Creating healthy routines is important in addiction recovery. Effort, thought and willpower are all necessary to create every day from scratch. However, there will be plenty of days when motivation is in short supply. Cultivating healthy routines allows you to make healthy decisions almost automatically. A good morning routine can be especially helpful, as it sets the tone for the rest of your day. Here are some things to include in your morning routine if you want to start your day off right. Keep in mind that everyone is different. There’s no perfect morning routine. Find what works for you stick to it.
Get up at the Same Time Every Day
Getting enough quality sleep is perhaps the single best thing you can do for your mental and physical health. One of the easiest ways to improve your sleep is by going to bed and waking up at the same time daily, including weekends. Consistency in your sleep/wake cycle will help your body better automate, promoting feelings of alertness and wakefulness at the appropriate times. Some individuals prefer to wake up early, feeling more productive in the morning hours. Others would rather sleep in a bit later. Perhaps you make your decision based on your fitness or work routines. Experiment with your personal sleep schedule and find what works best for you.
Exercise
Exercising first thing in the morning can be a tough habit to get into. However, several good reasons suggest that giving it a try might be a good idea. First, it’s a great wake-up call. Not only does morning exercise get your blood pumping and your brain going, it also improves your mood and lowers your baseline stress. This means any problems you may face during your day are less likely to bother you. Finally, exercising first thing in the morning ensures that you get active before daily responsibilities and potential excuses get in your way.
Meditate
Similar to exercise, meditation helps you begin your day in a positive mindset. Many people find that they are calmest upon waking up, resulting in a more productive meditative practice. Additionally, meditation supports mindfulness and your ability to maintain presence throughout your day.
Write
While exercising in the morning wakes up your body, writing in the morning wakes up your mind. What you choose to write about is your own personal decision. Maybe you enjoy taking note of your dreams, or what worries kept you awake the night before. Perhaps you enjoy spending time considering the day ahead and intentionally planning what you hope to accomplish. Many people engaging in a consistent writing practice find that simply free writing is the method that most serves them. Experiment with different writing practices and see what you find to be most productive for you.
Set Your Priorities
Another helpful thing to do in the morning is to decide what your most important tasks are for the day. Write down three to five things in order of importance. Having clarity on the most important tasks helps ensure that you devote the appropriate time and energy to those tasks, rather than getting bogged down in busywork.
Looking for Help?
Everyone experiences different circumstances and needs. Some people can’t begin the day without a strong cup of coffee and a hearty breakfast. Others prefer an hour of quiet time in the mornings to get them centered. The important thing is to find a morning routine that works for you and turn it into a habit. At Tree House Recovery of Portland, Oregon, we help men create habits and routines that help them live better lives, free from addiction. To learn more about our unique program, call us today at (503) 850-2474.
