by Brooke Forry

I know I’m not the only one who feels like she’s stuck in the movie Groundhog Day — after five months of social distancing and mostly staying home, the days are blending together quite a bit. Creating and holding onto rituals has been a big part of what’s keeping me going during these strange times… and there’s no better time to dive into gratifying rituals than the moment you wake up.

Here are a few easy rituals to adopt to create a more joyful morning routine:

RESIST THE WAKE-UP SCROLL

I am admittedly still working on this one — but on days when I manage to avoid grabbing my phone the moment I wake up, I do feel a difference in how my day gets started. A great way to resist the wake-up scroll is to keep your phone out of reach or in another room while you sleep, and use a real alarm clock to wake up; I have a sunrise alarm clock like this one. Rest assured, social media and the news will still be there when you check in later.

MAKE YOUR BED

No matter how messy the rest of your bedroom (or house) may be, there’s something about a made bed that just sets the tone for a space. We’re not talking hotel corners or a perfectly styled bed — just a quick 30 second bed-making sesh should do the trick!

MAKE A REAL BREAKFAST

If you are still working from home during Covid, you are likely gaining an hour or two of your time back each day now that your commute only involves going from one room to another. That means a little extra time to make a real breakfast — so go ahead, get a little fancy in the kitchen and start your day with something delicious.

ENJOY YOUR COFFEE SANS SCREENS

Here she goes talking about screens again… but really, while you enjoy that breakfast and a cup of coffee (or tea), try to take a few minutes to just enjoy it without looking at your phone or computer just yet. Sit at an actual table, give your brain a little space to just be, listen to the birds chirping, and maybe even enjoy your breakfast and coffee al fresco if it’s a nice day. Work can wait — even five minutes to quiet your brain will make a difference.

STRETCH, MEDITATE, EXERCISE, JOURNAL...

Whatever your mind or body needs to feel peaceful — do that. Morning workouts have helped me clear my head and have a positive outlook on my day, even when it’s filled with balancing everything I need to do along with taking care of my kids and keeping everyone entertained, fed, and happy. Next month, we’ll be adding second grade and pre-K virtual learning to our daily schedule, so I’ll be depending on those morning exercise endorphins more than ever.

GET DRESSED (EVEN IF IT’S INTO DAY PAJAMAS)

The act of getting dressed is important, even if you’re not leaving the house. You don’t have to get dressed up in your fanciest business attire; there is nothing wrong with a stretchy waistband. Just trade your overnight stretchy waistband for a clean, daytime stretchy waistband ;)

What are your favorite morning rituals? Share on social media and be sure to tag us @balanceboundplanner on Instagram.