Don’t:
- Go on your phone to check your email or social media while in bed. If you can, try to avoid looking at your phone (or using it excessively) for the first few hours of your day. We all have our different preferences and ways that we use our devices, but the key is to avoid falling into a reactionary state early in the day. If you can focus on today’s task right away and get it done, then that non-urgent email can wait.
- Leave your meals left to a last minute rush, filling your body with lots of empty calories or extra sugars. Plan out and be intentional with your breakfast, whether it’s a big meal or quick smoothie. Make sure that your mind and body have enough nutrients and energy to get through the day.
- Leave yourself with too little time in the morning to get everything ready before you have to start work.. Having to rush in the morning sparks and fuels my anxiety, which sets the tone for the rest of the day and often makes me more susceptible to triggers later on. Wake up with enough time to allow yourself to be more relaxed in your morning routine.
Takeaway
When creating your morning routine, keep it simple. It doesn’t need to be perfect. Focus on one tactic first and build consistency. You don’t want to overwhelm yourself to the point of anxiety (the irony here is too real).
In addition to working with my doctor, so much of what I do to manage my depression and anxiety comes back to the fundamentals of keeping a healthy lifestyle. Get enough sleep, eat well, drink lots of water, and find ways to express yourself and clear your mind. And don’t forget to move your body and sweat often!
There’s no need to strive for perfection and get down on yourself if you miss a habit.
Sometimes, that means catching myself when I feel overly frustrated or lacking in energy during the day. I’ll have a mini check-in with myself to shift things around, try complete a habit that I might have missed earlier in the day — whether that’s a short walk, a few minutes of mindfulness, or finishing something that I’ve put off — and get back on track.
Each new morning is an opportunity for a fresh start. Are you ready?
NPS-US-NP-00606 MARCH 2020