Episode 4: How to Build a Self-Compassionate Morning Routine

Have you ever fallen down the ideal morning routine black hole on the Internet?

Goodness knows, I’ve definitely done it. Whether it’s blogs or beautiful Pinterest posts, many of themlike to list the same ideas over and over again – healthy breakfast, journaling, exercising, or my personal favorite, getting one big task done as a way of being productive.

These are all good ideas, but they’re not exactly reasons that make me excited to hop out of my warm, snuggly bed – as much as I love my overnight oats or planning my day in the bullet journal, it’s not making me jump for joy.

I approach my morning routine with a much more self-compassionate mindset because getting out of bed, displacing my cats from various perches on me, and facing the day isn’t my favorite thing to do.

So how do you build a self-compassionate morning routine?

How to Build a Self-Compassionate Morning Routine

Today’s podcast is all about starting your morning off on a self-compassionate start.

Mindfulness

1. Be present when you first wake up.
2. Go as slow as you need to go.
3. Journaling
4. Meditating
5. Daydreaming

Self-Kindness

1. Coloring books
2. Jigsaw Puzzles

Other Joyful Self-Compassionate Activities

1. Fun exercises (DDR, Wii Boxing)
2. Quality pet time
3. Watch a funny show or video instead of the news

Conclusion

These ideas are just a few possibilities to help jump-start your self-compassionate morning routine before you even get out of bed.

I believe that a self-compassionate and joyful start to your day lets you take control of the kind of day you’re going to have.

Links and Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Take a deeper look at self-compassion through the Imperfectly Perfect Self-Compassion Challenge at https://www.inspiringselfcompassion.com/challenge

Next Week Sneak Peek

The Why of Self-Compassion

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How to Build a Self-Compassionate Morning Routine Transcript

Have you ever fallen down the ideal morning routine black hole on the Internet?

Goodness knows, I’ve definitely done it. Whether it’s blogs or beautiful Pinterest posts, many of them like to list the same ideas over and over again – healthy breakfast, journaling, exercising, or my personal favorite, getting one big task done as a way of being productive.

These are all good ideas, but they’re not exactly reasons that make me excited to hop out of my warm, snuggly bed – as much as I love my overnight oats or planning my day in the bullet journal, it’s not making me jump for joy.

I approach my morning routine with a much more self-compassionate mindset because getting out of bed, displacing my cats from various perches on me, and facing the day isn’t my favorite thing to do.

So how do you build a self-compassionate morning routine?

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This episode is sponsored by the Imperfectly Perfect 5 Day Self-Compassion Challenge, where you can discover self-compassion strategies that you can implement in less than 20 minutes a day. Find out more information at https://www.inspiringselfcompassion.com/challenge.

Are you sick and tired of all the negative self-criticism that creeps into your brain at the worst possible time?

Stop me if you’ve ever said or thought this before . . . “I’m not good enough. I’m going to be a failure. This has to be perfect.”

All you really want is a proven way to quiet that tiny little voice so you can move forward in your business – easier said than done, right?

Research has shown that there is one particular mindset shift that overcomes perfectionism, fear, failure, an imposter syndrome while increasing personal motivation, positivity and overall growth.

I’m speaking of the unlimited power of self-compassion when it comes to your mindset and your self-confidence in your entrepreneurial path.

This is Inspiring Self-Compassion with Sarah McLain.

Let’s get into how self-compassion can change your life and your business.

 _______________________________________________

Hi, and welcome to this week’s episode of Inspiring Self-Compassion.

I’m Sarah McLain, and self-compassion is absolutely my jam.

Before I jump into today’s topic, I wanted to highlight a lovely review from one of my listeners, Pikaman667.

Pikaman writes, “Keeping self compassion in my back pocket!

In a society that’s always telling us to go, go, go it can be easy to fall into the trap that we’re not doing enough to move our businesses forward. Sarah has such a gentle and powerful way of reminding me that it’s necessary to give myself some grace and self compassion in the process of following my dreams.

After listening to her podcast, I feel calm and can take heart in knowing that I’m not alone in feeling this way. Can’t wait for the next episode!”

Well, Pikaman, I’m so thrilled by this review and I just want to tell you that I appreciate your words and you. You’re exactly the reason why I started this podcast.

Please leave me a review if you enjoy these episodes and feel free to tag me on Instagram at Inspiring Self-Compassion if you have any questions or things you’d like to see me cover.

Back to the show.

You can find the show notes and links to the resources for this episode at https://www.inspiringselfcompassion.com/episode4.

Today’s podcast is all about building a morning routine that incorporates self-compassion.

