What's in the Post:
My #1 favorite morning Habit
My all-time favorite daily-read book suggestions. (trust me, you'll love them.)
WHY you should read and journal before you officially start your day
I can safely say, I am NOT a morning person. I hit snooze Every. Single. Day. And I’ve always been one to struggle with productivity in the AM hours. So let me just say, I don't post tips on morning routines here lightly.
One thing that has really helped me beat my tendency towards morning procrastination, has been a set rituals—a few daily habits— that not only get me in motion, but get me motivated to tackle the day ahead. I wanted to share them, because If they work for me, they can DEFINITELY work for you.
A little over a month ago, our daily routines unexpectedly and abruptly changed. For some of us, those changes were subtle, and for others, our whole worlds basically turned upside down. I have friends who are working moms, that suddenly became work-from-home moms and teachers overnight, and other who may have worked from home already, but where not prepared to continue all that work while the rest of the family shares the same space. We've all been frazzled by current events, and our routines shaken up momentarily.
It's natural that we may fumble a bit in the area of positivity and productivity with this "new normal." So today, I thought I would share a little habit I started last year that has had a BIG impact on my perspective AND my productivity daily....(Plus, it been a key part of what's kept me on the right track throughout the past 2 months of quarantine.)
Although it would be easy to throw our hands up, and let the siren call of our sofas seduce us into complete binge watching oblivion (The temptation to throw out the To-Do list and turn on Tiger King or other Netflix favorites is strong these days) we can, and should, do our best to find efficient and rewarding ways to beat the current chaos.
I am a firm believer that it's the habits and intentional daily practice of the little things that make a big difference in our lives.
First Things First,
I make my bed, and then I make a cup of coffee (of course.) — the NEXT step in my morning routine is the thing I wanted to share.
And that is:
My Daily Reading / Journaling Ritual
It is the ONE thing that really puts me on the right trajectory and in the right mindset each and every morning.
And now for a quick little Disclaimer: I know this isn't a mind-blowing new concept, and it's probably something you've heard before. BUT now, more than ever, we need helpful tips and reminders of intentional things we can easily do to better our lives each day. PLUS, I really wanted to share what I am currently reading daily here on the blog because these books are some of my forever favorites.
Reading one intentional passage each day, and reflecting on it or what I am grateful for, is something I must do if I want the day to be a proper success....It just gets my mind right y'all! And THAT is everything.
Plus, It only takes 5-15 minutes out of my morning—depending on how much time I’d like to devote to it each day. So it can be quick and easy AND fit in to even the busiest of morning schedules.
Each morning, I settle into a comfy chair, coffee in hand, and pick up one of the books in the picture above. Sometimes, I write about what I read. Sometimes, I just write about how I feel that morning. Either way, once I've done these things, I feel refreshed, willing, and ready to take on whatever the day may bring.
So here's the how and the why of it:
1. It helps us set the right intentions. When we start with a positive or happy thought for the day, we are more apt to carry it with us for the next 24 hours. Good intentions and a positive mood can help us make better decisions and greatly reduce stress.
2. Even if you’ve had a stressful night prior, or you just woke up on the wrong side of the bed, taking a moment to read a page or two of mindful text can immediately shift your perspective into a positive outlook.
3. The book you choose matters. What you choose to read each day needs to resonate with you, and because we all have unique minds, what's impactful to one may not necessarily be to another. So be sure to get something you will enjoy.
4. Reading something inspirational each day inevitably teaches us something, and learning something new each and every morning is a great way to live if you ask me.
Below are quick links to all of my current ABSOLUTE favorite morning books and journals that I think you will love too:
Quick Tip: I do suggest getting an actual physical or digital copy of these books instead of the audible version. It just makes it easier to create a daily habit out of it. Plus, having the actual books, and being able to mark or highlight my favorite bits and pieces has been really helpful.
I hope this habit tip was helpful. Do you already have a morning reading ritual in place? If so PLEASE share your favorite books with me here OR DM me on Instagram. I'd love to know what you're loving too.
Thanks so much for stopping by the blog today.
xo, Brit
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