The Awesome Benefits of a Morning Ritual
What is the first thing you do when your alarm goes off in the morning? Do you have a morning ritual? Your action will impact your overall well-being and set the path for the rest of your day. That is why starting your day caring for your mind and body is essential.
The modern world can stress us out. Stress negatively affects both physical and mental health. Chronic stress can raise blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. It weakens the immune system, making people more prone to illnesses like colds and the flu. It can disrupt gut health, leading to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Other symptoms include headaches, muscle tension, chest pain, sleep problems, fatigue, and weight changes. Basically, stress sucks.
To be our best selves, we need to decrease stress and put ourselves in a calm, restful state-our best state. By being calm, we are protecting our minds and bodies and positioning ourselves to make better decisions and take better actions for ourselves. We respond to what comes our way instead of reacting. This enhances our overall well-being and those around us.
So, back to our first actions when the alarm goes off. If your first actions are about ensuring you’re in your best state, that will prep you for the rest of the day. Think of it as putting on your love shield for the coming blows. You’re also telling yourself that your care matters. This mindset will ripple out into the rest of your actions.
There is this notion that a morning ritual means getting up at 4 a.m., heading to the gym, having ceremonial matcha tea, watching the sunrise while journaling your feelings, and reciting 37 affirmations. That is a to-do list, and that is exhausting. While some of the things I just listed can be part of your ritual, what’s most important is the intention. It is about taking care of yourself, which might vary daily. If you need more peace, you might meditate. You might go to the gym or practice yoga if you need more strength. If you need more joy, you might put on your favorite dance tune and boogie like no one is watching. It’s all about taking care of your needs to be your best.
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Many people will tell me, “That sounds great! However, I just don’t have the time.” Here are some secrets that will free up your morning so you can create the ritual you deserve.
A successful morning ritual starts the night before. Restful sleep will allow you to get up fresh and ready to take on the day. Put yourself to bed like you would a child; transition your environment from chaotic to calm and peaceful. Stay clear of sensationalized items like social media or the news (in other words, put down that phone!). Dim the lights, play soft music, and use aromatherapy to create a restful space for you to sleep.
Clear up your morning tasks by checking them off the night before. Select your outfit and prepare any other clothing you’ll need throughout the day. Plan your breakfast and get the kid’s lunches ready. Write out your to-do list the night before so you know what to do next when you’re done with your ritual, making your time efficient. Anything you can do the evening before will clear up space for yourself.
Have a heart-to-heart with your loved ones–the people you share your space with. Let them know how important this is to you and how much their support means. Remind them that they will get the best version of you instead of a grumpy, stressed version. And, if appropriate, ask them to join you. It’s an opportunity for them to enhance their lives and to create more authentic quality time together, which is also great for our overall wellness.
Self-care isn’t selfish. It means you are putting yourself in your best state. Everyone you engage with will benefit from this because they are getting the best version of you, too. Self-love is the quietest, most impactful revolution out there. Join the rebellion and live the life you want. 
My book, Your Morning Ritual, goes deeper into what I just covered and much more. It guides people in creating a unique and personalized self-care ritual and ensures their success. The book comes with an online library toolkit that includes eight how-to videos. A PDF version of the book and toolkit is also available at a lower price.
–By Carrie Asby
About Carrie Asby
Carrie Asby is a Wyoming-based wellness coach specializing in helping people embrace mindful practices to nurture their minds and bodies. She has a wellness certification from Cornell University, an ecotherapy certification from Pacifica Graduate Institute, and is a practicing yogini. She is also the founder of Nature Heart Retreats and hosts wellness excursions to Wyoming and South Africa. For more, head to www.CarrieAsby.com
