By Amanda Burrows with Amanda Burrows Coaching

Meditation was never something I was taught to do so when I came across the self-care practice I was cautious about the benefits and whether or not I wanted to incorporate it into my life. I tried a few videos on YouTube every couple of days for a few weeks and found the benefits to be great for my constantly racing and overwhelmed mind. Then I researched an app that could provide me with the benefits of meditation but with a different type of meditation daily. I came across a few but ultimately decided on Daily Calm. I loved this app right away and I think the daily meditation helped me keep up with the meditation during the days when I thought I was too busy.

During the week I was able to keep up my habit of meditation fairly easily. I put meditation time on my calendar around lunch. There were a few times in the first few months where I skipped a day but I never beat myself up for it because I realized I was human and sometimes missing a day of meditation was okay. I keep that same mindset now, 2 years later, as well because some days are busy, meetings run long, fires need to be put out so I don’t always get to my meditation. And that’s okay.

On the weekend though, it was a different story. My weekends weren’t very structured and I wasn’t used to meditating during the middle of the day so I needed to get more creative than I had to during the work week. This meant putting reminders on my calendar, enlisting my husband to help by taking our daughter into a different room, and creating a space where I could meditate in peace. Doing this worked and now I meditate every day of the week (most of the time – I still miss some days but I don’t beat myself up for it.)

Creating a meditation practice was not easy. There were times when I wanted to give up because it felt like I was accomplishing nothing but after two years I can tell you that establishing this habit has worked wonders in my life. I am more aware of my thoughts, more patient, more loving of the people around me, and so much more. This shows that sometimes the hard habits to establish are the ones that are the best for you in the long run!

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By Erin McCarthy with Follow Erin on Facebook

In the fast-paced rhythm of modern life, finding moments of stillness and mindfulness has become increasingly vital for maintaining mental well-being. For me, the key to embracing this tranquility was incorporating mindfulness into my morning routine. In this blog post, I’ll share the steps I took to transform mindfulness from a sporadic practice to a consistent morning habit.

1. Understanding the Power of Mindfulness
   Before diving into the practical aspects, I educated myself about the benefits of mindfulness. Research shows that mindfulness can reduce stress, enhance focus, and contribute to overall emotional well-being. Armed with this knowledge, I became more motivated to weave mindfulness into my daily life.
2. Start Small and Simple
   The prospect of incorporating a new habit can be daunting, so I began with small and simple mindfulness exercises. Initially, it was just five minutes of deep breathing or a short meditation session. This made it easier to integrate into my morning routine without feeling overwhelmed.
3. Consistency is Key
   To establish mindfulness as a habit, consistency is paramount. I committed to practicing mindfulness every morning, even on weekends. Consistency helped reinforce the habit and made it a natural part of my daily routine.
4. Create a Dedicated Space
   Having a specific space for mindfulness activities added a sense of ritual to my morning routine. Whether it was a cozy corner with a cushion or a designated spot on the back patio with tea, this dedicated space helped signal to my brain that it was time for mindfulness.
5. Mindful Mornings Begin the Night Before
   I realized that a successful morning mindfulness routine often starts the night before. Establishing a calming evening routine and ensuring a good night’s sleep created a foundation for a peaceful and focused start to the day.
6. Experiment and Find What Works for You
   Mindfulness is a personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. I experimented with various techniques—guided meditations, mindful breathing, or journaling—to find what resonated most with me.
7. Be Patient and Kind to Yourself
   Building a habit takes time, and there were days when I faltered. Instead of being hard on myself, I practiced self-compassion. Recognizing that setbacks are a natural part of any habit-building process helped me stay motivated and persistent.
8. Celebrate Progress
   Acknowledging small victories along the way kept me motivated. Whether it was completing a week of consistent mindfulness or experiencing a moment of profound calm, celebrating progress reinforced the habit.

Incorporating mindfulness into my morning routine has been transformative. It’s not just a habit; it’s a way of life. By understanding its benefits, starting small, being consistent, creating a dedicated space, and experimenting with techniques, I’ve cultivated a sense of mindfulness that extends beyond the morning hours, enriching my entire day. If you’re considering embracing mindfulness as a habit, remember that it’s a journey unique to you. Start small, be patient, and savor the moments of tranquility you create in your daily life. Your mornings may just become a sanctuary of peace and clarity, setting a positive tone for the rest of your day.

