Purpose
An The Optimal Brain uses a morning routine as the first thing in the morning. The purpose is to direct the brain in the right direction - set a positive tone for the day, instill a sense of calm and purpose, and allow effective operation.
A morning routine is so important, that without it:
- You run the risk of getting carried away by external events without being connected to your center, you do not focus yourself on the process of the Dream Machine, and so you do not implement the plan and don’t get the desired results.
- Worse: you run the risk of getting caught in negative thoughts and painful emotions, and deteriorating to low quality performance, or even suffering.
Time
Since a morning routine is so important, it is critical to make sure that you organize you day such that you can wake up at a time that would allow you to spend enough time on the morning routine (typically 30 to 60 minutes).
For this to happen, and to also make sure you sleep enough hours (which is one of the foundational pillars for ensuring Wellbeing), inevitably you need to make sure that you go to sleep at an appropriate time. To ensure it, you also need an Evening routine.
Also, it is recommended you wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends, to regulate your internal clock.
Content
What you incorporate in your morning routine is your personal choice, and it’s an ongoing process to refine it to make it effective.
Here are a few suggestions:
- Hydration: Start your day by drinking a glass of water, which helps to kickstart your metabolism.
- Mindfulness and Meditation:
- Spend a few minutes meditating or practicing deep breathing to center yourself.
- Physical Activity:
- Stretching or Yoga: Helps to awaken the body and improve flexibility.
- Exercise: Whether it's a short workout, a run, or a session at the gym, exercise releases endorphins that boost mood.
- Personal Care:
- Basic hygiene activities such as brushing your teeth, washing your face, and taking a shower.
- Skin care routine.
- Nutritious Breakfast: Eating a balanced breakfast provides energy and fuels your body and mind for the day's tasks.
- Learning and Growth:
- Read a book or listen to an audiobook or podcast.
- Review notes or materials related to ongoing projects or studies.
- Journaling:
- Express gratitude by listing things you're thankful for.
- Reflect on your feelings or jot down any dreams you had.
- Visualization: Spend a moment visualizing a successful day or the achievement of a specific goal.