morning routine | The Phoenix Rising Collective

Inhale. Exhale. Say thank you. Acknowledge that it’s a new day! Express gratitude for an opportunity to get up and do it all again. It’s a chance to live life better. I don’t always feel like getting out of bed, but I don’t ever hesitate to say, “Thank you for another day.” It’s a simple, yet oh-so powerful two-word prayer.

Stretch/Meditate. Avoid Negativity. Move your body. Do yoga. Dance while getting dressed if you have to, but get the blood flowing. Meditation will help clear your mind so you can make sound, focused decisions. Try shower meditation, too, to visualize washing away the past (that includes yesterday) and setting your intentions. Recite affirmations while feeling the water refresh and renew.

Try not to take in any negative chatter (including the news). Keep your thoughts positive. Take in what will affirm your day. Listen to or read something uplifting and inspirational. I usually start with one of my favorite daily readers: The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo.

Set a pace that reflects peace. Carve out time for a consistent morning routine so you’re not in rush mode. When I don’t give myself time in the morning I feel off kilter, and inevitably I forget something on my way out the door. So, take care of yourself by setting a pace that reflects how you want to be throughout the day.

Eat a healthy breakfast. Your body needs energy and love. Have some fruit, a green smoothie, avocado toast or oatmeal. Drink lemon water for healthy digestion; it’s a great kick-starter. Make breakfast a treat, something you look forward to. Prep the night before so you have time to eat in the morning. Remember, your goal is to set a pace that reflects peace.

Talk to someone you love. It’s an immediate positive mood booster before you head out the door. My best friend and I do a quick check-in call to hold each other accountable for our goals. We also pray together, especially if there’s a challenging experience (presentation, meeting, conversation, etc) we have to face during the week. It definitely helps to know you have support when navigating the highs, lows and everything in between. Like Danielle LaPorte says, “Find your tribe. Love them hard.” And I’ll add…don’t forget to say, “I love you.”

Create a great day. Make it what you want it to be.

Ayanna Jordan is founder of The Phoenix Rising Collective. As principal consultant and leadership development trainer and coach, she develops and facilitates dynamic women-centered workshops with a focus on how putting self-love into action can transform your life. She also creates coaching seminars and training that support women’s professional growth in authentic leadership, entrepreneurship, and passion-filled work. Her interactive approach inspires action and creates a non-judgmental, sacred space for women to truly explore their personal and professional goals while gaining support and sisterhood from others who’ve also made a commitment to sustaining self-love.

Getty Images | JGI/Jamie Grill

Do you have a consistent morning routine? It’s important to have one because (wow!) it definitely sets the tone for your day. You’ll be less rushed, more centered, and ready to face the world outside. You may not be able to completely chuck the to-do list, but establishing a healthier “rise and shine” routine will give you the energy (physically and mentally) to handle it with more focus, balance and determination.

So, here are my top 5 favorite ways to jump-start the morning:

1. Take a deep breath.

Acknowledge that it’s a new day! Give thanks. As soon as I wake, I say, “Hello, God. It’s me, Ayanna! Thank you.” Side note: Yes, I adapted that line from the AYA ol’ school book Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret.

2. Give yourself time.

I know if I don’t carve out time for a consistent routine I feel off kilter; and inevitably, I start zipping through the house and usually forget something on my way out the door. So, set the pace to create balance and a calm exit.

3. Eat something good for you.

Your body needs energy and love. Have some fruit, a green smoothie, avocado toast or healthy cereal. Drink lemon water. Make it a treat, something you look forward to. It’s simple but effective. Prep the night before to save time.

4. Keep noise to a minimum.

Try not to take in any negative information. (Yes, like the news. You can get to that later.) Keep your thoughts positive. Engage in what will affirm the day. Listen to or read something uplifting and inspirational. I usually start with one of my favorite daily readers: The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo or I listen, while in the car, to a podcast I love: On Being with Krista Tippet.

5. Stretch/Exercise & Shower Meditation.

Move your body. Dance while getting dressed if you have to, but get the blood flowing.

Shower meditation is simply letting yesterday wash away. It’s gone, so while in the shower set new intentions for the day and recite affirmations. The water is revitalizing and provides a great sense of peace.

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Select healthy, rejuvenating activities that will work best for you in the morning and stick with them until they become habit. Your mind and body will thank you. The routine you establish will assist in creating a more successful, well-balanced day and healthier well being. It’s a powerful and practical form of self-care you’ll look forward to.

Challenge: Pick at least one of the top 5 must-do’s and begin incorporating it into your “rise and shine” plan. Journal about how the switch in routine makes you feel. Take note of how differently you move throughout the day.

Ayanna Jordan is founder and leadership trainer and coach for The Phoenix Rising Collective. She develops and facilitates women-centered, self-care workshops on how putting self-love into action can transform your life. Ayanna also creates coaching and training programs that support women’s professional growth in leadership, entrepreneurship, and passion-filled work. As editor-in-chief of Phoenix Shine, she is happy to be providing resources and awareness on topics that cultivate self-love and acceptance. Right now, she is most inspired by the LYFF series and She Makes It Beautiful. You can learn more about Ayanna HERE.