PRE-WORK RITUAL
1:
FRESH AIR FOR THE SOUL
i start each day with a walk, to get the dog out and to get some fresh air in my lungs first thing. i can’t recommend morning movement enough for easing my body into the day and getting into a more relaxed, positive state of mind. as i work from home, i like to imagine i’m leaving the house and arriving back ‘to work’. if you don’t work from home and you have a commute to work, perhaps try getting off a few stops earlier and taking the opportunity to stretch your legs before arriving to work. I also leave my phone at home most walks, so i’m not tempted to check emails or social whilst i’m on my walk.
2:
TIDY SPACE, TIDY MIND
i live by this mantra, and i find my mood is never as positive if i sit down to work in a messy environment, don’t underestimate the power of a tidy space! Because both my partner & I work from home, it’s easy for our space to rapidly feel chaotic (especially with our 2 year old cocker spaniel in tow). i spend a little time each morning just making the space feel more tidy and clear. this doesn’t have to be a full blown spring clean, no more than 30 minutes, pop the hoover round, tidy your desk, plump the sofa cushions, put a load of washing on, make sure the bed is made. whatever it is, those small acts make me feel so much more at ease. it’s easy for tidying/cleaning to feel monotinous, especially when you spend time doing it day in, day out. so, i’ve been trying to reframe my thoughts when tidying, for it to feel luxurious and an act of self care. ‘i’m tidying this space because i deserve to be surrounded by a serene, calm, clean energy’. if you don’t work at home, maybe you could spend 10 mins before you start work simply organinsing your desk, or a drawer, or your desktop on your laptop.
3:
LETTING GO & CALLING IN
recently i’ve been enjoying spending a really brief minute or two journalling before making a to-do list for the day. once i’ve tidied, i’ll light some incense and take a seat at my desk. I’ll make note of the things that are making my mind race, perhaps causing me anxiety or stress and i’ll let them go, listing each one individually and writing ‘ i am letting go of…’ I follow this with a moment to be creative, to let my dreams run wild, and i’ll list a few things i’m calling in for the day, the month, the year and just see where my imagination takes me. rather than diving straight into writing a to-do list and perhaps feeling overwhelmed, i’ve made an effort to dispel any stagnant or frustrated energy, and to engage with some more optimistic thoughts.
JOURNAL PROMPTS
how do i want to feel today?
what can i let go of?
what can i be grateful for?
what am i calling in?