You may have noticed a lot of people following a morning regime religiously; it could be physical, mental or spiritual. While growing up, I saw my grand mom and mom perform an array of spiritual rituals every morning religiously. Later I saw the brightest minds in Wall Street, run or gym before work, and as soon as they wake up. After training in my first Yoga TTC, I started breathwork and chanting as my go-to ritual, every morning. And slowly the importance of a morning routine dawned over me.
Have you ever wondered why people make an effort specifically in the mornings?
It is known that morning routines can be a prerequisite for people to have productive days. Evenings leave routines to fall off the grid, especially when we are feeling super tired or the family tasks take priority. From a circadian rhythm perspective also, its better to workout in the mornings.
Both in the personal and professional aspects of life, the development of a solid morning routine can be a boost towards productivity and consistency, which leads to success. How is that so?
Mornings set the tone of the day and it is the ONLY time of the day when you interact the most with yourself. I find the time with myself gives me much needed clarity, and strength physically and mentally.
Also, I stand by this statement – “If you don’t feed your inner well, how can you perform in the outer dimension.”
Let’s break it down a bit further
- The mental aspect
Introspection and Reflection can help us with understanding what’s good for us, and how we can get better. We understand what our gaps are.
As the body and mind are more rested, we can zoom into our tasks with more focus, less anxiety, and more finesse. The hustle and bustle of mornings and days hasn’t caught up, and you’re more in the position to move into your creative zone.
By following a morning routine, you nurture your mind with self-discipline, and thus confidence. If you can be disciplined in one thing, you can be disciplined in anything you want.
- The physical aspect
Physical activity increases serotonin, dopamine and endorphins. We remove excess cortisol and adrenaline from the body, and norepinephrine. This ultimately enhances the body’s ability to deal with stressors and anxiety, which is a prerequisite in our fast paced modern living. Also, it is scientifically proven that a person tends to be more creative and productive for the two hours following exercise.
Just these neurotransmitters have been enough motivation for me to have a solid morning routine.
- The spiritual aspect
The air is crisp and the world is just waking up. A morning routine spiritually is the perfect way to start your day. It can help you focus on your personal relationship with the universe, connect you with your inner self. It’s a time to reflect on the beauty of nature and the endless possibilities each day can bring.
I find that mornings are the best time to read, write, chant, fill the day with positivity. Then at least for a few hours post such a practice, we move into a highly goal oriented, very execution friendly mode.
So let’s get candid about how we can have a start our day – thus setting the highest standard in all the aspects of our lives!
- As soon as you wake up, begin the morning routine by paying gratitude to waking up to a new day alive and absolutely healthy. Take some time and be thankful for the new day, the new oppurtunities and for the goodness of it all.
- Hydrate yourself with warm water. This helps to instantly get rid of the toxins produced overnight. I like having 5 soaked raisins with a strand of saffron. This takes care of my gut health. My kids love their orange juice, which is also a boost of Vitamin C!
- Breathwork, Yoga and Meditation can be the natural progression to your mornings. The win-win about this practice is that not only are we moving, but also we are working on the health of our organs, gut, central nervous system, brain health, and endocrine glands. Yoga with strength training is also the best insurance policy for aging gracefully!
And if mornings are really not your zone, then there is always the mid day to get your health ironed out. Fret not, the universe has your back!