Often, the idea of an ideal morning routine is too overwhelming to think about much less to start.

For example, as much as I’ve enjoyed trying out things like Hal Elrod’s Miracle Morning, the truth is an entire overhaul of my morning routine is stressful to me. 

It’s one of the reasons why I think morning routines should begin from a place of self-compassion and joy and that it should be a slow, habit-building process. 

Here are several ways for you to slowly add some self-compassion in your morning routine and discover a little pleasure and balance at the same time.

When you first wake up, let yourself lay there for a few moments and just be present. If you’re still tired, be kind to yourself as you get up out of bed and don’t rush rush rush. Be as slow as you need to be.

Choose 2 or 3 activities that help you mindfully engage your mind and body in the morning.

Journaling and meditation are both frequently thrown out as good morning activities – and they are excellent self-compassion activities as well because they focus on mindfulness.

However, one of my favorite morning mindful activities is daydreaming. Too often we rush and rush and rush to get out of the house in the morning, but there is something to be said for sitting down with a cup of your favorite beverage and staring out the window at the clouds.

Imagine how you would feel after a 10-minute mind wandering session without focusing your attention. As a matter of fact, Jill Suttie argues that mind-wandering can make you more creative, happier (depending on the content), and may help our job performances and goal-setting.

Now, on to self-kindness …

When it comes to self-kindness in your morning routine, I’m a big believer in doing activities that add joy into your morning routine rather than add additional stresses.

Two of my favorite low-pressure, fun activities are coloring and jigsaw puzzles.

The recent growth of the adult coloring book industry to match any interest gives you the option to pair your favorite with a set of $5 colored pencils from Michaels and spend 10 minutes with creative pleasure.

Jigsaw puzzles are also making a comeback, and you can find some pretty ones in all sizes to work on in the morning before you leave for work. The joy of fitting a single piece into a larger whole is a great way to start the day with a sense of achievement and happiness before you’ve even walked out the door.

In addition to engaging the mind with joyful, fun things, finding pleasure in your physical activity is essential.

When it comes to exercise in the morning – well, honestly, – at all times, we should be doing exercise that we enjoy. Rather than plodding through that run or getting on the treadmill, pull out your old Wii or Playstation and find a fun physical activity that gets your blood pumping in the morning. 

My personal favorite, Wii Boxing, is a hardcore cardio and strength activity that takes 10 minutes with the bonus of the satisfaction and pleasure of hitting something.

Another self-compassionate activity is spending quality time with your pets. Don’t just walk your dog – play with her, cuddle your kitties, hold your hamster or guinea pig.

While studies are mixed about whether pets can improve your well-being, it’s evident that our bonds with our pets can positively affect our moods. And connecting with loved ones is a positive mood boost before we walk out the door.

Those few moments of connection make us a little happier to have someone who loves us and trusts us to look after them. My attitude is always better after I have spent some time with Tasha and Rory, my own fur babies, in the morning.

Perhaps the most controversial suggestion I have is one that you may have already heard before in episode 2 of this podcast.

Don’t watch the news or look at social media in the morning. Instead, tomorrow, try something new by watching a funny show or video that makes you laugh and see how much happier you are to start the day. 

For me, an episode of Parks and Rec or Brooklyn 99 is joyful and funny enough to put me in a good mood for the rest of my day.

They aren’t kidding when they say laughter is the best medicine.

 Conclusion

These ideas are just a few possibilities to help jump-start your self-compassionate morning routine before you even get out of bed.

I believe that a self-compassionate and joyful start to your day lets you take control of the kind of day you’re going to have.

Throughout this episode, I’ve given you a few suggestions to add self-compassion into your morning routine so you can begin to build a morning routine that reflects the most compassionate way for yourself to start the day … along with those overnight oats that you like so much. 

Reminder, you can find the show notes and links to resources at https://inspiringselfcompassion.com/episode4.

If you want to get a deeper understanding of how to practice self-compassion, you can sign up for the Imperfectly Perfect 5 Day challenge at inspiringselfcompassion.com/challenge.

Next Tuesday, I’ll pop into your podcast player with the why of self-compassion.

This week, I’d love to invite you to leave a review on iTunes and to tag me on Instagram with what you’re loving about the podcast and what question you have that you’d like to see me answer in future podcasts.

That wraps it up for today’s self-compassion podcast. Thank you for listening, and I’d love for you to subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss any Tuesday self-compassion strategy tips.

Now that you’ve learned something new, it’s time to go out and practice self-compassion so that you can grow your business. Have a lovely week!