Empowering Morning Rituals

We all know how mornings can be challenging, but for individuals who wake up with panic attacks or anxiety, mornings are that much harder.

As many of you have already read, I was housebound for five years, finally I summoned up enough courage to leave the house and sought the help of a therapist, her advice to me was that when I woke up with a panic attack, not to fight it, just lie there until it passed, between you and I, I thought this woman was insane.

I didn’t just toss her advice out the window, I tried it for 3 weeks, there was no sign of improvement, I thought there must be other ways to help me wake at my own pace while providing a feeling of calmness at the same time.

1 – Personal Morning Affirmation

I start off my mornings with a few words of encouragement: Good Morning Nathalie, I am calm, I am healthy, I am kind, I am safe and I am loved, Have a Wonderful Day!

2- Gratitude

As I place my feet on the floor, I breathe in and give thanks for the good night’s rest, for the start of a new day and whatever else comes to mind (my home, my family, my pets etc.) (When making your own list, include whatever you are thankful for).

3- Water

My day always starts out with a refreshing glass of water which helps to oxygenate my body, mind and spirit.

4- Healthy Breakfast

How many of you out there, start your day with nothing more than a cup of coffee, maybe a breakfast bar, a frozen breakfast sandwich or perhaps nothing at all. I’m no angel, I’m guilty myself. Breakfast bars are convenient, but are loaded with sugar and additives to extend their shelf life. Any processed item on the market can often trigger anxiety and panic attacks, now when I’m in a hurry, instead of having nothing or just grabbing a breakfast bar, I’ll grab a piece of fruit on the way out the door.

5- Write Goals for the Day

Every day, it didn’t matter if my day started out with me feeling down or feeling great, my goals were written based on how I was feeling that day.

On good days, my list always included goals which were meant to take me out of my comfort zone, some of which are:

Today, I will open all my curtains and windows and let fresh air in.

Today, I will sit on my porch or balcony.

Today, I will clean my closets. Today, I will exercise.

NOW it’s your turn, Today, I will ……. (choose something, you have trouble doing).

On my down days, I kept my goals small, and written in such a way to ensure that I took care of myself that day so I could nourish my soul.

Today, I will listen to music that makes me feel good. Today, I will cook a meal that makes me feel good. Today, I will dress up (even if I had nowhere to go) Today, I will do meditation.

It’s your turn,Today, I will ........(choose something that will make you feel good).