Keep on Rolling: A Morning Routine to Shift from “I’m So Stressed Out!” to “Calm & Confident.”
Have you ever woken up and thought, “EVERYBODY needs me… but what about ME?”
You’re not alone. I’ve said it. My friends have said it. Chances are, you’ve whispered it to yourself while brushing your teeth with one hand and checking emails with the other.
Stress is real. It’s everywhere. You jump out of bed, rush to shower, dress, eat breakfast, maybe take care of kids…look at that long to-do list, then off to work whether at home or in the office.
Cortisol, the stress hormone naturally peaks in the morning and with each hurried, stressed activity it keeps pumping into your body. UGH! Your nervous system starts doing backflips leaving you feeling frantic, overwhelmed with tense muscles and a racing mind.
Your brain actually believes what you say. So,if your first words of the day are, “I’m so stressed,” your body goes, “Got it! I’m going to create all those chain reactions of stress!”
Stress is a type of energy—all of our thoughts, feelings and behaviors are energy.
You don’t want to make stress a home in your body, creating that stiff neck, or snagging your earrings on your hunched up shoulders! Instead, embrace the Modern Day LumberJill in you! Release your strength and determination and direct that energy to Keep on Rolling—into feeling calmer, confident and empowered by creating your OWN morning routine.
Here’s one empowering routine. Adapt it as needed to fit you!
- The moment you wake up, right before you start thinking of that to-do list, give yourself a compliment—an affirmation that declares how awesome you are. Yes, even if your hair is a mess, and you have a chocolate stain on your pajamas! Repeat the compliment and smile! Even a fake smile creates a chain reaction that creates positive endorphins and chemicals to combat that cortisol. Say it out-loud (if possible) with conviction!
Here’s a few examples:
- “I can handle hard things—even on this crazy day!“
- “I’ve got this. I am calm and capable.”
“I’m ready to conquer my day and something wonderful is going to happen.” - Embrace the LumberJill spirit! “I’m a LumberJill and have the strength, humor and intelligence to chop through any obstacle today.”
- Stay under those cozy covers for a few more moments and visualize your day! Visualize yourself being confident and competent at handling tasks, and projects at home and work –whatever your day holds. See yourself as a champion—that you can handle anything that tries to “knock you off the log.” You’re programming your brain for success!
- Move your body! Roll out of bed and take that first step! Give your body a positive wake-up call. Move the stale, old energy out and bring in new positive energy. Movement will begin to activate those “feel good” chemicals like dopamine, and serotonin to make you feel strong like a LumberJill. Use any combination that you enjoy. Try stretching, marching in place, walking, or dancing in the kitchen with your pet, partner, child or coffee mug. Any form of physical exercise to get blood and oxygen pumping in your body.
- Grab your journal or a piece of paper! Reflect on your most important goals for the day and set the top 3 priorities. Don’t overwhelm yourself by setting 10 and start the stress cycle! Be kind to yourself. Organizing priorities helps clear the mental clutter and reduce decision fatigue. What a relief! Your routine doesn’t need to be fancy. Focus on what feels good and empowers you!
Here’s a few more tools just in case you need them! Look in the mirror, smile, give yourself a pep talk and a high-five. Read an upbeat book, listen to podcast or look at favorite quotes.
It’s true, life doesn’t roll smoothly! There are days where one minute you’re celebrating a “job well done” and then the next you’re at the store without a list, staring blankly at the produce aisle.
When those stressful moments happen, stop and use tools from your morning routine to shift toward calm. You get to be in charge! Use these tools anytime-anywhere. They’re portable, and free—no equipment needed and can work in seconds or minutes.
You’ve got this! “Keep on Rolling! Never give up…and just take one more step!”
Much love,
Kristine Ochu
