Having an Off Morning? Here’s How to Get Back on Track
I woke up this morning and felt “off”. How could I feel off when I just rolled out of bed? What makes one morning different from another morning? I feel fuzzy, unfocused. Given the fact that it is a Monday, my feelings must emanate from the impending week’s tasks that lay ahead. I feel overwhelm creeping in.
My routine of quiet and coffee fails me. I doubt myself when just the previous few days I was excited about new directions and new opportunities. I felt like I finally figured out life, only to be sent off-kilter again.
Part of the problem: I’m at the crossroads where it’s time to take action on my ideas. The thinking part was fun, no commitment. Daydreaming is easy, but I’m a realist. Now is the time to back out. No wonder I am hesitant, having second thoughts. The morning thrill of new opportunity has turned into a feeling of sludge and indecision.
There is only one way to get around this: to take time centering myself, reaffirming my goals, and just an overall believing in myself session.
Table of Contents
My morning light
I don’t like a fuzzy mind, or staring into space. My mind is not built for that. I discovered that I needed to peel things back to the barest of bare bones: a bullet list. This simple strategy can quickly calm your mind and ground you. It takes seconds to review the list and be on your way.
There really are no excuses, anyone can come up with a few guiding points. Jot them down on a small piece of paper, placing it where you most love to start your morning. Here is an example that helps me:
- I am grounded and centered
- I am capable
- I am where I need to be
- I know what I am doing
- I am different than other people
- I am a special person
- I have incredible ideas
- I have something to contribute to the world
It’s important to remind yourself everyday of YOUR life’s guiding points. Keep it simple and don’t overcomplicate it.
It’s important to remind yourself everyday of YOUR life’s guiding points. Keep it simple and don’t overcomplicate it.
–ReneesRabbitHole
More morning tools
When I get caught up in days or weeks of excitement in a new project, I quickly abandon a morning centering session. Whether it’s prayer, meditation, or a quick review of my daily mantra and guiding life purpose, I can tell when it has been too long.
A sure sign is my unmade bed – which can go unmade for weeks when a hot project is in the works. The rest of the house falls apart a little bit as well.
As much as we hate to stop, a full reset would require a good hour. That’s the time it takes to really detach ourselves from brain overload. There are all kinds of Youtube videos for spiritual meditation or “get one with the universe”, etc. Just pick your flavor.
My morning routine is tied to creating content before my day starts. Yours may be getting up and going to work. Either version could benefit from a quiet a.m. walk, or exercise of choice.
I am impatient, and don’t want to take time to do any of it, but a pause on life often helps immensely. Sometimes a good recharge can shake you out of that slump you’re having.
The Difference
That reminds me of the poem, “The Difference”. I received the plaque as a gift when a young teen. It was an ominous foretelling of the disorganized life ahead of me. My plaque states author unknown, although the poem is attributed to different authors. It is Christian-based, but the overall message can apply to anyone, regardless of your personal belielfs: start your day by taking a brief pause and reap the benefits!
I got up early one morning
And rushed right into the day.
I had so much to accomplish
That I didn’t take time to pray.
Problems just tumbled about me
And heavier became each task.
“Why doesn’t God help me,” I wondered;
He answered, “You didn’t ask.”
I wanted to see joy and beauty,
But the day toiled on, gray and bleak.
I wondered why God didn’t show me;
He said, “But you didn’t seek.”
I tried to come into God’s presence.
I used all my keys at the lock.
God gently and lovingly chided,
“My child, you didn’t knock.”
I woke up early this morning
And paused before entering the day.
I had so much to accomplish
