Working on my mental health and self care have been at the top of my priority list for some time now. Reflecting on how how I start my day and implementing a morning routine has been transformational.
After dealing with years of depression, self esteem issues, Lyme disease, other underlying health issues, and outbursts of anxiety, anger, and everything else that comes along with stress – I decided to take my life back.
I made a promise to myself to continue this life long health journey with a positive mind set, motivation, and self love.
A lot goes into daily practice. I’ll be honest, sometimes it is hard. Sometimes life happens and set backs are inevitable. How you choose to move forward is what defines you and helps set priorities.
Re-prioritizing has helped me find a glass half full approach.
I quickly found my daily euphoric routine of sleeping in til Jeff left for work, hiking for 2-3 hours daily, and clever content creation on the road wasn’t a reality anymore.
For a split second, all of my hard work on mental health and self care seemed to be tucked away and forgotten. With the changes in Jeff’s schedule, gain and loss of income(s), my new and intense work schedule, and the constant fear that at any moment we could both be infected really rocked my world. I found that where there is conflict, there is normally outbursts of fear, anxiety, anger – YOU NAME IT!
I started having intense outbursts of anger and annoyance at anyone in site. Spending zero time outdoors didn’t help. I knew it was time to adapt to the new world and Covid 19 living, stop living in fear, find the light, make the necessary changes, and do whatever it takes to continue holding myself accountable and living MY best life.
I decided that a new morning routine would be the first place to start; and boy was I right.
This past week of morning routine changes has really opened the door to re-prioritizing my self care and mental state.
New Daily Routine:
5:00am: Wake Up
5:15-5:45am: Read One+ Chapter of Current Read.
*I’m currently reading Everywhere Holy by: Kara Lawler.
6:00-7:30am: Sunrise Hike & Outdoor Meditation
7:45-8:15am: Shower & Get Ready for the Day
8:30am – Start My Work Day
By 8:30am, I have already read, meditated, exercised, showered, and sat down to start my days task list. Feeling accomplished before 9am feels great. I know that sleeping in and working everyday til 5pm would cause struggles. Rushing to accomplish tasks won’t help my productivity.
Hiking, for me, ins’t just for exercise. Meditation and reflection time are also equally important during my outings on the trails. I refuse to rush and not take advantage of the free beauty this world provides.
The morning is the only option for me. This way I am able to find solace and truly work on my self care and daily gratitude.
Find what works for you.
Plus, watching the sunrise every single morning is euphoric. I enjoy the fact that I normally have the woods to myself. I might pass one or two people at the most. Feeling safe and secure is important at all hours of the day.
Now, I’m not saying that this routine will work for everyone. Everyone’s schedules will be different. I have made a point to make more time for myself. Hours in nature make this a reality. I am now able to hold myself accountable.
Try and find what works for you. A few moments of holding yourself accountable and re-prioritizing could be life changing.
