Good morning.
Before you dive into emails,
Check your calendar or start your to-do list,
Let's take four minutes to set yourself up for a day that feels intentional rather than reactive.
I used to wake up and immediately start problem solving,
Thinking about deadlines,
Challenges,
What could go wrong.
My nervous system was activated before I even got out of bed.
But here's what I've learned.
How you start your morning sets the tone for your entire nervous system throughout the day.
First,
Just notice how you're feeling right now,
No judgment.
Are you already thinking about your first meeting?
Feeling rushed?
Anxious about something specific?
Whatever there is,
It's okay.
We're just gathering information about where your system is starting from.
Now,
Three deep breaths to signal your nervous system that you have time,
You have space,
And you're in control at this moment.
Try and let the breath come down into your belly rather than in your chest.
Starting now,
Breathe in into your belly and out,
Fully arriving in your body.
Breathe in all the way down to your belly and out,
Releasing any urgency from yesterday.
Breathe in and out,
Creating space for today's possibilities.
Ask yourself,
How do I want to feel as I move through my day today?
Maybe it's calm under pressure.
Maybe it's energized and focused.
Maybe it's open to collaboration.
Maybe it's simply present with whatever comes up.
Now,
Instead of thinking about everything you have to do today,
Think about who you want to be today.
What qualities do you want to embody?
Your nervous system responds to intention.
When you're clear about how you want to show up,
Your body and mind align to support that way of being.
Place both hands on your heart,
The area at the top of your chest,
Just underneath your throat.
Feel the steady rhythm.
This is the anchor throughout the day.
Whenever you feel scattered or reactive,
You can return to this feeling of being grounded and intentional.
You're always going to find that rhythm right at the top of your chest,
Maybe a little bit to the left,
Exactly where your heart is sitting.
Now,
Think about your day ahead.
See yourself moving through your meetings,
Conversations and tasks from this centered place.
You're responsive,
Not reactive.
Clear,
Not chaotic.
Before you reach for your phone or start your day,
Take one more moment to acknowledge this intention you've set.
This isn't wishful thinking.
This is nervous system programming.
You're not leaving your day to chance.
You're stepping into it with purpose and presence.
Your nervous system is regulated.
Your intention is clear.
You're ready to make the most of what you need to do and what you need to be today.
