Some great tips here that I am going to work into my own morning routine! I thought of you yesterday while I was having afternoon tea at the Assembly House - thank you again for the recommendation. X
Thank you so much Victoria 🙂 and I'm so glad you went to The Assembly House ... It's so beautiful in there, I hope you enjoyed their afternoon tea ! ☕ Reminds me I have to book the festive one ! 🙏
Do it! We had it yesterday - it’s Nutcracker-themed - and it was wonderful. Such a beautiful setting too and their Christmas tree too my breath away. Absolutely stunning. 😍
Creating a morning routine has transformed my life. Since I began the Artist's Way in March this year, I incorporate morning pages into my day which changes depending on where I am. I feel, I will need to do a post on this however 😁
So, the first thing I do once I know I'm awake is count backwards from 100,this stops the rumination rabbit from getting in his hole. Meditate. Get out of bed, stick the kettle on. If it's not raining, get outside and do some qi gong wake up exercises, a bit of yoga. Make tea, back to bed for morning pages/reading. Get up, make my bed, a hot shower followed by a hot oil massage. 😂. Writing it down it seems like a lot and, like you, it changes. If I'm by the coast I go swimming first thing. So then breakfast. This takes about two hours and it's the only time of day that's really mine. Thank you for this lovely post and inspiration 🙏
Thank you so much 🙏 I read The Artist Way this year too and I enjoyed it so much .
I love your counting backwards from 100 ... Such a lovely meditative way to wake up !
I think your morning routine sounds just lovely 💞 and I think the more elements the better as you can pick and choose what parts you need each morning.
Love your morning menu creation Emily. Interesting that no it doesn't need to be the same each day. I find my dog generally dictates my morning, he will happily lay still on my bed on first waking for a short while, while I sip tea. However, when it is his shake down, he will leap up and off the bed signalling it's outside time. In amongst his walk though I'll try and observe what nature is doing, and appreciate and be grateful for that.
Thank you 🙏 it is very freeing to give yourself the time and then just let your mind, body and spirit direct the rest ... Or your dog ! I love that it's uniquely you and it sounds like you have a wonderful dual morning routine together 💕
I love the idea of a menu and I’ve implemented something similar. I call mine “the bare minimum”—meaning, what is the bare minimum I can do to feel successful. Ex: hygiene. I’d love to wash my face, but some days all I can do is brush my teeth. Or mindfulness. I love to journal, but if I just take three deep breaths and set an intention for the day before I get out of bed, that’s success.
I’m deep in a season of mothering small kids and haven’t slept through the night in five years. Allowing myself the opportunity to pivot, as you say, has been a game changer. I also don’t always get to it all at the same time every morning—sometimes my journaling happens in the afternoon while the kids are in quiet time.
Thank you Shaun! I love your 'bare minimum' I really think it helps take the pressure off and actually encourages you to spend time on the things you truly care about, your non-negotiables ! I think it is key to be flexible, but also give enough time to the things that matter most to you - especially if you are a Mum and you have to do so much for others.
I love a slow morning. I was doing 15min of meditation first thing which I found helped alot, I think I need to start doing that again. Also a morning cup of cacao while I'm sitting in bed journalling 💕
Oh this is me Dee!!! I love doing my morning pages back in bed with a cuppa! Slow mornings are the best, and I do always find it is worth getting up that little bit earlier to make the most of that precious alone time.
Loved this! And I really love the menu analogy where we get to pick what we need when we need it. So good! I like a routine but hate the rigidity of it. This is a perfect solution! 😍
Thank you Sophie! Absolutely, this is what stumbled me up, time and time again. As is so often the case, it is the simple solutions that work best. I love picking and choosing what feels important to me in the moment now.
I really love the idea of a menu!! What a brilliant way to offer options because just like in a restaurant, we are not always in the mood for the same thing! ❤️
This is it Amy - I was getting stuck trying to do the same routine day in and day out - giving myself a menu and a choice has helped soooo much. I am so glad you liked it too.
Feeling pretty tired these days when I wake up, so loved the idea that a routine doesn't necessarily need to be the same. Pivoting according to my body's needs and the seasons is a great idea. I need to pay more attention to that, I think!
It was a total game changer for me and it seemed so obvious but the way morning routines are spoken about it never seemed to have that nuance and certainly didn't seem to reflect our changing interests and energy. Tuning into what you need is the only thing that should remain a constant. I hope you get all the rest you need Matt 🙏
Feeling pretty tired these days when I wake up, so loved the idea that a routine doesn't necessarily need to be the same. Pivoting according to my body's needs and the seasons is a great idea. I need to pay more attention to that, I think!
Loved this post, thank you, Emily! The menu is amazing, I'm tempted to print it out and refer to it first thing in the morning :)
The idea you share about the routine being flexible is a game-changer, it removes the pressure. I think I've failed to keep a morning routine in the past exactly due to that. With time, I kept adding to my routine to the point it became too intricate to keep up with, so I gave it up. Your words are a gentle inspiration to try again!
