Wondering why it all starts in the morning? The answer is simple Science says: Willpower is Highest in the Morning! Before we can create a Miracle Morning Routine, we need to understand this-Self Control is limited!

Therefore your mornings should be something meaningful and significant, doing something for yourself or doing a task that might take a lot of focus, will, and determination to accomplish.

In my case- It’s my “Me Time”. It’s the only time that I can do something for myself in peace, and silence, with an energy that is in full swing.

If I delay life sets in and my self-control gets depleted over time. You can think of self-control as a muscle–fatigue that sets in after exertion.

Note that Energy and willpower draws from a common resource. The longer the day goes on, the more fatigue your self-control experiences, the more important it is to make those early morning hours count.

The Benefits of a Morning Routine

As Hal Elrod, author of “The Miracle Morning”, says,

“Focused, productive successful mornings generate focused, productive, successful days – which inevitably create a successful life.”

A morning routine is said to boost happiness, increase productivity, reduce stress levels and get you grounded and settled for the day.

By starting with intention, rather than letting the day run away from you. Gives you control over your day; rather than the day controling you. This positive feeling of being on top of things sets the tone for your day.

There is a perfect morning routine that will make YOU happy and productive all day – you just have to create yours.

There are no rules on how you create a morning routine, there is no competition as to who can do more. Instead, it is about allowing yourself to begin your day with confidence, peace, and a positive attitude.

Creating a new routine, habit or lifestyle is not easy, the important thing is to make a decision and take a step forward to make use of this early morning gift based on your unique personality, lifestyle and challenges.

The “One size fits all” does not exist

This is why, rather than giving you a specific list of successful morning routines, I’d like you to consider some options. Think of it as a menu. You get to choose what makes sense for you.

But before we begin I have a question- have you ever tried to do something new, with great excitement and intentions- like a new diet, exercise regimen, or a new habit only to fall flat on your face a few days or weeks later? Don’t worry you’re not alone.

Don’t Get Discouraged

Here’s the thing, you haven’t failed, you just found something that doesn’t work for you. And now, it’s time to find something that does. What works for a friend, colleague or spouse will not necessarily work for you.

Let’s go over these four aspects: Mental, Emotional, Physical and Spiritual or Mind, Heart, Body, and Soul.

Creating your Miracle Morning

As you build your morning routine, there are things you need to remember.

1. Your Mentality

Put simply, this has to do with your mind, including thoughts, beliefs, values, goals, hopes, dreams, desires, and plans.

Some options to create a positive mental space in the morning include:

Goal Setting

Create a plan/schedule for the day. When you know you’ve got a hectic day ahead, a little planning can go a long way. Integrate your goals and your list of to-do’s so you have a plan of action for a Productive Day.

I find it easier to create goals by the week and edit my 3 MVT’s – “Most Valuable Task” (for the day) the night before so I am set for the next day. Also, because my priorities are the top three, it still leaves room for other things that come up – so there’s a built-in flexibility too.

Feed your Mind

Whether it’s audiobooks, ebooks, or physical books aim to squeeze in a dose of positive knowledge in my mornings. My habit of 6 pages or half a chapter a day surprisingly ends up with me finishing a book every 2 – 3 months. Not bad for someone who could hardly find time to read.

2. Emotional Stability

This is all about your feelings, emotions and relationships. You can think of it as all things related to the heart.

Some things you can do to help your emotional well-being and have a happy morning include:

Gratititude

New research continues to surface on the science and Powerful benefits of Gratitude. This ranges from how it improves relationships, physical and emotional health, sleep, mental stamina, energy, and overall happiness.

I have a simple practice, the moment I go out to take my morning dose of vitamin D, I smile and silently say I’m grateful for the new day and for a chance to make my day a success. Miraculously I feel happiness and positivity hugging me. Give it a try.

Journaling and Scripting

Journaling helps keep your brain in tip-top shape. Not only does it boost memory and comprehension, it also increases working memory capacity, which may reflect improved cognitive processing.

Simply writing down your thoughts and feelings to understand them more clearly. And if you struggle with stress, depression, keeping a journal can be a great idea to gain control of your emotions and improve your mental health.

