All of us have our own morning routines as we prepare for our day, mostly by taking care of our personal and physical needs. No matter what our vocation in life, we can prepare a more balanced and healthy morning routine that can set us for the rest of our day.
Spiritual
As a Catholic Christian, I read and listen to the scripture readings for the Mass of the Day. I then watch a video of a reflection about the readings by a priest or someone trained to break open the word. After that, I do a time of silence and prayer. It is usually a time of praise, thanksgiving and petition. I have my own format so I do not forget any intentions.
I would either do my readings on our dining table facing the wide glass window where I can see all the tall trees. Or, I do these on our family altar or a sacred place where we have an open bible, a crucifix and other items for our spirituality.
Bible readings and reflections are read, listened to and watched usually from my iphone. This is because I like to read and listen to the readings and watch the video reflections a few times to make the message really sink in.
As I take the train to work, I usually say the Rosary during my morning commute.
Physical
I then move to our family area where I exercise up to ten minutes on one or both of our exercise machines. Undoubtedly, this is a part of my morning routine that I need to spend more time and effort on. However, it’s okay. What is important is that I have a morning routine in place that I can still continue to improve on.
I ensure that breakfast is healthy combining cereals, milk, sultanas and other fresh fruits we have in the pantry. A cup of coffee with milk and no sugar completes my morning meal. This is the time I take my vitamin tablets.
Motivational
I review my yearly goals by watching my digital Vision Board which I prepare at the beginning of each year. Most of the time, my goals motivate me. But admittedly, there are days when I feel that some goals are too big that these may not be achieved this year but may extend to next year. That is okay as I understand that we need to have big goals to get us out of our comfort zone. The zones outside the comfort zone are mostly where we can achieve the best versions of ourselves.
There are experts who advocate in rising up at five o’clock in the morning. The 5 am habit ensures that we are able to prepare better for our days. We are able to have more time to meditate, exercise, read and write which are some activities that will improve our personal development and become better versions of ourselves.
Intellectual
On some mornings and during the weekends, I have a longer routine that includes writing and reading, either an ebook or a paperback. I may also exercise longer or strive to start a walk over the hills in our area.
Some of us may think that it is impossible to have a proper morning routine like the five o’clock devotees promote. Those working mothers, those who have to commute for long distances and those who work very long hours may find it a challenge to implement their dream morning routines. However, no matter what kind of work we do, as employees, as entrepreneurs, or as ministers of a church, we can always carve out a time from our hectic days to have our balanced morning routines.
Your routine may take you forty-five minutes to one hour. Be satisfied with the amount of time you can currently carve out of your morning. Some days you may not complete your full routine but be kind to yourself.
Balanced morning routines are important to grow in different areas of our lives. If we value a balanced morning routine, we will be able to find the time. Ten to twenty minutes of each aspect of our lives can do wonders in our personal development.
We may aspire to do an hour of running, swimming, surfing or walking every morning. But if you are able to do only a few minutes each morning developing one area of your life, that is a great start. As your life changes, you can always adjust and increase your time implementing your morning routine. The main aim is to achieve a well-rounded and balanced personality. Your morning routine can set a proper intention to live each day purposefully and fruitfully.
Remember, you can always have a balanced morning routine without getting up at five in the morning nor having three hours of morning self-development activities. Adjust your schedules and enjoy your day knowing that you have your own personally structured morning routine.
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