A few years ago, I developed a morning routine which has become somewhat sacred to me. I love my mornings. It is an anchor for me, which keeps me calm and focused in ways I never could have imagined.

My mornings include a variety of activities, and if I let it, they can fill up half of the day before I’m even getting dressed and on with the rest of my day. On days that I am working, it’s hard to fit everything in, but I do try to do a few minutes of each of this, or I will complete some in the morning and then some before bed. During weekends, I definitely take more time (and a few cups of coffee!).

Getting Up with the Birds

I tend to get up early. It’s so quiet and peaceful. It’s easier if there is some light and since I’ve been living on the Mediterranean, the light comes early in the spring and summer. The first thing I do is turn on the coffee. That is non-negotiable. I usually have prepared the pot the night before, so all I have to do is switch it on.

Recently, I started meditating a bit while the coffee is brewing. I am trying to include more visualisation in my routine and usually I have just enough time to do so while I wait.

Then I walk my dog, Bella. We will be one of the first on the streets, or wandering the beach and it’s lovely. Sometimes there are a few fisherman about, but even they come out later than us.

During our walks, I will listen to a podcast, although sometimes it nice to just enjoy the quiet and listen to the birds and the waves.

I listen to a variety of podcasts and they have become such an amazing resource. I listen to coaching podcasts, business podcasts, and some personal growth ones. If you’re not listening to podcasts, you might want to take a look at what’s out there. There is a ton of amazing work out there now and it’s definitely worth your time.

Mindfulness & Movement

Some days, mainly on the weekends now, I will go for a run. I also like to practice yoga and because of my travel and work schedule, I use an app called Yoga Studio. I’ve used this app for several years and they’ve recently started adding a ton of new classes, so the variety is amazing, plus they have a range of levels and durations, so you can find one that suits your needs.

For mindfulness, I use the Headspace app. Again, I’ve used this app for several years and they have also started adding a ton of new content so there is a wide array of programs for you to choose from.

I find that these two components combined, the yoga and the mindfulness, really keep me calm and focused. I can notice myself getting edgy when I haven’t done them in a few days.

EFT Tapping

One of the activities I’ve started recently is Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) tapping. You can read more about it here. This is where you stimulate acupressure points to help calm the nervous system and relieve stress and anxiety. I have been using an app for this as well called The Tapping Solution. It only takes a few minutes – they have sessions that are 10 to 15 minutes, and I find it very helpful.

Journaling

The next part of my morning includes journalling. This includes several aspects including writing out a list of things/people I appreciate, the feelings I want to feel throughout the day (typically focused, patient, calm, disciplined, generous), and my list of goals. Sometimes these goals are for the day, the week, the month, the year or beyond. It really just depends on how I am feeling that day and what I want to focus on. I will also write out the following affirmations:

“I expand in abundance, success, and love every day, and I inspire those around me to do the same.” This comes from Gay Hendriks’ book The Big Leap.

And “Every day, in every way, I’m getting better and better”. Which is from Émile Coué.

I am also working creating a Definite Chief Aim as recommended by Napoleon Hill in Think and Grow Rich. This is something that should be read in the morning and before bed, I find it also helpful to write it out regularly.

So, that’s it for now. My perfect mornings include all of these, if I have the time. If not, then I will try to get to whatever I didn’t get to in the morning before going to bed.

Definitely the meditation and yoga have had the biggest positive impact on me, but the journaling has been very important too. Sometimes, just spending 10 to 15 minutes on each of those is enough. No need to stress myself trying to do more, if I don’t have the time and those few minutes do have an impact and go a long way in setting me up for a calm and focused day.

If you want help with your focus and clarity, let’s get on a call and talk. If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about coaching and how it can change your life, I offer free one hour sessions. You can sign up here.