We've all heard that sleep is important - and don't get me wrong, yes it absolutely is! However, it's also important to start your day off "right" - with a sense of calm and clarity about your priorities and intentions.
So what could this look like?
It's different for everyone. The first thing is to reflect on what makes you feel peaceful. For me, it means taking that hour of alone time in the morning before anyone else is awake to sit cross-legged on my couch with a hot cup of coffee in my hand (in my favorite mug of course). At the same time, I listen to the hum of my refrigerator and the sound of the birds. After a few minutes, I put on a guided meditation to clear my mind and gain an understanding of what I'd like to accomplish that day. I ask myself: "What do I want to feel like today (i.e. peaceful or energetic)? What is the most important task to accomplish? What do I want to be like today (i.e. productive, intentional, compassionate, etc.)?" I then take a moment to see how I can fit what I need to into my schedule.
You might be thinking, "Yeah, I want that but I don't want to get up earlier!" And that's okay. If at some point you determine that it would be more valuable for you to have these moments of clarity and calm than 30 minutes of sleep in the morning, then you can try it!
Start by going to bed 15 minutes earlier and/or waking up 15 minutes earlier. Start by doing one thing per morning that "fills up your cup". Start by understanding this doesn't have to be an everyday thing; rather, this morning practice can be something you plan for when you can predict a particularly stressful day ahead.
Contact me for a free consultation to see how I can help you find your calm, balance, and clarity. As always - you got this!
For more tips on how to navigate your anxiety, contact Elise for your FREE consultation.
About the Author, Elise Rhodes:
Elise Rhodes, MS is a mother, wife, and successful online therapist for women across Tennessee.
Anxiety, work/life balance, motherhood, and life transitions are her main areas of focus.
Visit www.tncounseling.com for more information on how Elise can help you find calm, clarity, and joy.