Morning Rituals: Combining Prayer, Skincare, and Intentional Living

Mornings...

for most of us it can be dreadful.. especially when we are feeling run down and overwhelmed. I get there way too often. When I overcommit, let my "maximizer" strength and "acheiver" strength go skipping down the sidewalk hand in hand... thinking I can do ALL the things TODAY! (insert eye roll) And then... I bottom out and crash around 5pm. But we have to keep going.. and then the morning comes again... so, run your fingers through your bed hair, toss it up in a pony scrunchy bun thing... and let's get going!

I have learned something again for myself recently.. well, I say again because I knew this when I was in my 40's and younger, but it stills feels so freeing and fabulous! I LOVE mornings! Getting up when it is quiet, having some prayer time and walking around my house while it is dark outside, thinking, planning, sitting on my back porch with tea, makes me happy.

And then I started exercising at a gym.. a Fit Body Boot Camp gym.. and WOW~~ My energy has been restored full force! And that makes this busy bee mom happy! There are lots of other factors in play, but the purpose of my blog journaling today is to help you start creating new mini routines and habits. You cannot simply do it all at once! There will be major burnout! ;) Start small! It's much easier to manage and adjust as you go.

So.. Let's begin here: Creating a morning routine for YOU. I can only give you suggestions and some of the things that I do, in hopes that something can inspire and encourage you to do the hard thing.. JUST DO IT> just get up at the time that you are comfortable and start. TODAY, will maybe tomorrow morning ;)

For the printable that I make for you: Just download and print.. then use the next lists to fill in the blanks. I have found that when we write things down, we remember it better! OH, and I LOVE a good list! I will be sharing lots of them!

Scripture focus: "In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly." - Psalm 5:3

(I will be honest - sometimes that "morning voice" is croaking "Lord, help me find my bathroom " before anything else!)

God hears ALL of our thoughts, prayers, utterings, mutterings, tears, frustrations, and HE cares about all the things that concern us. Just ask Him for help! Ask Him for the strength to get up and do what you need to do. Somehow, when you make the effort, the strength and determination follows. And then they feed each other. Like a mental coach!

A Suggested Daily Routine: (take what you can from here and write it in your journal!)

First Light Prayer (5 minutes)

• Keep a gratitude journal by your bedside (or use the downloadable printables here!)

• Write down 3 things you're thankful for before looking at your phone

• Quick prayer: "Lord, guide my day and my heart and my thoughts. Help me to keep a rein on them so I am not overwhelmed by things that don't concern me" (Pro tip: If you're in menopause, keep a fan and water bottle right next to that journal!)

Skincare Sanctuary (10 minutes)

• Gentle cleanser (lukewarm water - hot flashes provide enough heat!)

• Alcohol-free toner

• Hydrating Serum (morning) / Vitamin C serum (evening)

• Moisturizer with SPF

• Brief facial massage (doubles as stress relief when you hear teens arguing over bathroom time)

Mindful Movement (15 minutes) (or go to a gym that has 30 minutes sessions that is close to home!) Girls.. We NEED to move our bodies now more than ever!

• Light stretching or heart rate elevating movement

• Walking in place if weather doesn't permit outdoor walking (squats and lunges are good too!)

• Deep breathing exercises (especially helpful during those surprise hot flashes! slap an ice pack on your neck too! I have found that to be super helpful!)

Use these Journal Prompts today (print the papers in the button below, or use a blank journal):

• What is one area where I need God's guidance today?

• How can I show His love to my family, even when hormones are raging?

• What self-care practice would help me serve others better?

Action Steps:

• Prep tomorrow's skincare items tonight

• Set clothes out (including layers for temperature swings!)

• Put phone on "Do Not Disturb" during morning routine

Prayer Focus:

"Lord, help me embrace each morning as a fresh start, even when my body feels anything but fresh. Guide me in caring for this temple You've given me, hot flashes and all. Help me model good self-care for my daughters (and/or sons) while keeping You at the center."

Wrap up Conclusion: God cares about everything that concerns you and LOVEs to have time with you.

Create a mini routine and share it with us in the comments. YOU are important. Things you need to do each day matters! Breathe, and Go!