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By Suzy Rawlins with Roots and Boots with Suzy Rawlins

“You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily.  The secret to your success is found in your daily routine.” – John C. Maxwell

About ten years ago, everything in my world changed, and I needed a way to get grounded and set my intentions for each day.  I started a habit that would be a game-changer.  I started reading a daily Christian devotional each morning with my coffee.  Nothing big, but a new habit was forming, and I could see the results in my day.  I started it on a positive note, and it helped keep me grounded and present in my faith.  The habit then turned into reading my bible daily for 10 minutes.  I then got my family involved.  Each morning, we all took ten minutes to read a devotional or from our Bibles. 

Over time, my morning routine has grown as I added new things to it.  One of the first things I added was writing my daily gratitude list.  Another important thing I added was always listening to something positive while I was getting ready each morning or just while washing my face and brushing my teeth if I was not leaving the house that day. 

Now, today, I have a pretty elaborate morning routine.  It starts with my hubby making coffee; I know I’m spoiled.  He brings me my coffee and a glass of water while I do my quiet time in my Zen Den.  This is the time when I read my bible, write my gratitude list, say my prayers for people in my life, stretch, and listen to something positive.  Depending on my goals at that time, I have been known to do my daily affirmations and/or goal-setting stuff during this time, too.  I prefer to get a workout first thing in the morning before heading off to the shower and starting my day.  I normally have a smoothie built with all kinds of healthy ingredients.  I need to start my day hydrated and with lots of nourishment. 

If I am being honest, morning routines actually start the night before.  The night before, I write my list of priorities for the next day.  I get anything prepped that I may need to start the next day successfully.  That might mean getting the coffee pot programmed if I have an early morning, making sure the clothes I want to wear are clean and ready, or mentally preparing for the next day.  This helps because when my feet hit the floor the next morning, I already know what is in store for my day, and I am not floundering through the day.

If I could recommend one daily habit, it would be to create a morning routine.  Keep it simple and build on it over time with things that are important to you.  Some things to consider for a morning routine habit would be to begin with gratitude, feed your mind, savor your morning brew, hydrate, connect with nature, or get some movement in.  Remember to start small and build the habit. 

Now, if I am really honest, I want to establish a bedtime routine.  I tried earlier this year, and I failed.  I failed because I built this elaborate bedtime routine, and it was too hard to do.  I have to remind myself that my morning routine did not start out elaborate.  So, the goal is a 10-minute bedtime routine to start and build on it.  The first two hours in the morning and the last two hours before bed are the most important.

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By Sharon Loduca, Real Estate Professional in Ontario, Canada

A habit I created and the process it took. This is interesting to look back on. Mainly because I used to think that creating habits, meant creating schedules, meant restricting free-spiritedness. I happily admit that is not the case. Forming habits, good habits, one small habit at a time, has turned my life around, it has given me back my power, and it has given me a sense of accomplishment and productiveness.

Creating the habit of starting my day with a focus on personal health and well-being has been a transformative journey. I discovered that dedicating the early hours of the morning to self-care not only energized me but also set a positive tone for the entire day.

The cornerstone of this routine is my commitment to rising before 6 a.m. during the workweek for a brisk swim. This daily ritual serves as a vital anchor for my overall well-being, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

The process of establishing this habit was not without its challenges. Initially, the allure of the snooze button and the comfort of a warm bed were fierce adversaries. However, I soon realized that the moments of triumph that followed each early morning swim far outweighed the temporary coziness of my bed. The feeling of plunging into the pool’s waters and the realization that I was making an active choice to prioritize my health was immensely empowering, quite honestly. Swimming at the break of dawn is also a physical challenge, pushing me to surpass my limits. Each lap becomes a battle against my previous records, a personal competition that fuels my desire for self-improvement.

Following my morning swim, I indulge in a simple yet satisfying routine. A steaming cup of coffee by the lake (sometimes with a book, always followed by a walk) becomes my reward, a moment of pure indulgence in the beauty of nature. The tranquility of the early morning hours by the water’s edge allows for a precious period of introspection. It’s time to set intentions for the day, contemplate life’s intricacies, and find solace in the stillness of the world just awakening, as dawn opens its sleepy eyes announcing the beginning of a new day. This brief interlude enables me to ease into the day and savor the present moment.  I wrap up my me-time with a simple and satisfying breakfast as I dig into my day.

