Morning Routine Matters

Morning Routine

I am NOT a morning person. I love sleep and always relish more time cuddled up in my sheets, especially on a cold winter’s day. And I hate getting up in the dark. It feels unnatural to  me and every muscle in my body begins a revolt against such harsh conditions. But I have found the most productive and emotionally healthy times in my life have been seasons when I did get up early and start my day before my kids and even the sun.

There is something about getting up before you absolutely have to that helps calm the anxious thoughts. If we are already in a hurry when our feet hit the floor, we set off the anxiety that can stay with us all day. Brown writes in her book, The Gift of Imperfection, that most of us start our day feeling we are already behind.

When I can get a quick workout in that makes all the difference in my mood. Just 20-30 minutes of moving is enough to get me in a better frame of mind.  Once I have done that, I immediately feel better. I’ve done something for myself no matter how the rest of the days goes. After this, I like to have a cup of coffee, read scripture and pray.

Your routine doesn’t have to look just like mine. The point is to start the day intentionally doing what is good for your soul. The time in the scriptures and prayer helps me to sit in my anxious thoughts long enough to recognize them and give them to the Lord. I begin my day recognizing that I am not in control and asking for the strength and guidance to get through the day.