The choices you make upon waking can have a profound impact on your day. If you hit the ground running, rushing to prepare for your obligations, you will likely feel fatigued and overwhelmed for most of your day. A leisurely and relaxing morning, on the other hand, can energize and excite you, as well as give you the courage to meet the challenges waiting for you. By beginning your day in a focused and centered fashion, you make it your own. You set the tone of your expectations and choose the mood you will use to respond to your circumstances. A gentle, reflective, and thoughtful morning will prepare you to create a gentle, conscious, and thoughtful day.
The simplest way to eliminate the rush from your morning routine is to rise earlier. Though this may seem hard at first, you will soon grow to love the extra minutes or hours that afford you an opportunity to watch the sun come up or connect with your loved ones before you go in your separate directions. There are many more ways you can constructively use the time you gain. A half-hour of introspection in which you examine your goals, thank the universe for the richness in your life, and contemplate the blessings you will receive this day can lift your spirit and help you formulate lasting positive expectations. Or devote time to activities that both ground and delight you, such as meditation, yoga, singing, reading, or listening to music.
If you feel, however, that there is little room for change in your start-of-the-day routine, try to make each activity you engage in upon waking a ritual in its own right. The time you spend everyday savoring a cup of tea or washing away tension in a hot shower can serve as a potent reminder of the need to care for yourself no matter what the hour. Your morning is yours and should reflect not only your practical needs but also the needs of your soul. When you center yourself at the start of your day, you will likely find it easier to remain centered during subsequent work, play, and downtime because the overall sense of serenity you create through your choices will stay with you throughout the day.
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