How much does your morning routine determine the day you will have? They say that breakfast is the most important meal, and that if you win the morning, you win the day. I’m not aiming for perfection, but I have gradually been trying to shape a morning routine that sets me up for work recently.

When my Depression and Anxiety was previously at its peak, my morning routine (when I wasn’t signed off sick) involved staying in bed as long as possible, tears, skipping the shower, dragging everything out of my wardrobe and trying it all on but finding nothing felt quite ‘right’, cakes and biscuits for breakfast, panic attacks, being unable to find my keys/bag/diary/etc., and a mad dash to work to avoid being too late. It was chaotic, stressful, rushed, and unhealthy. It didn’t exactly put me in the right mindset to have a productive week, free of traumatic emotions.

It’s taken years, but now I am much more intentional about what I do in the morning, trying not to self-sabotage before the day has begun.

I try to keep things calm when I get up. I water the plants and drink a big glass of water myself. I massage my face with oil.

Next, I do some stretches and breathing exercises, and record my vitals in my fatigue journal (I have Long Covid, so I track my symptoms to show to my doctor). I have breakfast by the window (toast or muesli, with herbal tea), take all my supplements and vitamins, and fill in my gratitude journal.

After that, I usually call my mum to see how she is. I might put on some uplifting music, and take a bath, before getting dressed. The next step is to moisturise and style my hair, and pack my bag. After that, I leave for work, on time! I find that going slower allows me to get more done.

These actions help me to wake up and face the day. What kind of daily routine could help you improve your life a little?

Naomi

A Moodscope member.