A Simple Morning Routine for Clarity and Calm
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Chapter 1: Embracing a Morning Routine
For years, morning routines have been a source of frustration for me. Despite my attempts with numerous planners and methods, my mornings always seemed to spiral into chaos. However, I have finally found a straightforward routine that works for me, consisting of just three elements that take less than an hour:
- Meditate for 10 minutes
- Stretch for 10 minutes
- Brain dump while listening to music
Yes, it’s as simple as that! I encourage you to appreciate the elegance of this uncomplicated morning ritual.
Section 1.1: The Importance of Simplicity
The beauty of this routine lies in its simplicity. There are no complex measurements or special products required—just me and a small space to gather my thoughts.
What this routine truly offers is the clarity I need to start my day. Mornings often find my mind cluttered with worries about the present, past, and future. Ideas for writing, characters, and a whirlwind of thoughts vie for attention, creating a mental chaos akin to a scene from "Who Framed Roger Rabbit."
To combat this turmoil, I dedicate time each morning to clear my mind through meditation. As someone on the autism spectrum, I’ve embraced mindfulness for years. Upon waking, I take a moment to create a peaceful environment for about 10 minutes—simple but effective.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Power of Stretching
Photo by Daria Nepriakhina on Unsplash
Following meditation, I spend another 10 minutes stretching. As I age, my joints tend to protest in the morning, and I enjoy the physical activity. This time is dedicated to my body rather than my thoughts. It’s a moment of silence where I can simply stretch and feel good.
Section 1.2: The Brain Dump
After stretching, I sit down, play some music, and let my thoughts flow onto the page. This “brain dump” can encompass anything from story ideas to poetry or even a lengthy rant about humanity's quest for meaning. The specifics don’t matter; what’s crucial is that I free my mind of clutter.
With my thoughts sorted and my body relaxed, I’m ready to tackle the day ahead. I have created space in my mind, and my joints are no longer protesting. Regardless of what the day throws at me, I feel prepared to handle it.
Chapter 2: Finding Your Unique Routine
This video discusses the idea that you don’t necessarily need a structured morning routine to find success. It explores different perspectives on morning rituals and how they can vary from person to person.
This second video delves into the reasons why a fixed morning routine may not work for everyone, emphasizing the importance of personalizing your approach to mornings.
Your routine should cater to your needs, whatever that may look like. Forget the endless blogs and podcasts that promise you the magic formula for success based on the routines of famous figures. Instead, focus on what you genuinely need each morning and create your own unique ritual. We tend to overcomplicate things anyway!