first thing in the morning. It has a simple, minimalist design and all the essentials I need: https://amzn.to/4bYm4Vv
· Meal prep - When I know that I have a busy morning the next day, I make overnight oats with almond butter, chia seeds, and cacao powder, and I just add some fresh berries in the morning. I use these “mugs,” but you can easily use any container or mug you have at home: https://amzn.to/41XUEKJ
· Screen time - They say it’s important to limit screens before bedtime, but me and my hubby love watching a good show/movie together. So, while I don’t necessarily limit screens before bed, I am very conscious about what I’m consuming. We try to limit negative or stressful content, and choose relaxation over stimulation.
I love a good documentary (some of my favorites are “How to Change Your Mind,” and “The Beatles: Get Back”). We also love light sitcoms before bed (“Seinfeld,” “Family Guy,” and “Modern Family” are among our favorites).
My morning rituals set the tone for my day. I like to keep my mornings as simple and low-maintenance as possible. If I’m able to get my first meditation in before my kids wake up, it makes for a much easier morning.
Here are some mindful practices to start your morning with clarity and ease:
· Wake Up Call - I use an incredible “alarm” clock that awakens me gently with a simulated sunrise (linked below). No blaring alarms for me! I really do my best to wake up at the same time most days, that way I have alone time to meditate every morning before my kids wake up. The version of the clock that I use is the one with no app required. It’s less expensive and doesn’t require for me to use my phone at all. https://amzn.to/4bZVXxn
· Prepare for meditation – Right after I get out of bed, I use the restroom, brush my teeth, drink the glass of water by my bed, and stay in my PJs for my first meditation of the day.
· Meditation - as seen in the Pure Light Program, my mantra meditation covers all the bases: it starts with a mindfulness practice, gently shifts into mantra meditation, followed by intentions and a moment of gratitude.
· Nourishing Breakfast – I personally do not like skipping breakfast. I need it for energy and my favorite breakfast is Oatmeal with almond butter, turmeric, cinnamon, and topped with cacao nibs and fresh berries. On weekends, I LOVE a recipe I found in Pamela Anderson’s cookbook, which I could not recommend more. It’s a beautiful cookbook with some impressive, plant-based recipes: https://amzn.to/4hKD8Q1
And look out for the recipe on page 24 (Creamy Oatmeal with Golden Milk Hot Chocolate)
· Sunlight exposure – If I can eat my breakfast outside, I will. Otherwise, I try to take my dogs for a walk after I get the kids to school or at the very least sit by a window with my morning coffee. Speaking of morning coffee, I LOVE Lifeboost’s Midnight French Roast. It’s organic, single-origin, low acid (and easy on the stomach), mycotoxin-free and pesticide-free, tested for over 400 toxins, and tastes AMAZING! https://amzn.to/4lg7dKn
· Movement – I’m lucky to belong to an amazing, female-owned and operated gym that was incredibly thoughtful in choosing their instructors. My gym is my happy place! I’m a regular in their yoga classes, but I also really enjoy the Pilates, barre, and circuit-style classes. That being said, I also love to go on long walks with my dogs and fun hikes on the weekends. Extra points if you add a weighted vest: https://amzn.to/4hNeSwH
Your morning rituals shape the energy and intention you carry throughout the day. By starting with meditation, nourishment, and movement, you create a foundation of balance and good vibes. Whether it’s a simple moment of gratitude, a deep breath, or a gratifying routine, every small habit adds up to a more aligned and fulfilling life. You just have to make the time for it!
Honor your mornings and watch how they transform your days.