Morning Routine - How I Start My Day with Myself

Every morning, before I go out into the world, I give myself time. Not time to do, but time to be. It starts with the simplest thing: the phone stays on airplane mode and night mode. No messages, no notifications, no news. The morning is mine.

I start with a large glass of water — the body has been sleeping all night and needs its first nourishment. Then — elimination. A morning bowel movement isn't just a matter of comfort, it's a sign of health. When the body eliminates regularly in the morning, it means the digestive system is working properly, that the body is successfully releasing toxins and starting the day clean. It's one of the first things I ask clients about, and one of the most important signs of good health. After that, a refreshing shower, and then I head outside.

This moment is one I particularly love. Going outside, walking barefoot on the grass, absorbing the first sunlight of the day. Then picking fresh herbs for tea — sage, mint, lemon verbena, or whatever is growing and waiting for me that morning.

Why does this matter? Morning sunlight synchronizes our biological clock. The sun gives the body a clear signal: "A new day has begun." This synchronization affects energy levels, hormones, the quality of sleep the following night, and mood throughout the entire day. When we wake up and immediately reach for our phone, we miss this window and let the screen set the tone of the day instead of natural light.

Contact with the grass isn't just pleasant — it grounds us, connects us to the earth, and measurably and immediately reduces stress and inflammation in the body.

After the tea I sit for meditation to allow for more gathering before heading out into the world. After meditation, asana practice — sometimes short, sometimes long, depending on time or what the body is asking for that morning, to allow the body and breath to open.

The idea is simple: before I go out into the world — to work, to studies, to the phone — I give myself time for nourishment and connection. When I start the day from this place, everything that comes after looks different. I'm more patient, more focused, more whole.

It's important to say — this isn't about two hours. Even a 20-minute morning routine without a phone, with water, sunlight and a moment of quiet in any form you choose can change how you experience the rest of the day.

Try starting with one small thing, not many things at once. Our brain will find it hard to adapt to many changes simultaneously — and that's a rule for every new habit you want to integrate.