On 1st January I set some new intentions (not resolutions). The main one was to try and start waking up 1 hour earlier (I am not a morning person). But I wanted to make a change to start each day slowly and mindfully; to wake up and put my own needs first. Usually I would roll out of bed and be straight into Mum mode. Now I sit in silence with a hot cup of tea and make sure I am in a good head space before the day begins. Honestly, it has transformed my mornings and I can’t believe I’ve not done it sooner. In this hour I do a few different things; small actions that are making a big impact. If you want to lift your mood and challenge yourself to do try something new, here are 3 daily rituals that can improve your mental wellbeing.
3 Morning Rituals to Improve your Mental Wellbeing
1.Keeping a Gratitude Journal
The 5 Minute Journal has been the greatest gift I have received in a long time. It has helped me to find gratitude and reflection in the smallest things, even when the world feels like its falling apart. I start my morning by filling out this journal which asks me to write the same things every day including;
- 3 things I am grateful for (could be something as simple as the hot cup of tea in your hands)
- What would make today great? (this must be things you can control e.g. ‘early night’ not ‘a sunny day’)
- 2 affirmations
Then in the evening, you complete the page by writing;
- 3 amazing things that happened today (even if you had a very mundane day, you can always find positives)
- How could I have made today even better (a chance to reflect and decide what you’d do differently)
2. Daily Affirmations
Affirmations are a way to train your brain to think more positively about yourself and your life. They can sometimes be difficult to come up with off the top of your head, so I bought these beautiful affirmation cards from Lovaine Store on Etsy. Each morning I pick out a new affirmation and write it in my journal. Then I try to pluck one from my head too. They’re definitely teaching me to be kinder to myself and make me feel mentally strong.
3. Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a state that means you are truly present in the current moment, and can be reached by practicing meditation. After my journal I practice a guided meditation using the Calm app, which is so easy and accessible for first-timers like me. Having done hatha yoga for a few years, the breathing and relaxation felt comfortingly familiar. I am only just scratching the surface of mindfulness and meditation but 14 days in, my mind already feels calmer and clearer. I start each morning in a better mood. I am also starting an 8 week mindfulness based cognitive therapy course with Senior Therapist Natalie Englander and I am so excited to learn more.
If you’re feeling fed up and hopeless right now and want to improve your mental wellbeing, I honestly can’t recommend these things enough x
Want to read more on my self improvement journey? Read my blog; pushing myself out of my comfort zone with Inner Warrior.
What restrictions are going on in the world where you are right now? Is there any new things you are trying to get you through the pandemic? I’d love to hear them.
