"You have to remember that a pre-shot routines main purpose is a calming effect. Approaching your shots in the same fashion for each swing lets your mind go on autopilot. Repeating your routine each time helps you repeat your swing each time. This is particularly true when the pressure is on". Frank Mantua Golf Professional
How I start my morning tends to carry through my day. Have you ever played golf? I'm always amazed how much better I play when I visualize my shots and have an effective pre-shot routine.
I was listening to Mel Robin's audiobook, the 5 second rule. She talks a lot about sleep and what happens if you hit the snooze button. How if you wake up, hit snooze and go back to sleep, our bodies go back into another sleep cycle. If we wake up before that sleep cycle is up, we can be groggy for another 4 hours! Plus, our brain works better for the first 2-3 hours of the day. This wasn't hard sell. I've know, if I wake up slowly...my brain is groggy. Days I wake up groggy are not as easy.
That's what started this morning practice...that plus I needed to get some extra writing done for a client. I was feeling anxious about when I could write... so I started creating a nourishing pre-shot routine to my day... A morning routine that supports my happiness, health, gives me a home to write and create my day.
 |
| new sprouts in winter |
As I type it is 6:09 in the morning. My face is washed, teeth are brushed, I've got a nice warm cup of hot water sitting by me. And here I am typing away.
When I help families downsize and create cozy lovely rich and nourishing spaces, we usually need to start creating homes for their most used and beloved things. Everything feels better when it has a home- a place to be. The same goes for our goals, our happiness our health... If you want to live happy- create a home for what you treasure the most. For me, I know I'm a better human when my morning starts nourishing, unrushed, creative. When I have space and time to do morning movement, yoga, radiance exercises, quiet time to settle my thoughts, plan my day, to meditate, pray etc.
My morning pre-shot routine is predictable. Although, I am mindful to keep asking questions and noticing how it's going and how I feel the rest of the day. I'm creating a habit, a pre-shot routine to my day.
My morning routine is space for me to breathe. I don't start my day rushing or slamming a cup of coffee...I start the day kindly and with beautiful intentions.
I've noticed my happiness is easier on mornings when I set the intentions of my day. My relationships feeling more nourishing and connected. I'm a better listener. I've absolutely done more writing. Sometimes, like today I'll pop in a write a blog or work on an article...most days I write for myself.
Your pre-shot routine will look different than mine but I whole heartedly recommend you start one.
The basics are this...
When you wake up- get up. I usually start by brushing my teeth, stretching a bit and washing my face with cold water... this wakes me up. Then I make myself a nice big warm cup of water...sometimes with lemon.Secondly, honor and nourish the first 2-3 hours of the day as the most productive time for doing what matters the most. This is time for my healthy, my spirit. Time to prep my day, work on my current projects, and write. I'm very mindful of what I put in this time....it's sacred time.
Like all good journey's it takes time to see what happened from the practice of a nourishing routine....I try not to judge the results. I have faith in the process of creating space and home for love to flourish. Practices like this is transform your life.
It takes time for plants to grow roots and bloom.
