If you jumped down to the words, I encourage you to watch the above video. I stumbled upon it when searching for something completely unrelated (camera lenses) and it perfectly captures how powerful starting your day with intention can be for setting up a day to be positive and productive.
I used to be one of those people hitting the snooze alarm until the very last second and sprinting around the house to make it out the door on time (and let me be real, I was never on time). Whenever I got to work, I was frazzled, hungry, probably disheveled, and still trying to wake up. The idea of grabbing something nutritious or a gym bag for after work was out of the question with that kind of morning.
Once I stepped back and started to appreciate both good sleep and a slower start to the day, I built 2 hours into each morning so that I could have time to take care of myself. Eat a breakfast I enjoy, catch up on news or blogs, maybe even send a few emails. It's always quiet, calm and I am in control. I can enjoy the patio as the sun rises or stay cozy inside with tea. I gain reflection time but also practical time! I can prep my workout clothes for that post-office run and pack a lunch and snacks I enjoy. Heck, sometimes the extra time means I can swing by the store for something I need or pump gas. If I am feeling really ambitious, I spend 10 minutes tidying up so I don't have to when I get home from a long day.
The sense of calm, purpose, and control that I've taken from this small act - just getting up earlier - has given my days purpose and intention. I have plans and I can prepare to really make sure they happen. I have become my own best health advocate because I build time in to prepare to succeed at my goals. Morning person or not, this time is invaluable. It's saved my workout routines, a few last-minute work emails needing to be sent out, and kept me fed/full throughout the day. It's given me time for reflection and, most importantly, time to appreciate all that I have around me.
I encourage each of you to think about how you can set yourself up for success. Start with prioritizing yourself each and every day with a slow morning. At the very least, you'll get a good breakfast in but, at the most, you may regain some sanity and calm. Rise with intention, y'all. Do it for yourself. You deserve it.