Wagnon Chiropractic in Roseville on Morning Rituals...

The alarm goes off (you hit snooze a few times), you drag yourself out of bed, jump into the shower, quickly dress, skip breakfast, rush out the door to hit traffic, and barely make it to work on time. Sound familiar? You're not alone! This stress filled start to the day will fill you with an early dose of cortisol, catecholamines, and other stress hormones that will push you toward a fight or flight response where you will most likely spend the rest of your day. Eventually you will make it home just to crash from completing another psychologically draining day.

Get out of this rut. It's time to take back your morning and get into a groove. It's time to create a morning ritual. Rituals are very different from routines. Routines are things you "have to" do. Rituals are things you "get to" do. So create a compelling reason to get out of bed. Read, stretch, exercise, meditate, pray, or journal. Start your day off with something for yourself. Something that you generally don't have time to do. This is "You" time so keep it relaxed and inspiring.

The best way to make this happen is to figure out how much time it takes you to get ready and leave, then add 20-30 minutes (or more) to that for your "You" time. Start this by setting the alarm clock back in 15 minute increments until your goal time is reached. Earlier mornings start the night before. Studies show you need at least 7 hours of sleep and need to be in bed before 11 so plan accordingly.

You get to choose if you will start the day stressed, anxious, and rushed, or calm, relaxed, and inspired. Choose wisely! Remember, progress, not perfection!