As this year comes to a close, it’s more important than ever to reflect and look for new ways to be successful. Whether that means making New Year resolutions or setting new goals or milestones, a big part of self-improvement is reflecting on what you’d like to accomplish in the next year.
One way to revamp your routine for the better is to reset your morning activity. That doesn’t necessarily mean waking up earlier but being more mindful of how you start your day. For example, rather than hitting snooze until the last possible minute, turn off your alarm intentionally the first time it goes off.
There are more tips like this that can change the way you approach the day and help you begin your tasks with more confidence, positivity and patience. Below are a few ways to effectively reset your morning routine.
Make Mornings Mindful
Aim to ease into your routine to set a more relaxed tone for the rest of your day. That might mean not checking your phone or emails until after you’ve made an effort to be present.
Some ways to increase awareness are:
- Stretching and being cognizant of how you feel.
- Tuning into sounds you can hear in your home or outside.
- Focusing on your breath, bringing awareness to the air entering and leaving your lungs.
The act of being mindfully aware in the first ten minutes of your morning allows you to start the day on the right foot. Plus, it helps your body more easily transition from a state of sleep to being fully awake.
Practice Gratitude
Studies have shown that gratitude has lasting positive effects on the brain. That being said there’s a difference between passive gratitude and mindful gratitude. Practicing mindful gratitude means focusing on the feeling you get when you are truly thankful. As you continue to practice, you will notice how problems and inconveniences seem less significant in comparison to your blessings.
Here are some examples of practicing gratitude:
- As you open your eyes, be grateful for the daylight and the weather.
- If you choose to exercise in the morning, thank your body for its abilities.
- As you make your bed, be thankful you have a place to sleep at night.
Set Intentions
Before starting each day, set daily intentions that are focused on mindfulness. When you race through your morning, chances are you aren’t focused on your intentions or goals. Whether you wake up earlier or stay working later, taking the time before starting your day to set intentions can improve your productivity at work all day long.
Your intentions should be tailored to your individual desires, but here are some general examples to get you started:
- I am energized by my work.
- I am unapologetic about what I desire.
- I give myself permission to go after what I want.
For more inspiration, Tommy John created the visual below to help you reset your morning routine for success.
