Have you ever woken up feeling lackluster and uninspired? I know I have.
But then, a few years ago, I stumbled upon something that completely changed my mornings and transformed my day – Hal Elrod’s Miracle Morning. It all started when I came across a Facebook group discussing this concept, and I was immediately intrigued.
As an entrepreneur, I’m always busy – my default is to grab chai, meditate or exercise and dive into work. But discovering the Miracle Morning gave me a powerful new tool to prioritize self-care. It’s like giving myself permission to slow down and focus before getting lost in the hustle and bustle of the day’s tasks and responsibilities.
So, what exactly is this Miracle Morning? It’s a powerful routine consisting of six practices that Hal Elrod lovingly calls SAVERS – Silence, Affirmations, Visualization, Exercise, Reading, and Scribing.
Over time, I’ve fine-tuned my morning routine by discovering new methods that work better for me. Finding what works best for you may require some trial and error, just like it did for me. It’s all about discovering what truly resonates with you and brings the most value to your mornings.
In this blog post, I want to share with you some of my top methods for creating a morning routine that not only fuels your inner entrepreneur but also prioritizes self-care. Depending on the time I have, I might choose to do 3-5 of these practices, considering them as tools in my toolbox. Because let’s be real, taking care of ourselves is essential for maintaining our productivity and overall well-being in the hustle and bustle of the business world.
1. Mindful Awakening
We all love that first sip of caffeine in the morning, but what if I told you there’s a better way to start your day?
If you’re into podcasts, check out the Huberman podcast with Dr. Andrew Huberman, a brain expert from Stanford. He’s great at simplifying science and equipping us with practical tools.
Instead of coffee, Dr. Huberman suggests something even more invigorating.
Morning sunlight.
Catching some rays not only gives you a dose of vitamin D but also gets your body clock ticking in the right direction, leading to better sleep and an overall healthier you.
It actually brought back memories of my mom talking about this back in India when I was growing up – how crucial sunlight is for getting that Vitamin D fix.
Here’s the cool part: the first 30 minutes after waking up is like a magic window. Sunlight during this time helps your body regulate melatonin, the sleep hormone. This means you’ll be more focused and alert during the day.
Wondering why this matters? Well, light intensity and duration are major players in setting our biological rhythms. And don’t let overcast days fool you – stepping outside in the morning brings a light intensity that indoor spaces can’t match.
Regular exposure to morning sunlight is a game-changer. It enhances sleep quality, uplifts your mood, and supercharges your cognitive functions. Beyond the light itself, it’s about syncing your body’s internal clock. This ensures that your melatonin release aligns perfectly with your desired bedtime.
So, consider this your wake-up call: put down the coffee and step into the sun. Your body and mind will thank you!
2. Gratitude
You’ve probably heard about the whole gratitude thing, right? I’ve been giving it a go, and honestly, it’s been pretty cool. Let me give you the inside scoop on my top three ways to sprinkle a bit of gratitude into your day.
Find Your Gratitude Tribe Online
During the pandemic I stumbled upon a Clubhouse room all about gratitude. The mods posed a simple question: “What are you grateful for today?”
People from all corners of the globe would gather to share what they were grateful for. From the smallest things like weather and food to deeper aspects like family and connection, everyone had something meaningful to contribute.
Some even sang or shared poems in their native language.
It was a powerful reminder that when you focus on gratitude, it’s hard to stay upset or feel negative. In fact, being in that space inspired me to become a moderator and help facilitate these beautiful conversations.
If you would like to check it out, here is a link to Garth Saniford’s Daily Gratitude Movement.
Chats Over Chai with My Kiddo
My son, who’s now off in college (time flies, huh?), and I had this sweet little ritual.
Over a cup of chai, we’d swap stories about three things we were thankful for from our day.
Simple things.
But it’s those moments I cherish the most.
If you’ve got kiddos or even close ones around, give this a shot. With today’s younger generation experiencing a world of abundance, pausing to appreciate the little wonders can be pretty grounding.
Jotting It Down: Old School or Digital
Journaling can be your quiet corner to count blessings. Just jot down three things that made you grateful today.
I’ve used some nifty apps like Notion, which offers a neat daily journal feature. It’s not just for gratitude – I use it as my everyday journal.
But there’s something special about the tactile feel of pen on paper.
