This Morning Routine Will Improve Your Mood

Breathe.

Most mornings in our home are a mixed bag of feelings. Children waking up hangry, parents waking up tired, all of us trying to get out the door in frenzy of activity. Now like many of you, I have set intentions the night before, to wake at dawn and drink coffee in peace, to meditate for at least 15 minutes (uninterrupted) or simply to rise and get in a quick run. I would venture to say that roughly 3 mornings a month go this way. The other 28-30 look like me rolling over to the child who woke at 4:00am now in my bed. Where I am stuck, until till they eventually stir, thwarting all previous nights notions of rising at dawn.

In those mornings I can accept defeat and carry on with making lunches, motivating toddlers to dress themselves and hopefully get a moment to brush my own teeth. However, the days where I feel most productive, begin by simply by walking outside, removing myself from the threat, and taking 5 long slow and deep breaths. I go barefoot so the sting of the cold grass is felt deeply, forcing me to feel the ground beneath me. I take my coffee or tea and close my eyes, holding the warm cup in my hands feels like comfort. And I pause. It is not magic what happens, but it can feel that way. My accelerated heart rate slows. My stomach softens. My mind can take a break from the loudness of my boys and I can actually just be thoughtless, standing outside, teaching myself to take a break. Knowing that all the shit I have to do can wait.

When the chaos gets going, get outside. Take the morning pause. Take the 5 breathes. Take some time to yourself.

xx, b