Thank you so much Milena and this is exactly how I felt. It is hard when you see the perfectly curated morning routines online to really make that fit with real life ... But the freedom to feel and choose what you need in the moment is everything. I'm so pleased you enjoyed it and liked the menu ! 🙏😁
"I love that your morning routine is as unique as you, you can create something that suits you, your family, your personality and needs." totally agree with you, Emily. Your morning menu really resonates with me. 🎉🎊
This is a beautiful piece Emily. I agree 100% that a good morning routine absolutely does set you up for the day. I'm an early riser too. Monday to Thursday I have to get up early for my day job, but on Fridays I wake early too, around 5am, it's my sacred time for writing. I love this time. It's just the most peaceful part of day 😊💖
Oh that's so lovely Debbie 🥰 I don't often see 5am (maybe one day!) but I like a 6am rise every now and then and it is such precious time. The world feels hushed and sleepy and it feels easier to tap into the creative somehow. 🙏
A beautiful post. Thank you. My slow mornings have saved me and set me on a wonderful path not only to the rest of the day, but my life. I started meditating a few months ago and now I feel these swathes of moments are essential when It wake. A cup of tea, whilst cuddling my dog and reflecting on all that’s good in my life is food for the soul. I sometimes write when the feeling takes me but otherwise I knit whilst thinking about the things I’m looking forward to doing during the day. I loved how you wrote about the flexibly of being led by the spirit rather than constricting yourself to a set routine. A lovely read and I had a wonderful feeling that other folk have discovered this wonderful slow beginning of the day too; a sort of collective effervescence.
Thank you so much Rachel! Your morning routine sounds so lovely. I really think there is something so magical about building a morning routine that speaks to you and makes your heart feel full and your soul feel grounded and calm. Thank you so much for sharing your routine. I may need to get a dog for those morning cuddles!!!!!
I love everything you’ve said in this post! I love mornings too and have a routine that works well - awake early, no phone, make coffee, write. Then yoga or some exercise before a shower. But I’ve never had the idea of a morning menu before and I love it! I’m so glad I found your Substack!
Thank you so much Angela! I am so glad you have found my Substack too. It is wonderful to have you here! I like your routine, I feel like it is ALL the good stuff. I need to definitely work on less phone in my mornings!!!
Some great tips here that I am going to work into my own morning routine! I thought of you yesterday while I was having afternoon tea at the Assembly House - thank you again for the recommendation. X
Thank you so much Victoria 🙂 and I'm so glad you went to The Assembly House ... It's so beautiful in there, I hope you enjoyed their afternoon tea ! ☕ Reminds me I have to book the festive one ! 🙏
Do it! We had it yesterday - it’s Nutcracker-themed - and it was wonderful. Such a beautiful setting too and their Christmas tree too my breath away. Absolutely stunning. 😍
What a great post!
Creating a morning routine has transformed my life. Since I began the Artist's Way in March this year, I incorporate morning pages into my day which changes depending on where I am. I feel, I will need to do a post on this however 😁
So, the first thing I do once I know I'm awake is count backwards from 100,this stops the rumination rabbit from getting in his hole. Meditate. Get out of bed, stick the kettle on. If it's not raining, get outside and do some qi gong wake up exercises, a bit of yoga. Make tea, back to bed for morning pages/reading. Get up, make my bed, a hot shower followed by a hot oil massage. 😂. Writing it down it seems like a lot and, like you, it changes. If I'm by the coast I go swimming first thing. So then breakfast. This takes about two hours and it's the only time of day that's really mine. Thank you for this lovely post and inspiration 🙏
Thank you so much 🙏 I read The Artist Way this year too and I enjoyed it so much .
I love your counting backwards from 100 ... Such a lovely meditative way to wake up !
I think your morning routine sounds just lovely 💞 and I think the more elements the better as you can pick and choose what parts you need each morning.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!
Love your morning menu creation Emily. Interesting that no it doesn't need to be the same each day. I find my dog generally dictates my morning, he will happily lay still on my bed on first waking for a short while, while I sip tea. However, when it is his shake down, he will leap up and off the bed signalling it's outside time. In amongst his walk though I'll try and observe what nature is doing, and appreciate and be grateful for that.
Thank you 🙏 it is very freeing to give yourself the time and then just let your mind, body and spirit direct the rest ... Or your dog ! I love that it's uniquely you and it sounds like you have a wonderful dual morning routine together 💕
Thankyou for your wonderful posts
I love the idea of a menu and I’ve implemented something similar. I call mine “the bare minimum”—meaning, what is the bare minimum I can do to feel successful. Ex: hygiene. I’d love to wash my face, but some days all I can do is brush my teeth. Or mindfulness. I love to journal, but if I just take three deep breaths and set an intention for the day before I get out of bed, that’s success.