As an artist, that feeling sparked my creativity, leading me to design a few journals you’ll find in my shop. Fancy a look? Check out the “Santa Barbara Dreamscapes Journal” or dive into the “Love in Technicolor Journal.” Perfect for capturing gratitude, daydreams, and everything in between.
3. Hydration
Now let’s talk about giving your mornings a healthy twist rooted in ancient wisdom. Ever heard of Ayurveda? It’s an ancient Asian practice about nurturing your body in harmony with nature.
One gem from Ayurveda is the art of starting your day with a glass of warm water. Just give your water a quick 30-second whirl in the microwave, and you’re all set!
And here’s why it’s your morning routine’s new BFF:
Picture this – your body’s been snoozing for hours and parched. That glass of warm water first thing in the morning is like a gentle wake-up call for your system. It rehydrates you like a cozy hug, setting you up for the day ahead. It can also do wonders for your digestion and metabolism.
It’s like giving your gut a little nudge, helping it wake up and get ready to rock.
This little self-care practice can be the first step to your healthy morning routine. It’s a small change that can make a big difference.
Your body will appreciate it, and you’ll kickstart a healthier day, leading like the true CEO you are.
4. Exercise
I’m going to let you in on a little secret: I’m not a huge exercise fanatic. It does take some effort for me to get moving, and even my doctor has had to remind me to be consistent. But hey, I’m only human!
Finding My Groove: Solo Walks
For a long time, I was that person who’d only lace up if someone was joining me. After a couple of flakey friend episodes, I decided to brave the outdoors solo.
At first? Awkward. But soon? Liberating.
It became a form of self-love, a chance to enjoy my own company.
I reflected on my thoughts and got the most incredible downloads about life and work.
It’s like my version of a walking meditation, with some breathwork or music for variety. One of my favorite apps is Insight Timer.
Changing Sceneries: Some days, I hit the hilly routes in my neighborhood, feeling every step while basking in the sun. Other days? The lake’s calling my name, and hey, my parking pass there support our local parks, so win-win! I’m truly fortunate to have the lovely Lake Chabot just a quick 10-minute drive from my home.
Ear Candy: To keep things spicy, I tune into a podcast or drop by the gratitude room on Clubhouse. Who says you can’t multitask while getting fit?
Gym: My Complex Connection
Now, let’s talk about the gym. Ah, the gym—it’s not my go-to choice, but it’s on my agenda to hit the gym a few times a week for some strength training with the equipment.
If you’re a gym fan, you can get your daily dose of cardio or walking in there too.
The Yoga Wind-down
Then there’s the soothing embrace of yoga. You can do it anywhere – a yoga studio, the gym, or your cozy room.
For me?
It’s an evening ritual, leaving my mornings exclusively for other forms of exertion.
5. Nourishment
After all that talk about exercising, guess what? I’m starving!
Taking a cue from Dr. Huberman, I hold off on my caffeine fix for about an hour or so after hydration. My functional medicine doc recently nudged me to shift breakfast a tad earlier based on Ayurveda to around 8:30-9 am, instead of the late 11 am – all thanks to my intermittent fasting phase.
When it finally comes time for my cup of joe, I opt for a decaf blend from the local farmer’s market or homemade chai (on weekends). There’s just something special about sipping on that warm, comforting beverage in one of my favorite mugs from my shop. It’s become a little ritual of mine and brings me so much joy.
As you dive deep into this self-love journey, remember the magic words: Nutrient-rich breakfast! Think hearty grains, colorful fruits, and power-packed proteins. It’s like a morning energy booster shot but tastier.
Oh, and if you’re scrambling to find delish recipes, I’ve got you. Check out “Bombay Bites,” my cookbook. It’s packed with dishes that come to life in just 15 minutes. Perfect for all the hustling entrepreneurs out there!
Use Coupon Code BombayBites15 for 15% off the Cookbook
Your Morning Routine: A Love Letter to Yourself
Cultivating a morning routine is more than just a checklist of tasks to kickstart your day. It’s a love letter to yourself.
Every ritual, every mindful moment you carve out in the AM is a testament to the value you place on your well-being.
By setting the tone of your day with intention and care, you’re not just achieving tasks but also affirming your worth and nurturing your relationship with yourself.
So, every morning when the world is still hushed and the day is ripe with possibility, remember to pour some love into the most crucial cup – your own.
Embrace your morning routine as the daily dose of self-love you deserve.
