The benefits of a morning routine are immense. Rather than just getting up and bumbling through the day, if you get up an hour or two earlier and take care of all the stuff you mean to do (early morning walk, meditation, exercise, a proper breakfast, homemade smoothie, reading etc), meaning you’ll likely go slower, but achieve more. And you feel better spending time with those you love, rather than playing ‘catch-up’ for the rest of the day.
You probably hear people say that ‘everyone has the same 24 hours’. But it’s not true. Some people (like carers) don’t have much free time. A single parent is not going to have the same amount of free time as a retired couple. Other people have disabilities, meaning it takes them longer to do what we take for granted. But just planning an hour or two of the first part of the day, can usually make things easier for everyone. Even if you are a night owl, getting up an hour earlier (unless you work shifts) could bring big benefits to how you feel, within a week.
- Sunrise Gratitude is a beautiful book of 365 guided meditations, with lush illustrations and photographs of nature, to guide your mind to a place of calm awareness and purpose. As the sun rises, wake with a peaceful mindset, and share something from your soul, to bring light to the world.
- Coffee For Your Heart is a book of 40 morning devotionals, by Christian author Holley Gerth. Find more joy, peace and purpose as you listen the voice of the Lord, with 40 powerful reminders in a noisy world, that makes it hard to hear the reassurances of spirit. Take a deep breath, grab a cup of something cosy, and let God’s love fill your heart with whatever you need.
- Getting Away offers 75 easy practices to take a break from our always-on world. Rather than running yourself into the ground, make space in your morning for self-care and connection to your soul. Create a morning routine that does not involve checking email, spend at least 30 minutes outside and slow down, without having to discard your smartphone or overhaul your life.
- Moments of Comfort for the Morning allows you to take a few moments each day, to meditate on the verses and thoughts of the God who listens. These encouraging Scriptures and prayers are a calming way to begin or end your day.