Creating time for yourself in the morning may seem daunting.  If you’re like me, then you’ve spent your life sleeping in until about 10 minutes before you have to leave the house.  You show up for work disheveled with sleep in your eyes and most likely you’re late.  This habit perpetuated a feeling of being rushed through out my day and gave way to mornings that barely existed.  When I began to create a small amount of time in the morning to sit and relax, I noticed that the rest of the day flowed better.  I had more energy and I wasn’t crashing on the couch as soon as evening arrived.  Carving out time for yourself in the morning will allow you to refocus, reset and greet the day before the rush begins.  It is important to create these moments of solitude as they can have lasting effects through the day and into the evening.  Unfortunately, as simple as this may sound, it’s a struggle for most as it was for me.  Some of us struggle to get out of bed, only wanting to press the snooze button for the endless 5 more minutes of sleep.  Trust me, I’ve been there and some mornings are still there, but once you’re up, I promise you won’t regret making the time to greet your day with intention.

Here are 5 ways to create a meaningful morning that you will benefit from throughout the day:

Gratitude.  Sit with a cup of your morning beverage (no, mimosa’s are not an option) and review the things you are grateful for.  Write them down.  Reflect upon why you are grateful.  Gratitude improves psychological health, allows us to have better relationships with others and reduces stress.

Spend time with your family.  Enjoy breakfast together.  Ask family members what they are looking forward to in the day ahead or to tell you about tasks they have to accomplish in the day.

Be a calm example.  If your family is rushing around and scrambling to get ready, have seat at the table or on the couch, sip some coffee and just observe.  Observe whatever is going on around you.  Observe the sounds you hear (this includes children screaming at each other), how you feel, and even your breath.  Just sit calmly.  Your family may not know what to do with themselves and they may eventually learn from your example.

Journal.  Write down your thoughts or intentions for the rest of your day.  Writing is incredibly therapeutic.  It is a method to express your self and release pent-up thoughts, feelings or intentions.  Starting your day by letting go, creates space in the mind that allows for better focus and attention.

Gentle yoga or exercise.  Greet the morning with gentle stretching or a walk.  It is a great way to prepare the body and the mind for the day ahead.  Movement in the morning kick-starts your metabolism and improves mental and physical energy throughout the day.  It also improves the quality of sleep we experience.

The parting message here is to treat your mornings like the holy grail of time as it can create a whole lot of goodness through the rest of your day.