tips for creating a mindful morning

When I think about my days, weeks and months – which are hardly ever the same, but always exciting – the thought of a routine, or at least building blocks of a routine brings me comfort. At times, a routine is frowned upon. For example, relationships are supposed to stay exciting forever, we are told that we shouldn’t get stuck in a routine. At work, they will tell you that you start overlooking things and making mistakes when things become too much of a routine, too much of an automated series of events that we go through on a daily basis. To me, however, a routine is luxury. Doing the same things over and over again, investing time and effort to keep certain parts of my day the same, is something that makes both my body and my mind feel at ease. To me, a routine is something beautiful. Just like a relationship only gets so much more beautiful as time goes on and the support, trust and love for each other become part of a routine. Something we can’t imagine our days without anymore. Because really, that’s what a daily routine is. A tool for us to navigate, to find our way and to find comfort. Just like we find comfort in that familiar first cup of coffee every day. Now that’s a routine we can all relate to, right?

I didn’t make any big resolutions for 2018, but I did share some personal goals with you. Remember?
I made plans to work on my punctuality, to declutter (physically and mentally) and be offline more often. Offline in the sense of not being connected to the internet, but also offline in the sense of being away from work. In theory, I can be online and offline at the same time. For example, browsing Pinterest on a Sunday morning while drinking my americano = offline. Doing emails on a Sunday = online.

In short, my goal was simply to be more mindful and not forget myself along the way. That’s why I have made use of these first 3 months of the year to make a few adjustments here and there to help me slow down, to be more present, to have more energy and to feel more in sync.

I am a strong believer that mornings set the tone for the rest of the day. And I also believe that being mindful can help you feel happier, more energized and balanced in life. That’s why I have teamed up with Nespresso today, so share a few ideas and tips for creating a mindful morning routine with you.

Mindful Mornings with Nespresso:

• Be Present, Be Mindful! “Meditation can be defined as a practice where an individual focuses their mind on a particular object, thought or activity to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state.” I don’t meditate (yet). I love the idea, I have tried, but I have also failed (=fell asleep every time). I still need to practise more, but for the time being, I can live with the fact that my personal take on meditation is simply trying to be more present. To only focus on one thing at the time. To do things with more intention.
• Offline: No phone until 9am. Yes, I use my phone as an alarm. But I try not to be on Instagram, Facebook Messenger or my inbox anymore until 9am, which is usually when I get to the office. I am making an effort to make “being home” be about re-charing and being there with myself or my partner, rather than about work. Especially first thing in the morning!
• Declutter/Cleaning: Even if it is just one tiny corner of the apartment or giving the flowers fresh water – something that will add to my happiness when I come home from work. A routine that I started years ago is that I always (!) make the bed including the throw and decorative pillows. It is the last thing I do before leaving the house and a good way to officially start the day. It is almost therapeutic. Plus, going to sleep in a made bed is so much better. Clean space = clean mind.
• Oil Pulling: My newest addition to my morning routine is oil pulling (with coconut oil). It takes about 10 minutes, during which I am completely silent (no surprise here with a mouth full of oil) and usually focus on prepping my breakfast. Time invested in myself.
• Walk, walk, walk: Rain or shine (well, more shine), I walk to the office. It takes me 15 minutes door-to-door, which is the perfect amount of time to be alone with my thoughts for a little longer, get my blood flowing and soak up some fresh air before work. Even if you can’t walk to work, I would highly suggest incorporating walks into your daily (morning) routine. They give me so much peace and leave me feeling great without wearing me out as much as a workout or run would.
• Mid-Morning Coffee Break: Last, but most certainly not least, I have gone from having my first cup of coffee at home in the company of an overflowing inbox to “saving” it for work. I absolutely adore our new office and all the inspiring ladies in it. That’s why nothing is quite as motivating as gathering around our Nespresso machine and chatting with the girls before tackling the days to-do list. My go-to coffee? The Fortissio Lungo or Linizio Lungo, served as an americano (= long black).

Fun Fact: it can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months to make something a habit. Start today and don’t give up. Before you know it, it will be a habit!