I tested out The Miracle Morning protocol (at the end of the post) during the winter and committed myself to trying it out for a month to see what impact it had in terms of happiness, enthusiasm, clarity and productivity for the day. It turns out the impact was huge...and I got in good shape. But with pregnancy and the change of season I started to get out of this habit. For the month of June I am committed to getting back to this habit. I plan on customizing the "Morning Miracle" protocol instead of following it exactly. If you are going to join me in this challenge you may want to start with the protocol and then customize it to what works and what you like.
I think this simple and enjoyable habit can benefit so many people. Here are a few tips:
- Get into a routine. You will be more successful and won't get off track if you don't have to think or decide on anything. Try to keep it the same whether it is cup of coffee, plan for the day, workout, read... just try to keep it the same.
- Get to bed a bit earlier. It's good to get up early but not if it means you sacrifice sleep. My laziest, grumpiest days occur when I haven't got enough sleep. A short evening routine, that includes less screen time and possibly more reading might help. Once I have Ashton to bed at 8:30, for the most part, I try not to go on the computer or watch TV, but instead grab a book and read and/or have a bath. The blue light that TVs and computers emit will disrupt the melatonin levels in your body making it harder to fall and to have a restful sleep.
- Include stuff that you really enjoy. I love to plan so I make sure that is part of my morning. Whether that is planning my meals, planning my activities with Ashton or small projects I want to get done. I also love to visualize and create, so I occasionally do a dream board. I also occasionally spend some time with a cup of coffee and Pinterest. If you love to do DIY projects but don't usually have time, why not do that in the morning when you have no interruptions. The small sense of accomplishment at the start of your day will give you more energy going through the day.
- Find a quiet, relaxing spot in your house. Have notepads, books, motivating images or quotes within reach. I have a small office area in the basement that I set up.
- Grab a coffee or tea
- Plan your meals for the day or week
- Map out your day
- Make a to do list for the day, week or month
- Visualize - think about what you want to do or accomplish or make a dream board
- Read
- Exercise - A walk or run outside, yoga, or short HIIT workout
- Listen to podcasts (great to do while you walk or run)
- Guided Meditation to relax and get focused (search on Youtube or iTunes podcasts)
- Gratitude - spend a couple minutes thinking about what you are grateful for (I found this actually works to feel happier and more grateful throughout the day)
- Do a small DIY project or anything creative
S - SILENCE/MEDITATION
A - AFFIRMATIONS/GRATITUDE
V - VISUALIZATIONS
E - EXERCISE
R - READ
S - SCRIBE/WRITE
I have this in a little frame on my desk as a reminder. It follows the Miracle Morning protocol. If it is helpful to you, you are welcome to print it off.
Teri