Reclaim Your Rhythm: Embracing the Magic of a Morning Routine After a Vacation! 🍋

We just got back from an incredible trip to Tennessee. The people, the music, the excitement, the family, the time, the joy, and the glorious geography were more than we could have hoped for! We set aside the clocks and the unending to-do list and made space to simply be together which was our goal!

What I didn’t do was maintain the routines I keep in my day to day that support and complement my mind, body, and soul. The exercise, the diet, the meditations, you name it were all shifted or pushed to the side. This is okay. This was intentional. This was what I wanted. But it definitely threw me off my game. 

After indulging in a rejuvenating vacation, it’s not uncommon to feel a little off your game upon returning to your daily routine. The transition from carefree relaxation to the demands of everyday life can leave you yearning for that same sense of joy and balance. This is where the magic of a well-crafted morning routine comes into play. 

For many years, I wanted to be the kind of person who had a morning routine. I wasn’t. I wasn’t sleeping well, I was drinking too much, I was watching too much stupid TV. I was not making decisions that a person who wants a morning routine would make. So I had to make space for this ritual, but today, it is beyond routine and has become a lifestyle.

This takes dedication and desire, but by dedicating time to nurture yourself in the morning, you can set the tone for the day ahead, infusing it with warmth, joy, and a renewed sense of purpose. Let’s explore the importance of embracing a morning routine, especially after a vacation, and how it can help you get back on track with a smile.

1. Reclaiming Your Rhythm: A vacation often disrupts our established patterns, and while the break is essential for recharging, returning to our daily lives can leave us feeling disconnected. A morning routine acts as an anchor, helping us regain a sense of rhythm and stability. By establishing a consistent wake-up time and following a series of calming rituals, we create a familiar structure that sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.
2. Cultivating Mindfulness: Mornings offer a unique opportunity to practice mindfulness, which is especially valuable after a vacation that may have allowed your mind to wander freely. Incorporating activities such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or journaling into your morning routine helps you recenter your thoughts and reconnect with the present moment. This intentional mindfulness helps you appreciate the simple joys of life and enhances your overall well-being.
3. Nurturing Self-Care: A vacation provides a temporary escape from the demands of everyday life, allowing us to prioritize self-care. However, it’s important to carry that sense of self-nurturing into our daily routines. Include activities in your morning routine that replenish your energy and bring you joy. It could be as simple as savoring a cup of tea, taking a leisurely walk, or engaging in a creative pursuit. Prioritizing self-care in the morning sets a positive tone for the day and reminds you to make time for yourself amidst life’s obligations.
4. Boosting Productivity: A well-structured morning routine not only enhances your well-being but also boosts your productivity. By starting the day with intention and focus, you set the stage for greater efficiency and accomplishment. Incorporate activities that align with your goals and values, such as planning your day, reviewing your priorities, or engaging in light physical exercise. This proactive approach empowers you to tackle your tasks with clarity and enthusiasm.
5. Creating Positive Momentum: After a vacation, it’s common to feel a slight slump or lack of motivation. A morning routine infused with joy and positivity can be a powerful tool to combat these feelings. Incorporate activities that uplift your spirit, such as listening to uplifting music, practicing gratitude, or visualizing your goals. These small acts of self-care and positivity create an upward spiral of motivation and optimism that propels you forward throughout the day.

The one step I do my very best not to skip is my morning lemon water. The benefits are many and continued practice will start your day with a little zest!

To maximize the benefits of warm lemon water, it is recommended to enjoy it first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach. Yes, you read that right! Essentially, when your feet hit the ground, their next move is to the warm lemon water. Starting your day with this (and a meditation, breathing exercise, journaling or whatever works for you is a nice pairing) sets the stage for a vibrant and balanced beginning.

Let’s explore the benefits that await you (thank you to ChatGPT for this nicely summarized list⬇️):

1️⃣ Revitalizes and Energizes: The tangy infusion of warm lemon water jumpstarts your metabolism, providing a natural energy boost to begin your day with renewed vitality.

2️⃣ Supports Digestion and Detoxification: Lemon water gently cleanses your digestive system, promoting optimal digestion, and aiding in the elimination of toxins. It stimulates the production of digestive juices, fostering a healthy gut environment.

3️⃣ Boosts Immune System: Rich in vitamin C, lemons fortify your immune system, empowering it to ward off illnesses and enhance your overall resilience.

4️⃣ Hydrates and Rejuvenates: Sip on warm lemon water to replenish your cells and restore vital electrolytes. Adequate hydration contributes to a radiant complexion and an inner vibrancy that shines through.

Here are a few quick instructions I follow:

1. Do not check your phone or other inputs.
2. Choose your perfect mug. Mine is used only for my lemon water. It says Mama Bird.
3. Squeeze the juice of half a fresh lemon into a mug or cup. Any will do, but when I am home, I am partial to one particular mug reserved for this ritual.
4. Warm some water (not boiling hot) and pour it over the lemon juice. This is not HOT lemon water. This is warm lemon water. Let it be palatable.
5. Do not check your phone or do the dirty dishes during this time. Simply stay present – breath or stretch or look out a window. Do not check your phone.
6. Stir gently and allow the flavors to meld for a couple of minutes. Stay present in this. Keep your intention on what you are choosing to do at this moment. Stir with calm attention.
7. Find a cozy space to sit. You do not need a special pillow or music – you simply need to find comfort.
8. Sip slowly, savoring each sip and let the lemony essence awaken your senses.
9. You still have not checked your phone. You savor the tincture and the timeout. You stay intent on a day that has everything it needs.
10. As you finish, find gratitude for this moment of relief and rejuvenation. Say it outloud.
11. Wait at least thirty minutes (when possible) before eating or drinking (especially coffee) to let the lemon do its job!
12. Consistency is paramount! Make this a cherished part of your daily routine to reap the remarkable benefits it offers.

So, as the sun rises, reach for that cup of warm lemon water and relish its goodness on an empty stomach. Allow this simple ritual to become a cherished part of your morning routine, and experience the transformative impact it can have on your well-being.

As you step back into your daily routine after a blissful vacation, don’t underestimate the power of a well-crafted morning routine. By embracing the beauty of mornings and infusing them with warmth, joy, and purpose, you can reclaim your sense of balance and bring back the magic of your vacation. Take the time to cultivate mindfulness, nurture yourself, boost productivity, and create positive momentum each morning. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself thriving in the joy of the present moment, setting the stage for a fulfilling and successful day ahead. So, rise and shine, and let your morning routine be the springboard to a life brimming with possibilities.

Wishing you a refreshing and vibrant start to each day!