A morning routine isn’t just about the coffee or the news. It’s about setting up your day for success. For busy teachers, a thoughtfully designed morning routine can mean the difference between a day of dynamic teaching and one that feels just like going through the motions.
A million dollar morning routine
Every robust morning routine starts with a single, reliable keystone habit. For example, I set aside the first two hours of the morning for quiet contemplation and planning. These two hours, from 5 to 7 AM, should have no distractions. It’s just you and whatever you choose to do. This one keystone habit becomes the bedrock of your morning routine, setting a tone of focus that carries you through the day.
Once we have our keystone habit in place, we can IF we choose, add small, beneficial habits that enhance our morning routine and overall well-being. For instance, right after our keystone habit, we might spend time enjoying a healthy breakfast, giving us the energy needed before the school day begins.
This sequence of positive, reinforcing actions weaves a strong fabric for your daily routine, ensuring each day starts with intention and clarity.
To further bolster your morning routine, you can integrate micro-habits. Those small, easily achievable tasks that add up to significant benefits over time.
James Clear’s “Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones”. Offers strategies for habit formation that can transform your morning routine.
One example might be laying out your teaching outfit the night before. This simple act removes decision fatigue in the morning and ensures a smooth start.
Another micro-habit could involve taking time to do some light stretching or other exercise between your quiet time and breakfast, invigorating your body and mind as you transition from one activity to the next.
These micro-habits don’t just support your keystone routine; they enhance the overall quality and effectiveness of your morning, setting a positive, productive tone that lasts the entire day.
A well-crafted morning routine doesn’t just change the start of your day; it transforms your entire approach to teaching. With each morning, you’re not just preparing for the day ahead but investing in a more focused, productive, and enjoyable teaching experience.
Remember, evolving your morning routine is a journey, not a sprint. It’s about gradual improvement and personalisation. As you tweak and refine your routine, you’ll find that these mornings of preparation and focus significantly contribute to a more balanced life. Leaving you more time for yourself and your family after school finishes.
Consider the words of Benjamin Franklin: “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” Here’s to making your mornings a bit of all three!
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