Creating a Morning Routine

I'm a creature of habit.  I love structure and routines.  When I was a young mother, my work forced a schedule on us and it was the best thing that ever unexpectedly happened to me.  With a new baby joining the ranks, well, we've all been out of sorts for a bit...until now.  We are all stepping firmly back into our modified routines.  Do they happen every single day like clock work?  Um, no.  I consider them more of a framework, but each day is a slightly different juggling act and I constantly ask myself, "What's important now?"  I've practiced this enough to know what I can move around, skip and catch up on another day.  If it all just goes to heck, well I don't beat myself up about it.  For the record?  It all goes to heck about 50% of the time sooo, just go with it.
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My Ideal Morning Routine:

1. Make bed.  I know this is silly & I used to give my mother all sorts of grief for making me make my bed growing up, but there is a lot of science to it!  By making your bed first thing, you start your day with an accomplishment.  Even if everything else goes astray, when you go to bed that night, you're reminded that your day started off with completing a task. Furthermore, I'm a big believer in the thought that your physical space effects your mental space.  Keeping my physical space tidy helps me keep my mental space tidy as well.  

2. Work out.  This is the one that moves and shifts the most.  Some days I can throw Luke in is stroller and get a long walk in, other days, I wait until Luke is napping and do some circuit training with weights.  I'm also loving the app Down Dog for 30 minute yoga sessions.  I'm still trying to find what my work out is post baby, but I'm certain this will soon fall into a more consistent groove...until then, I'm enjoying the variety.  Like most people, I don't always love working out & oftentimes, it's hard to get started.  Time and again though, it's been my saving grace.  I know that my hormones are started to move & shift post baby and I know that regular exercise on my part is going to make us all happier, so I try to knock it out first thing.  If it doesn't happen some days, that's okay, but on those days, I'll try to sneak in a late night walk with Scot...this usually includes a baby in his Sollywrap.

3. Meditate.  Call this part what you want, but it is a sacred part of my morning routine.  I grew up in a home of prayer and have continued that practice in my own home. Twenty minutes of meditating is that quiet time for me to commune with myself and my Maker.  When I am consistent in this practice few things can shake me, when I'm not, just about anything can shake me.  I've read about all sorts of people's meditation practices and I loved Tony Robbins version the best.  His is a 10 minute practice and goes like this:

1 minute: deep breathing
3 minutes: think of 3 experiences you're grateful for -- think of them in detail and re-feel the moment
3 minutes: think of 3 people you're grateful for -- think of them in detail and wish them happiness
3 minutes: think of 3 things you'll be grateful for -- looking forward, identify 3 things that you'll be grateful for once they come to pass

I've modified his version to fit my own beliefs and goals, but like his as a starting off point if you've never done it before.

4. Journal.  This takes less than 5 minutes.  I identify 1 thing I'm grateful for and write at least 5 sentences about.  Writing it connects it firmly into your brain and thoughts.  The physicality of writing is important, so don't skip it & just think it.  Actually write it.  It doesn't need to be overly grand.  This morning I was grateful that Luke woke up at a convenient time and believe it or not, I can write down 5 sentences why that's important.

5. Get dressed and listen to a podcast.  I typically take about 30 minutes to get dressed, hair, make-up.  During this time, I usually turn on a thought provoking podcast.  Instead of listening to my list of favorites, search your favorite hobby or something you want to learn about & discover your own.  You'll be amazed at what you find.  Or heck, just listen in to something that's ranked on the top 10, you'll be surprised what you learn.