I learned a long time ago, having a morning routine was the basis for the start of a good day. My parents made sure we got a good night's sleep and had a quality breakfast - the most important meal of the day, so we can be alert and focus on our school work.

Establishing a meaningful routine takes effort. It takes practice and practice depends on discipline. The key to a morning routine is having a bedtime routine. No television, smartphone, or electronics that are distracting. I recommend black-out curtains to minimize any light peeking through, as well as setting the right temperature and a trip to the bathroom, so you are not getting up in the middle of the night. The quality of our sleep will determine how we feel in the morning.

Morning rituals are proven to decrease stress. anxiety, improve sleep and increase productivity and focus. So, get up early, start with a healthy breakfast, exercise, spend time in nature, and make time for yourself. The easiest and most effective routine for me is walking.

I recently took a trip to Sandestin Beach. A short getaway for a change of scenery. I checked into my hotel and pulled the curtains back to see the view from my balcony. For the first time, the beach girl was not excited. I needed to find some inspiration. I prepared myself for an early bedtime, taking a nice shower, drinking a cup of chamomile tea, and meditating. My morning goal was to get up early and take a walk on the beach which usually invigorates me.

“Morning rituals are proven to decrease stress.”

I woke up the next day ready for my walk. Opened the curtains and noticed the sun was still below the horizon. I drank a glass of water, made a cup of coffee, and headed to the beach. My playlist, Back in Balance, is always the right choice, so I put in my AirPods, took a deep breath, and put one foot in front of the other. My target was the end of the beach...is there really an end? I walked for an hour and decided it was time to walk back. As I got closer to the hotel, I decided to sit in the sand and watch the sunrise. There were only a few beach walkers which made the morning perfect to meditate and feel at peace. 

As the air blew and waves washed ashore, my spirit started to awaken. This was just what I needed. No rushing, just living in the moment. Taking in the seagulls, air, white sand, and water. All nature. There is something magical about walking on the beach, compared to walking on concrete or on a gym track. Your environment has a lot to do with your experience. At home, I walk around my community and listen to the birds sing, even if it's only 20 minutes. This helps gets my mind and spirit clear to focus on my tasks for the day. 

If you're looking to start anew, take a walk. I recommend, finding that place in nature that makes you come alive. Implement a routine that you can stick to, and keep a journal of your progress. As for me, I am going back to the beach...