Your morning routine matters!
One thing that has become a non-negotiable for both Christine and I over the years is our morning routines. You may have heard of the book Morning Miracles, and I’m sure there are others out there. I have personally never read it, but I can attest to the concept that your morning routine creates the foundation for the rest of your day! For both us our day starts pretty early, usually 5-6am. We like to enjoy a warm glass of lemon water and then a yummy coffee for me. Warm lemon water in the morning helps to wake up your digestive system, and flush out any toxins that have accumulated through the night. We enjoy sipping on this while we mindfully prepare for the day ahead. For years this has included Danielle Laporte’s Desire Mapping Planner. The most amazing planner I have ever used! The daily structure of this planner allows you to set your intentions for the day based on how you want to FEEL (the key to creating a life you love). It also includes space for your to-do list and what your grateful for. Unfortunately, she has announced she will no longer be making this planner for 2022, so we will be on the search for something new! We’ll keep you posted!
From here we grab our headphones and phone (no browsing) to settle into a 5-20 min meditation. We love the app Insight Timer for the wide variety of beautiful meditations. Some days it may be choosing something related to releasing stress, setting intentions, healing, and other days it’s simply relaxing music to be in stillness with. The key is choosing this time of stillness. In a world of constant stimulation and noise, our mind, body, and spirit desperately needs stillness. This time is often when what we call the “downloads” come. Ideas and creativity have an opportunity to speak to you, or maybe the whispers that you need to reach out to a loved one, or a friend you haven’t spoken to in a long time. Pay attention to what shows up for you, it’s for a reason.
After our coffee, meditation and journaling, we’re ready to work out! Exercise in the morning has always worked best for us. We each have different fitness routines, and they change often. We believe that’s the key! We flow with how our bodies are feeling, and what we’re being called to do. Currently for me this looks like a 3-4 mile walk, because it’s summer in Michigan and any opportunity to be outside is my favorite! Other day’s it’s a 30 min class on the peloton bike, or the app. I love their core and strength classes, and I try to do them a few times per week. If my body is not feeling like anything strenuous than I choose yoga or stretching. When the weather permits I love to take my yoga mat and weights outside for a workout in the fresh air! If you do not have the peloton app there are many great videos on youtube. Christine is currently working out at a local gym with a trainer a few times per week and she has really loved this new addition to her workouts. Regardless of what you’re doing just move in some way everyday! It does not have to be a 60 minute workout to see results. In fact, we have found over the years that 30 minutes often works just as well, and keeps you motivated to return each day! Fitness is about getting the stagnant energy in your body moving, and taking the time to tune in. Are there any specific areas of your body that you are holding stress, and could use some extra attention or healing? If so, focus there for a couple days and try a meditation specifically on healing the body.
Finally, we both have sacred spaces in our home where we retreat to. Returning to this space every morning creates the habit for your mind and body that this is where we connect and tune in. Our monkey minds like any opportunity to distract us, so set yourself up for success by creating a special place for yourself. If you need help or inspiration check out our free workshop on creating a sacred space here.
Do you have a favorite morning routine you would like to share, or did something in here spark an idea? Let us know below!
XO
Jen & Christine