PhotoCredit: OutsideTheLines
I always felt rather guilty that my morning routine started with checking my inbox. I even feel guilty when I check the news. They are both great things to do; I don't want to miss anything urgent in my work-life or in the world. They are also both problematic things to do, they can create a massive vortex that will suck you in and distract you from your priorities.
Most aspirational morning routines start with variations on the theme of meditation, exercise, healthy smoothies and lighting incense to welcome the day. I am more of a "stumble out of bed, guzzle coffee, bang on computer" kinda gal.
And it worked for me. Well it did. I've been getting up earlier and realized that, it doesn't matter what time I get out of bed, my brain needs time to boot-up. So I started experimenting with morning play-time.
I prep for this the night before. I make sure to have an hour each evening where I clear and organize email then set my priorities for the next day. If I don't do that, I definately get behind. I also ALWAYS tidy my desk - there is something infinitely distracting about a messy desk in the morning. To each their own, unless you are my husband - in which case it's mandatory. Love you!
In the morning, I do what I want to do for the first 30 minutes to an hour - depending on what I have on that day. Most days this means meandering through interesting articles. I might also pick up a recipe book or three, do some online research (ok, so shopping), or read a couple of good newsletters I subscribe to but don't always make time for. Basically, it's my time, I do whatever I damn well please.
What I have found with this system is: a) I am getting up before any work email comes in; b) regardless of the day ahead, I have had some time for myself; c) I am naturally following this time with meditation which is really locking in focus for the day; and d) my brain feels a lot more charged up, starting the day this way seems to encourage brain expansiveness.
While clearly the mediation helps substantially, the free play seems to wake up every part of my brain. It's like the ultimate warm up for the most important muscle in your body. Well, maybe the brain is an organ, but you get my point.