There is value in having a plan, a routine, or a strategy that fits into your daily life. It takes at least 30 days to create a habit, so I encourage you to choose a couple of things you can change in your day to create your own daily routine.
My daily routine is to get up, make coffee, sit in my favorite chair, look at my vision board, and meditate for a few minutes. I always think of what I am thankful for, draw an oracle card and reflect on this. Then I write in my journal, imagining the future the way I want it to be and feeling grateful. I also make note for what I am grateful in this present moment.
This is just my practice, and you don’t need to be done all at once. You can space it out throughout the day. Do what works for you. You will find it can really make a difference.
Add meditation into your routine
You may want to incorporate a breathing practice or meditation into your routine. Even simply being still for a moment and paying attention to your breathing will be of benefit to your overall well-being. Beginning a simple mindfulness meditation practice will change your interaction/reaction to your environment. Things won’t bother you so much. You will be more calm, positive, and feel better.
Weaving mindfulness meditation into the fabric of your life and not just when you’re stressed eventually becomes a way of being rather than a technique. After some practice, it will come naturally when you are stressed. Simply take a moment to connect with your breath while doing routine tasks such as arriving early for an appointment, standing in line at the checkout, or eating.
When you practice living in the present moment on a daily basis, you will find that everything in your life can be the same or even more stressful, but it won’t bother you as much. You won’t be activating your sympathetic nervous system that sends you into the flight, fight, or freeze response as much. Feelings of distress are not usually related directly to the event or situation that occurs, but rather our reaction to it and the thoughts we have about it. Meditation can assist you in minimizing your reactions by keeping you focused on the present moment.
For me, the morning is best to have my “me time,” otherwise the day gets away on me. But it’s an individual thing, and you have to do what works for you.
Your action step is to start with something that fits for you. I encourage you to carve out some “me time” in your day. You are worthy and deserving of it.
Bonnie Groessl is a best-selling author, podcast host, holistic nurse practitioner and success coach. Her mission is to educate, empower and facilitate your well-being while nurturing the mind-body-spirit connection. You can find links to her books, guided meditation audios, blog and podcast at www.bonniegroessl.com