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YOUR MINDSET MATTERS
Ari Affirmations
I choose activities that bring me peace, joy, and fulfillment.
I embrace consistency as the foundation of my routine.
I release guilt and all resistance to change.
Happy Monday, boo!
 
Can we talk about all the articles and social posts that tell us that we need to meticulously plan a morning routine and have 20 things done by 8:00 am?
 
Yeah…it's a ‘no’ for me. Hard pass. Long morning routines are overrated.
 
I've tried it several times because it sounded appealing in theory. But in practice? Mmmm – it wasn't my jam. Cramming so many activities into my morning actually left me feeling stressed out before the day even began.
 
And while my personal takeaway was ‘aint nobody got time for all that', I also learned two important things:
  1. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to morning routines. What works for one person might not work for me, and that's perfectly okay. 
     
  2. A simple morning routine energizes me and sets a positive tone for my day ahead.
As a matter of fact, research has shown that the most successful morning routines are often the simplest ones. #lessismore
 
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How To Simplify Your Morning Routine
 
I'll be the first to admit that I used to be all over the place when it came to my morning routine. One day, I'd be up at the crack of dawn, meditating and journaling like a zen master – and the next, I'd be hitting snooze until the last possible minute (if you know, you know lol). So, I've had to simplify things and make my mornings more manageable. 
 
If you are on a mission to do the same, here are some tips to get you started:
 
Pick Your Priorities: When everything is a priority, nothing is a priority. So, take some time to reflect on what truly matters to you in the morning. What activities bring you joy and set a positive tone for the day ahead? Focus on incorporating these activities into your routine and let go of the rest.
 
Cut Out the Fluff: There are probably a few things in your current morning routine that you could do without, boo. Maybe it's scrolling through social media for half an hour or spending too much time agonizing over what to wear. Whatever it is, identify the fluff and cut it out. You'll be amazed at how much time and mental energy you'll save.
 
Set Realistic Expectations: Be honest with yourself about what you can realistically accomplish in the morning. Instead of trying to do it all, choose a few activities that align with your priorities and commit to them consistently.
 
Streamline Your Routine: Look for ways to streamline your morning routine and eliminate any unnecessary steps or activities. Whether it's prepping breakfast the night before, laying out your clothes, or simplifying your skincare routine, find ways to make your mornings more efficient and stress-free.
 
Keep It Simple: Repeat after me: essentialism is bae. Less is more when it comes to our morning routines. Instead of trying to do a million things at once, let's focus on the essentials—the things that actually make a difference in our day. For me, that means skipping the elaborate skincare routine and opting for the basics.
 
Be Flexible: One of the beauties of simplifying your morning routine is that it allows for more flexibility. Life happens. Rather than sticking to a rigid schedule, give yourself permission to adjust your routine as needed. Some mornings you might feel like going for a run, while others you might just want to curl up with a good book. And you know what? That's okay.
 
Consistency Is Key: Inconsistency is the enemy of progress. So, let's commit to showing up for yourself every morning, rain or shine. Whether it's setting a consistent wake-up time or sticking to a specific order of activities, let's make consistency your norm.

Something To Try This Week…
 
I've put together a list of activities that you can consider adding to your morning routine. Pick 3 activities that you'll focus on doing every morning this week (yes, just 3!). Be consistent. Pay attention to how it makes you feel. 
 
My three are: Hydration, Exercise, Healthy Breakfast
 
Your turn…
  1. Stretching or Yoga: Start your day with some gentle stretches or a short yoga session to wake up your body and mind.
     
  2. Meditation: Take a few minutes to meditate and cultivate a sense of calm and clarity before diving into your day.
     
  3. Gratitude Practice: Spend a moment reflecting on what you're grateful for to set a positive tone for the day ahead.
     
  4. Hydration: Drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up to rehydrate your body after a night's sleep.
     
  5. Healthy Breakfast: Fuel your body with a nutritious breakfast to provide energy for the day ahead.
     
  6. Reading: Spend some time reading a book, article, or inspirational quotes to stimulate your mind.
     
  7. Exercise: Get your body moving with a quick workout, whether it's a jog, a bike ride, or a few sets of bodyweight exercises.
     
  8. Skincare Routine: Take care of your skin by following a simple skincare routine tailored to your needs.
     
  9. Affirmations: Repeat positive affirmations to boost your confidence and set a positive mindset for the day.
     
  10. Review Schedule: Take a few minutes to review your schedule and set your priorities for the day ahead.
     
  11. Tidy Up: Spend a few minutes tidying up your living space to create a calm and organized environment.
     
  12. Listen to Music: Start your day on a positive note by listening to your favorite music or uplifting playlists.
     
  13. Express Creativity: Engage in a creative activity such as drawing, writing, or playing an instrument to awaken your creativity.
     
  14. Connect with Loved Ones: Reach out to friends or family members to say good morning and strengthen your relationships.

 
Here are 3 additional ways you can invest in your well-being:
 
Have a great week!
 
Ariel Belgrave, CPT
Certified Health & Fitness Coach
Corporate Wellness Strategist
Board Member, Women's Health Mag
Under Armour Athlete
P.S. I encourage you to forward this email to someone who could use this wisdom (sharing is caring!)
 
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