✨Tips to Create a Morning Routine

Hi there!

I'm sure that by now you have seen articles about how morning routines have significantly impacted people's lives in a positive way. And if you are anything like me, you may have browsed the article titles, or even the article itself, but have yet to implement the practice or it took a little while to be convinced that it really would make a difference. 

It has been proven that having a morning routine can do many things including helping the individual to feel more in control of their days, as well as leading to being more productive throughout the day because the individual has a plan of action or has had some time to themselves to recharge & mentally prepare for their day. 

This may sound cliché, but I can honestly say that creating a morning routine, tailored to my interests and needs, has truly changed my days! If creating a morning routine has been on your mind, here is your opportunity to do so! Below are a few tips and strategies that may help you to do so.

1. Create a set bed time & wake time - Beginning with your sleep schedule is important because not only will it allow you to plan a consistent routine for your morning, it will also set your internal clock. Allowing your body & brain to get adequate rest truly is a key component to how the following day will play out.
2. Be sure to allow enough time for all you'd like to accomplish - That may sound obvious, but just like anything else time has a way of getting away from us here and there. A good way to ensure you have adequate time is to plan backwards from the time of your first appointment or task, such as when you need to leave the house for work. Planning out blocks of time in a calendar app such as Google Calendar that can send reminders to your phone is also a good way to get everything done. 
3.  Don't hit snooze - This one can be the trickiest habit to break! However, it can be the most beneficial. Hitting the snooze button is basically a false start to your day, and can improperly trigger our brain out of it's sleep cycle. One of the most helpful tips here that I have come across is from Mel Robbins. Listen here as she explains the simple trick that can change not only your morning wake up habits, but any task you find challenging throughout your day! 
4. Avoid your phone - It can be so tricky to not pick up your phone and scroll simply out of habit, at any point in the day, but especially in the mornings when you may want to avoid a task such as getting out of bed. Scrolling social medias is one of the biggest ways time can get away from us though. So, if you catch yourself beginning to swipe those social media pages, or even play that game you have....stop yourself and refocus! 

A morning routine is not going to happen overnight. It will take time, and requires you to break habits that you may have had your whole adult life. Be patient with yourself, and keep trying until it becomes less and less daunting. The stress relief that you will begin to notice as your days become smoother makes it all worth it!

I hope you have found this helpful, and are able to start implementing a new morning routine!

Best, 

Dr. Gretchen, PT

P.S.

1. Connect with me on YouTube - Subscribe to my Dr. Gretchen YouTube page where you will be able to find MS specific exercises, research updates, guest speakers, and MORE!

2. Join The MSing Link Community - The MSing Link is my online MS wellness program where you'll find video demonstrations and explanations of MS-specific exercises for strengthening, walking, balance, and flexibility. There are also videos for activity-specific movements such as getting into/out of bed or a car, standing up from the ground, sitting down with more control, stair climbing, etc. Since this program focuses on the whole person and not just exercise, we have monthly live guest speakers (ie: neurologists, podiatrists, nutritionists, etc.) and research updates.

3. Work with me privately - I offer wellness consults via Zoom. This is an opportunity for you to share your story with MS and your goals. I'm able to educate you on MS-specific exercises for walking, general mobility, transfers, and day-to-day activities (ie: getting into/out of a car, stair climbing, etc.). You can schedule a one-time call or you can schedule recurring calls - your choice. Oftentimes, people will schedule one of these calls prior to joining The MSing Link and/or one call every couple of months. Schedule here