For July, I’ve decided to experiment with a more structured morning routine again. So far, it’s been giving me a lot of energy and I feel more in the flow. To track how the routine evolves over time, I want to write about it here from time to time.
First things first: I’m trying to stay away from my phone and any kind of notifications or input throughout the entire routine. This method is called Low Dopamine Morning and it has really helped me stay grounded before opening up to the outside world. Here’s a post where I write more about it: Arriving Within Myself.
My current morning routine:
- Before getting out of bed:
- After getting up:
- Make the bed
- Eat the Frog
- Breakfast
Before Getting Out of Bed
Dream Journal
I try to write in my dream journal (a small notebook by my bedside) immediately after waking up, since that’s when the memories of my dreams are still fresh.
Since keeping a dream journal, I’ve been able to remember my dreams more clearly and in greater detail, which is an important step toward more conscious lucid dreaming.
Gratitude Journal
I aim to write one page in my gratitude journal. I’ve done this off and on over the past few months, but I’ve noticed it really helps shift my attention to what I’m grateful for right from the start of the day. It gives me strength and helps me handle any “setbacks” that come up later on.
Life Beyond Suffering
Pia gave me the book Life Beyond Suffering for my birthday earlier this year and it really helped me start my days in a better place. It’s a 60-day workbook where you write directly into the pages. Each day includes a short spiritual text for inspiration, and prompts you to note what you’re grateful for, set an intention for the day, and write positive affirmations. It ends with a meditation.
Starting the day with this book always gave me a lot of energy. I especially noticed that now: after finishing the 60 days, I didn’t stick with the routine, and my mornings quickly became less structured again. I’ve now decided to just start over and am currently on day 4. I immediately felt the difference again from day one and can highly recommend the book. Thank you for the wonderful gift, Pia!
Countdown Meditation
Before getting out of bed, I sit up and do a short exercise. I’m currently working my way through Psychic Witch and following the exercises in order. Right now I’m still on the very first one, hehe, Preliminary Focus (Countdown Meditation).
The book says you should count down from 100 to 0 three times without getting distracted, before moving on to the next exercise. I’m curious to see how long it takes me to get there.
After Getting Up
Make the Bed
I’ve found that making my bed right after getting up gives me a sense of order and structure. Since I often work at my desk in my room, this feels even more important to me.
Eat the Frog
Earlier this year, I started experimenting with knocking out the task I’m most dreading first thing in the morning. This productivity method is called Eat the Frog and it often gives me a sense of flow and confidence for the rest of the day. I haven’t always had the energy to do it in recent months, but I’ve gotten back to it the past few days and felt the effect right away.
Depending on how hungry I am and how long the task takes, I try to complete it before breakfast.
Breakfast
When I’m at home, I almost always eat the same thing for breakfast: vegan yogurt with oats, apple, and a few extra toppings like flaxseeds and almonds.