In keeping with our Wellness theme for January, I wanted to share some parts of my morning routine that keep me centered throughout the day. Sometimes, if it’s going to be a busy day, I set my alarm a little earlier so I can get my “me time” in before I give my “me” to everyone else.
I love a good morning routine. It helps get my head right before a long to-do list, centers me when I feel scattered or in inklings of depression, and balances me when traveling. (When I really get the blues, these tricks help, too!)
Even if I don’t get through every part, it’s amazing what even one little ritual can do.
But I like to do it up.
It’s fun to look forward to some pampering in the morning. I also do these routines with Chris here, and he likes it, but there’s just something extra special about early mornings alone, right after he leaves for the boat, when I can, as one reader put it, paint your toenails without anyone complaining of the smell. (Chris would agree to mornings spent by himself, too.) I say this all with love. (Y’all know what I mean, right?)
Here’s my morning routine to get my mind right for the day. I’d love to hear what you like to do in the mornings! Please share in the comments below! 🙂
Morning Routine Hacks To Support Mental Health
Refrain from Social Media: Turn off your alarm and resist the urge to check emails or socials! Yes, we’re all guilty of scrolling in bed. And we all know what social media can do to our psyche, so that mind F-ery can wait. I try to stay off socials until at least lunch (if not later) or after working on projects and other deadlines. It’s the “create before consuming” mentality of using good morning energy for your personal growth instead of it getting chipped away from responding to emails, DMs or getting lost in the “compare-and-despair” ways of social media.
Drink Water: I chug a glass of room-temperature water in the morning to rehydrate and get the gut moving. We lose a lot of water when we sleep (sweating, breathing), so getting some old-school H2O in us before a cup of caffeine is essential.
Calm Music: I’m talking music you’d hear in a spa. My friends laugh at me until I bring them into the fold. Even my four-year-old nephew doesn’t mind it. While my family and I shared a beach house recently, I put on my favorite morning meditation music, and the whole place seemed to tick down a few notches to enjoy a slow morning. It was nice. Here’s a YouTube of the music I’m talking about.
Light a Candle: What is it about a flame that is so calming? I don’t always have yummy-smelling candles, so sometimes, I’ll light a tea candle in a votive jar on the counter to see the flickering light. Of course, always be cautious with fire. The bonus to a tea candle is they burn out in an hour or two. Light another if you didn’t get your fix with the first one. (You can buy a packet of 20 The Dollar Tree or a pack of 100 from Amazon here.)
Light Palo Santo/Sage/Incense: This may be my favorite part of the morning. Using the lit candle, I’ll smoke a stick of Palo Santo for an uplifting, woodsy scent that awakens the mind and feels luxurious at the same time. We’ve got to find ways to pamper ourselves throughout the day, to bring more ease somehow, and the beautiful scent feels like an instant shot of that. Here’s a helpful link on smudging.
Yoga/Walk/Move: I know, I know. It can feel like a lot. But man, after you’ve strolled the block, done a quick stretch, or got five minutes to yourself while the kids are at school or distracted for a moment is SO DAMN REVIVING. Move into your “me moment” and make it count. I know it’s easier said than done, but give yourself a chance to look at the sunlight through the trees without anyone talking or tugging on you.
Meditation: I began implementing a regular meditation routine in January 2024, and I’m SO HAPPY I did. It feels like a return to safety. There are so many ways to do it, but the easiest is to sit on the ground or in a chair (I use a chair) and take three deep breaths to settle in (longer exhales), then settle your body and just…notice your thoughts. THAT’S IT! You don’t have to stop thinking to meditate. Your brain is a computer and is constantly working to keep you alive. But, sometimes, those thoughts can be unsupportive without you even realizing it. Just be aware of what you are thinking. You’ll be amazed at what goes through your mind. This awareness will show you what areas to be kinder to yourself or improve to become your most joyful and peaceful self. And if you want to go deep, I recommend reading or listening to Dr. Joe Dispenza. His books and meditation are transformative and life-changing! I can’t say enough!
3 Notes of Gratitude: Even as a writer, journaling can be taxing, but I’m always happy when I do. Even if I don’t have the energy to describe my feelings or day, I’ll write down three things I’m thankful for and call it a day. I used to think doing something like this sounded hoaky, but once your pen hits the page, it’s a different vibe. It can be as simple as being thankful for family members, a good cup of coffee, right down to your long nail beds. It’s funny how remembering simple joys in life can quickly shift perspective. Try it. You’ll see.
Grab a Book: At one point, I used to read in the morning, even a few pages. Reading wakes my brain up. Like opening an actual book with pages to read a few or getting lost for thirty minutes. Since many of us are on a screen all day, either for work or “pleasure?” it almost feels like meditation for my brain to read words that don’t glow with blue light. Plus, it’s a great way to get through those books on your nightstand you’ve been eyeing. 🐟
How do you like to treat yourself? We would love to know in the comments below!
If you liked this, you’d love this interview on How to Beat Depression.
Photo by Bekir Donmez
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