Magic of Morning Routines

ABC of Mental Health

Author

Shiromi Chaturvedi
January 02, 2025

Hello! Welcome to another edition of the ABC of Mental Health, your partner in the journey to better mental health—one newsletter at a time. This week, we’re diving into The Magic of Morning Routines, because how we start our day can set the tone for everything that follows. Let’s explore how creating a morning routine can bring calm, clarity, and purpose to your life.

One relevant recommendation:

Craft Your Own Morning Ritual
Building a routine doesn’t mean following a rigid schedule—it’s about finding small practices that nurture you. Try one or more of these:

  1. Mindful Moments: Spend 5 minutes journaling or meditating to ground yourself before the day begins.

  2. Move Your Body: A short walk, yoga session, or stretches can boost your energy levels.

  3. Plan Your Day: Jot down three main priorities to focus on, giving you a sense of direction.

Two Quotes on Gratitude and Power of Mornings:

Hal Elrod, author of The Miracle Morning, explains the transformative power of mornings:
"How you wake up each day and your morning routine (or lack thereof) dramatically affects your levels of success in every single area of your life."

Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, on making the most of the morning:
"When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive—to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love."

Three TherapyShorts from TST

  1. Celebrate Your Wins, Big and Small: Sometimes we focus so much on what we didn’t accomplish that we forget to appreciate what we did. Whether it’s learning a new skill or just surviving a tough time, take a moment to honour yourself. please remember - Everyone’s rhythm is different. A morning routine doesn’t need to mimic someone else’s ideal. If you're not a 5 a.m. person, that’s okay! A mid-morning walk or a quiet coffee break could be your perfect start.

  2. Embrace Self-Compassion in Reflection: Looking back may bring up regrets or “what ifs.” Instead of judging yourself harshly, try asking: What would I tell a friend in this situation? Remember, growth isn’t linear, and every setback is part of the process. Rather than setting rigid resolutions, focus on intentions that align with your values. For example, instead of “I’ll exercise every day,” aim for “I’ll take care of my body and move in ways that feel good.” This shift fosters sustainable growth and reduces pressure.

  3. Ease into Your Mornings:
    Mornings don't need to be a mad rush. Give yourself extra time to wake up gently, stretch, or enjoy a quiet breakfast. For instance, setting your alarm 10 minutes earlier could give you time for a deep breath or a quick journal entry to frame your mindset.

A QUESTION?

What’s the biggest challenge you face in creating a morning routine? Share your reflections with us!

Last week we asked you what are you most most proud of from this year, and here are some of our favourite responses: (drumroll please)… “learning to say no”; “listening to myself”; and “of the person I am and am becoming”.

Love and light,

The Social Therapist

—
You’re receiving this email because you showed an interest in therapy, mental health and/or well-being at The Social Therapist. If at any point you’d like to stop receiving this weekly newsletter, aimed at improving mental health, please feel free to unsubscribe below. We’d hate to see you go but we completely respect your decision to leave :)

Reply

or to participate.