My Morning Routine + Rituals
I’ve always been an early riser. I remember smiling at new friends as a young girl and saying, “My name is Dawn, like the morning sun.” I love to have this name serve as a gentle reminder that the sunrise is, in fact, the greatest show on earth.
I’m writing this to you at 5 am, when the sun is making its way closer to us, the people are still sleeping, and you might be able to catch the sounds of the morning doves. These quiet moments, before alarms are going off, are some of my most treasured moments in my daily life.
At the end of the day, it’s my daily routine that reminds me that I’m still okay, breathing, and doing my best, even during the craziest year of our lives.
So many things are chaotic, messy, and uncomfortable. Especially the feeling of being out of control for an extended period of time. But there are a few things that I can control. Things like:
Going to sleep the night before with the intention of waking up naturally the next morning. I know how much blue light personally affects my sleep, so I like to have screens off by 10pm.
Setting the same alarm for the following morning. Always at the same time, with the same playlist.
Committing to movement. I try to have at least a small morning stretch alongside a quick walk with Baby Boy, even if I’m heading to the gym later in the day.
Making my morning beverage with intention. Whether it’s my coffee from the Italian Moka or it’s my greens, I try to add ritual around this experience as an effort to make one of the first experiences of “consumption” of the day to be an enjoyable experience.
Transitioning to work at the exact same time, every day. For me, a 9am start time is the most appropriate. With a 5am alarm, I have at least 4 hours to burn (hello slow and sleepy morning!) before I transition into work mode.
Taking a few moments to breathe before making any strong decisions. In the morning, I tend to think about my own personal projects or more important situations in my life. With a few moments to center into my breath, it makes it a bit easier to relax and drop in t what my gut tells me to do.
Sending post-ritual and sunrise silence love to your screen.
I love you,
R