The 10-Minute Routine That Has Revolutionized My Mornings

“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.” — Marcus Aurelius

Last month I wrote an article and I received many replies on how I start my mornings. I believe in simplicity and before we start, let me tell you I won’t wake up at 5 am. Sure, it works for many people and has its own benefits.

But I’m not a morning person and getting up that early is not possible for me at all. I got to know from many experiments I did over the years.

Anyway, reading lots of self-help books in last couple of years has made me do many self-experimentation with various methods.

I keep my morning simple and don’t think about being productive or how I am going to achieve all of my tasks for a day.

Instead, I sit on my patio, watching birds singing with my hot cup of tea. OK. Now I have revealed my secret. Haha — yeah I love my morning hot masala tea even on summer days. It’s like my little me time before I start hustling for the day.

These three activities have helped me boost my confidence and belief systems. Removing all big words aside, it’s definitely made me mentally and emotionally healthier and happier.

You don’t have to start with all three.

Yes, they take less than 5 minutes each, but it’s not a compulsion to be done altogether. So start as you wish and choose one if not all, because one is better than none.

1. Gratitude Journal

I’m not 100% regular and there are lots of days I’ve missed because we all go through this thing called life and perfection isn’t the goal here.

For last 2 years, each day I have written three things that I’m grateful for. These things need not be different every day as the intention isn’t to find different things to pen down each day but to be aware of our blessings.

It’s helped me see light even during the darkest times, and start my day with a positive tone. The first thing I usually write is that “I am grateful to be awake, healthy and motivated.

Writing a gratitude journal also makes you optimistic and optimistic people are more likely to be successful. Also, optimism is a skill that one can learn, so this is one way to cultivate it.

To start, just write three things that you’re grateful for each day. Feel free to start with one, or two and then slowly move up to three or five.

2. Positive Affirmations

Affirmations work only if you believe in them, and the belief creeps in slowly with practice. It’s more about evolving with your belief system and mindset.

The major benefit I see from affirmations is that it helps me be more confident and battle self-doubt.

I recite them as my second practice after writing my gratitude journal and it encourages me to kick off my day feeling like a boss instead of feeling here we go again.

I start one or two self affirmations and kind of make them my day’s motivation and inspiration. It’s like dedicating a meaning to my day. I started posting on my Instagram story to make it more real.

For example, today’s word is INTENT and affirmation is whatever I do with my day I am fully intent to complete my work and daily tasks to make myself one step closer to positivity and mindfulness.

You can choose your own affirmations or try some of these:

• I am smart, strong, capable, and kind.
• I am worthy, grateful, and blessed.
• Today will be a great day.

3. Drinking 1 glass of Water

I am the type of person who usually forgets to drink water. So I try to drink water after I am done with my gratitude and affirmations. Sometimes, I sip my water in between.

About 60% of our body is made up of water. Drinking water right after you wake up helps rehydrate your body.

Other thing I heard is drinking water first thing in the morning helps ‘eliminate toxins’ and improves skin health so it’s a win win — right?

I am not sure of all the scientific benefits, but I observed drinking water gives me quick energy and kind of makes me feel alive.

So this is one habit I am sticking to at this time.

If you feel lazy, lethargic in your day or in the morning, I would definitely suggest you to drink water.

Here’s my 10-minute morning routine that helps me kick off my day feeling healthy and happy, and can help you start your day in a positive tone.

Takeaways:

The three activities I do for 2–3 minutes each are:

1.Gratitude Journaling

2. Positive Affirmations

3. Drinking Water

Lastly,

While life isn’t always easy, we can use these tools to help us get through and make good times better and difficult times easier.

Starting your day with a healthy morning routine can help you feel more productive and in-control. If you’re not a morning person, you can start small. “Even selecting one practice can help you bring your attention to that task and be more present in the morning.

Be Bold

Be Courageous

Be Your Best

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If you are looking to stay healthier, happier and successful everyday, grab my latest book here.

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