My Morning Routine: A non-negotiable

Let’s talk morning routines. Do you have one?

I have a morning routine that I look forward to each day. If I even miss any part of it, I feel off for the rest of the day so I try my hardest to stick to it no matter what is going on.

For many years I have really enjoyed getting up early. With young kids and a demanding career, the “me time” has been so beneficial. As the years have passed and my physical and emotional needs have changed, I have added in a few things that have helped me feel more grounded everyday.

Through the week I get up at 5:15AM every day (on the weekends I sleep in a little longer but keep my routine). I immediately go to the kitchen, drink a glass or water, start my coffee, and then get my red light ready. Once I have a cup of coffee ready I sit down in front of my red light with my coffee, devotional, bible, and journal.

I spend at least a half hour in front of my red light each morning. Here is the red light I have. Red light offers many benefits like:

• Better circulation and collagen production

• Assists with wound healing

• Improve hair growth

• Faster recovery from injury

• Improve thyroid function

• Helps with acne and skin rashes

• Reduces inflammation

While sitting in front of my red light I read my devotion for the day and then spend time reading my bible. I’m currently in the book of Matthew. I don’t have a specific order of reading the bible, I just kind of see what I am drawn to. The scripture speaks to me in different ways and when I am done reading I pick up my journal and use it to record gratitude, write out my prayers and speak to the Lord. Morning journaling and time with Jesus is something I recommend to my clients. When you are on a healing journey there are a lot of ups and downs and it is important to keep your mind right and your faith strong.

I am always sipping my coffee during this time. For several months I have been drinking Organo King coffee with reishi mushroom spores. King coffee is organic, tested for mold and the reishi spores are super healing.

Some benefits of reishi are:

• Boosts the immune system

• Anti-aging

• Anti-cancer

• Detoxification

• Natural anti-inflammatory

After my time with Jesus and a couple cups of coffee I go for a morning walk. I take my dog and we get in close to 2 miles each morning. The morning sun on my face is so therapeutic and helps set my circadian rhythm. If you are unfamiliar with circadian rhythm, in the simplest terms it helps control your daily sleep and wakefulness. A good book for even more in depth info is “The Circadian Code” by Satchin Panda PhD.

As you can tell, my mornings are spent nourishing my mind, body and spirit. As Ihave continued to heal my body, self care has been a non negotiable. Other than purchasing the red light, there really is no cost to what I do.

I’ve heard a lot of women say they can’t get up early, they just aren’t a morning person. Changing your routine can be hard at first but I can assure you, we are made to get up in the morning with the sunrise. One key to getting up in the morning is not staying up too late. You really need to be in bed before 10:00 PM or your cortisol will start to spike and you’ll get that second wind. The sunlight on your face and your eyes a bit each morning will start to reset that internal clock as well.

If you:

• Lack energy

• Struggle to stay positive

• Feel overwhelmed

• Have career and family demands

• Are committed to self improvement

You need a morning routine. Incorporate things that will fill your cup emotionally, physically, and spiritually. I can guarantee you will not regret the mornings you spend caring for yourself.