The profound impact of this daily ritual is undeniable. It has allowed me to approach my work with a renewed sense of focus and vitality. The invigorating swim provides an ample supply of oxygen to my body, enhancing alertness and creativity. Moreover, the improved circulation brings about a sense of lightness and agility, which translates into improved productivity.

In essence, this habit has revolutionized the way I experience my mornings. By prioritizing self-care and embracing the simple joy of an early swim, I’ve discovered a means to infuse productivity, health, and contentment into the start of each day. The daily ritual is not merely a habit anymore, but now more of a celebration of the choices I make for my well-being, a source of inspiration that sets the tone for a fulfilling life.

Shall I say, there’s nothing quite as empowering as forming good habits

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By Jamie Allen Bishop with Jamie Allen Bishop Coaching

It may not be a popular opinion among those in the healing arts industries, but I’ll take a chance and suggest that there are both good habits and bad habits. Good habits are those that help us follow our highest-purpose path. Bad habits are those that take us off track from the path that serves us best. Bad habits might include eating habits, reckless driving, or excessive drinking. Good habits might be laughing, dancing, or meditating. When it comes to a habit I can be proud of, I am delighted to share that I have added breathwork to my regime.

If you know me, you know that I have a faithful morning routine – Jack Canfield’s Power Hour. I do 30 minutes of meditation and 30 minutes of exercise while listening to educational audio. I’ve been doing that routine for the last five years, and it has served me very well. I stay calm, I have a good attitude, and I remain emotionally neutral. All of those bring peace to my life. Over the past three months, I have been practicing breathwork when I wake up… before I even start my power hour. I spend a minimum of five minutes deeply breathing into my diaphragm, and I’ve noticed a big difference in my ability to focus during the day after my breathwork sessions.

If you’re looking to start a new habit that will serve your mental, emotional, and spiritual health, I highly recommend starting with deep breathing every morning. Before you even get out of bed, take a deep breath, hold it, then breathe even deeper, and hold it. Start with one deep breath and make that a habit. Once you’ve mastered adding one deep breath, add another and master those two breaths. Then add another and master the three of them. Continue adding a deep breath until you feel complete. It may seem a bit obvious, but oxygen really does help your brain function efficiently.

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By Cheryl Clark with Clark Strategies

What a topic!  Habits!  I can see all the quotes and written words of amazing people sharing how habits make or break us.  Habits show our priorities.  Habits are key to success.  Habits are important. 

With all this coming to my mind – I must wonder what habits I have INTENTIONALLY set, taken control of, and made happen.  What habits have I created that work to my benefit, growth, and success?  What habit have I formed that was 100% calculated and intentional?  Why am I struggling to come up with one I can articulate for this blog?

My next brain wander is to all the habits that are not serving me well.  Procrastination is at the top of the list.  I don’t procrastinate tasks so much as I procrastinate implementation!   I recognize that so maybe that is half the battle. 

Let’s talk about this habit of mine, shall we?

My habit – is I am slow to implement.  I procrastinate. I overthink. I overanalyze. I drag my heels (me wearing heels – picture it!).  Why?  I could word this to the positive and say my habit is being calculated, cautious, and sure before I ‘do’.  Nice word plays there! 

Crazy enough most of the time when I do finally give in to the implementation process, I regret not doing it sooner!  I see the value in the implementation almost immediately.  I swear I’ll never procrastinate implementing something again!  Yet here we are….

How did this habit form?
What is this habit feeding? 
What am I getting from it? 

Must be serving something within me or else I’d let it go… is my thought process.

Fear of change?
Lazy?
Lack of priorities?
Busy versus productive?
Time management issues?
Happy with how things ARE?
Lack of trust?

Interesting to ponder. 

In my case, it is the mountain out of a molehill thought process that beats me up and sustains this habit of not implementing till I am often forced to. 

So how do I change this habit?  Calendar what needs to be implemented!  I do have a positive habit of living by my calendar – so use a good habit to help break a not-so-good one!  

What a great thought moment this blog topic has been!  I know I do have a few good habits – loving people, seeing positives LONG before negatives, showing up for my business and myself, being attentive to others… I just don’t know how they formed!  They just are!  These habits are part of me – yet when did they come in?  How did they become a habit? 

Oh, the mind weaves….

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