127. Implementing a Joyful Morning Routine as a Self-Care Practice

Jenny Lee was a chronically stressed, burned out mom that was struggling with her mental, emotional, and physical health. She wasn’t taking care of herself and was putting everyone else’s needs before her own. She didn’t sleep for months and her relationships were crumbling, including her marriage. She constantly felt angry, stressed, and exhaused. She snapped easily and was struggling with depression. She struggled at her job because she waas not in a good place and did not like herself. She didn’t enjoy being a teacher or even being a mother to her beautiful child. She explains that she had a difficult time being emotionally available. She was completely depleted.

Jenny knew she needed a change. After her divorce, Jenny moved into a new place where she was able to focus on herself. She wanted to incorporate healthy habits into her life and decided to do something just for herself that made her happy even if just for a few minutes. The next morning, she woke up 10 minutes earlier to dance, which is something she loves to do and brings her a lot of joy.

Taking time to do something she loved in the mornings proved to be a great form of self-care for Jenny. She felt exhilerated, her mood was elevated, and she wasn’t as reactive to stressful situations and she was more present.

Once she saw that her morning routine was helping and she was enjoying her time, Jenny woke up earlier and earlier to increase the time of her joyful morning routine and she added more activities that brought her joy such as juicing, cold showers, meditation, breathwork, and she started each morning with gratitude.

Jenny values this time so much that she now has a two hour morning routine!