I get that some of us are truly not morning people. Matthew Walker writes about morning larks and night owls in “Why We Sleep”. His research suggests that our ancestors protected the tribe at night by some of them being able to stay up until the wee small hours, and others waking very early, leaving only a few hours in between when everyone slept. It could be that it’s genetically programmed into you to be a night owl. I suggest applying some of this advice to your morning routine but be aware that exercise too close to your bedtime is likely to disrupt your sleep as it revives the body instead of calming you down.

For the rest of us, mornings have the potential to be the first step towards feeling so much better throughout the day. I know this from my own experience of waking before the kids and husband to do stuff that I felt helped me regain control of my body, mind, and day. It worked, it genuinely left me feeling energised giving me clarity and focus. However, life changes and the arrival of our daughter plus the pandemic and school closures for our sons meant less sleep, less energy, more stress, and less time for me. Morning routine became about juggling when we all got up and using the TV way too much!

So, what now? If you’re in the same position as me and just want to get your rear into gear for the new year? Lots of us start with unrealistic expectations and that’s why I’m not a fan of New Year’s resolutions. Instead start small and do something in the words of Marie Kondo that “Sparks Joy”. It doesn’t have to be a full 30 mins cardio workout. It could be three pages of a book you’ve wanted to read for ages. It could be prayer or meditation for three minutes using an app. It could just be sitting in the quiet with a cuppa. We got so hung up on labelling and creating a structure when simply starting is enough.

Sounds easy? Well, it’s simple but not that easy. We get bogged down with life. The kids get up at night and we feel shattered. We feel ill, we feel fed up. Life fluctuates and is always inconsistent. With that in mind and to help you get started with your new year in a positive and kind way, I have created a small support group.

No judgement, no barking orders at you or making you feel bad. Simply good advice and encouragement from a certified wellness coach and a group of lovely, real women all trying to do something for ourselves.

If you’re interested, please contact me on beecarterbeewell@gmail.com and I can send you more information.

If you want a free guide to working out in the morning click here