I’m deep in a season of mothering small kids and haven’t slept through the night in five years. Allowing myself the opportunity to pivot, as you say, has been a game changer. I also don’t always get to it all at the same time every morning—sometimes my journaling happens in the afternoon while the kids are in quiet time.
Thank you Shaun! I love your 'bare minimum' I really think it helps take the pressure off and actually encourages you to spend time on the things you truly care about, your non-negotiables ! I think it is key to be flexible, but also give enough time to the things that matter most to you - especially if you are a Mum and you have to do so much for others.
Well done. Thank you.
I love a slow morning. I was doing 15min of meditation first thing which I found helped alot, I think I need to start doing that again. Also a morning cup of cacao while I'm sitting in bed journalling 💕
Oh this is me Dee!!! I love doing my morning pages back in bed with a cuppa! Slow mornings are the best, and I do always find it is worth getting up that little bit earlier to make the most of that precious alone time.
Loved this! And I really love the menu analogy where we get to pick what we need when we need it. So good! I like a routine but hate the rigidity of it. This is a perfect solution! 😍
Thank you Sophie! Absolutely, this is what stumbled me up, time and time again. As is so often the case, it is the simple solutions that work best. I love picking and choosing what feels important to me in the moment now.
I really love the idea of a menu!! What a brilliant way to offer options because just like in a restaurant, we are not always in the mood for the same thing! ❤️
This is it Amy - I was getting stuck trying to do the same routine day in and day out - giving myself a menu and a choice has helped soooo much. I am so glad you liked it too.
Feeling pretty tired these days when I wake up, so loved the idea that a routine doesn't necessarily need to be the same. Pivoting according to my body's needs and the seasons is a great idea. I need to pay more attention to that, I think!
It was a total game changer for me and it seemed so obvious but the way morning routines are spoken about it never seemed to have that nuance and certainly didn't seem to reflect our changing interests and energy. Tuning into what you need is the only thing that should remain a constant. I hope you get all the rest you need Matt 🙏
Feeling pretty tired these days when I wake up, so loved the idea that a routine doesn't necessarily need to be the same. Pivoting according to my body's needs and the seasons is a great idea. I need to pay more attention to that, I think!
Loved this post, thank you, Emily! The menu is amazing, I'm tempted to print it out and refer to it first thing in the morning :)
The idea you share about the routine being flexible is a game-changer, it removes the pressure. I think I've failed to keep a morning routine in the past exactly due to that. With time, I kept adding to my routine to the point it became too intricate to keep up with, so I gave it up. Your words are a gentle inspiration to try again!
Thank you so much Milena and this is exactly how I felt. It is hard when you see the perfectly curated morning routines online to really make that fit with real life ... But the freedom to feel and choose what you need in the moment is everything. I'm so pleased you enjoyed it and liked the menu ! 🙏😁
"I love that your morning routine is as unique as you, you can create something that suits you, your family, your personality and needs." totally agree with you, Emily. Your morning menu really resonates with me. 🎉🎊
Thank you so much Marusya ... Thinking of it like a menu really helped me visualise what I wanted to achieve and what I needed each morning . 💕
This is a beautiful piece Emily. I agree 100% that a good morning routine absolutely does set you up for the day. I'm an early riser too. Monday to Thursday I have to get up early for my day job, but on Fridays I wake early too, around 5am, it's my sacred time for writing. I love this time. It's just the most peaceful part of day 😊💖
Oh that's so lovely Debbie 🥰 I don't often see 5am (maybe one day!) but I like a 6am rise every now and then and it is such precious time. The world feels hushed and sleepy and it feels easier to tap into the creative somehow. 🙏
It's the best time isn't it. 😊
A beautiful post. Thank you. My slow mornings have saved me and set me on a wonderful path not only to the rest of the day, but my life. I started meditating a few months ago and now I feel these swathes of moments are essential when It wake. A cup of tea, whilst cuddling my dog and reflecting on all that’s good in my life is food for the soul. I sometimes write when the feeling takes me but otherwise I knit whilst thinking about the things I’m looking forward to doing during the day. I loved how you wrote about the flexibly of being led by the spirit rather than constricting yourself to a set routine. A lovely read and I had a wonderful feeling that other folk have discovered this wonderful slow beginning of the day too; a sort of collective effervescence.
Thank you so much Rachel! Your morning routine sounds so lovely. I really think there is something so magical about building a morning routine that speaks to you and makes your heart feel full and your soul feel grounded and calm. Thank you so much for sharing your routine. I may need to get a dog for those morning cuddles!!!!!
I love everything you’ve said in this post! I love mornings too and have a routine that works well - awake early, no phone, make coffee, write. Then yoga or some exercise before a shower. But I’ve never had the idea of a morning menu before and I love it! I’m so glad I found your Substack!
Thank you so much Angela! I am so glad you have found my Substack too. It is wonderful to have you here! I like your routine, I feel like it is ALL the good stuff. I need to definitely work on less phone in my mornings!!!