Scripting or future journaling is also another way to boosts imagination and is an amazing way to kick-start your day.

The Power of a Hug

Hugging boosts your oxytocin levels (the love hormone), increases serotonin (elevates mood and creates happiness), strengthens the immune system, boosts self-esteem, lowers blood pressure, balances the nervous system, and releases tension.

Find someone – or something – to hug. It only takes a few seconds and it can put you in a positive mood for the day.

Identify what makes you feel good.

What brings you happiness, joy or excitement for the day ahead? What makes you feel grounded or connected on a deeper level?

I love starting my day with Prayer and Meditation in bed. I try to catch the early morning sun while brisk walking, playing with my dog and yoga. Whatever makes you feel good get more of that.

3. Get Moving: The Physical Side

Here are some options for increasing your physical well-being in the morning:

Rise and Shine

I was never a morning person until I decided to Design my Life and that included waking up early. For a few months, there was no progress. Until I got this smartwatch which got me so involved in the 10,000 Steps a Day.

For my situation, Intermittent Exercise was the solution. I needed to wake up early to achieve the 10k step count. But I am grateful that I got introduced to the wee hours because the silence and the peace in the early morning is truly miraculous.

Move Your Body

Your previous morning routine might have been to wake up and immediately grab your phone, laying in bed for 30 minutes, scrolling through social media.

Question is- time is ticking, are you sure you are being productive?

We all know the benefits of exercise. Physical activity can have immediate and long-term health benefits. Most importantly, regular activity can improve your quality of life.

If this is not in your routine consider starting, whatever it is as long as it keeps your blood flowing and your heart pumping. This might be a run, hike, trip to the gym, yoga, stretching or any short workout, that you can start with and increase as you go along.

Have a Healthy Breakfast

It is true that the way we fuel our body in the morning can have a powerful influence on our physical health, our energy levels, and our mental attitude throughout the day.

What does that mean for you? A protein smoothie? Avocado Toast? Awesome. Oatmeal? Fantastic. Eat a healthy, ‘real-food’ breakfast to get you going.

You have one body make sure you take care of it well.

Hydrate

Before you reach for that first cup of coffee, reach first for something that hydrates you, H20 is your friend.

4. Spirituality: Your True Self

This can be anything related to you and a feeling of inspiration, which means, ‘in spirit’. Focus more on what you need to feel connected to something deeper, bigger, higher – and what makes you feel most connected to yourself.

Practice Stillness

As much as body movement is important in the morning, so is practicing stillness. Be Mindful of the Silence and Peace. Breathe.

Meditation.

While some of you may be reading this thinking, YES, I love my morning meditation practice, others might be feeling a sense of stress trying to find articles and videos on “How to Meditate”.

Remember we are all different, there is no set rule just a guide. Simply sitting down, breathing, relaxing, and being still.

Your goal is to create a practice that is uniquely your own.

Connect with Nature

If possible, find a place you can sit or walk and just be. Notice the colors of the trees and the sky, the smells in the air. What do you hear if you listen closely? Take a moment to feel the earth beneath your feet or the breeze against your face.

Take a walk in nature and you’ll get your physical and spiritual needs covered all in one go!

The Best Morning Routine is your tailored Miracle Morning

To be honest, mine has evolved quite a bit over the past year- and will likely keep evolving. It’s a bit of trial and error but once you find what works for you and it becomes a habit everything just flows effortlessly.

In my case I feel like I’ve settled into a pretty good rhythm with this schedule: Note: I habit stacked to make this all come into place

• Wake up at 5:30 a.m.
• Pray, Meditate
• A 25min Brisk Walk or run while listening to an audiobook, then Playing with my dog.
• Read 6 pages, Scripting, Incantation
• Yoga, Body weights, Face Yoga
• Cold Shower
• breakfast at 8:30 a.m.
• Note: Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
• Note 2: Don’t forget to be grateful.

What’s your Miracle Morning? I’d love to hear about your routine, too. Feel free to share your morning schedule here in the comments.