The eternal search for the perfect morning.
You know I am an internet-searching demon and will often fling around random, useful or poignant information that I have come across. I'm big into sharing.
One thing I often come back to and was at one point practically obsessed with was finding the right morning routine. All the suggestions didn’t seem to fit with working in healthcare.
One quick Google or ChatGPT prompt and you’ll be presented with several highly energising, inspiring and wonderful-sounding suggestions for setting yourself up right for the day ahead.
They follow a similar pattern:
Joyfully greet the day then -
List three things you are grateful for
Meditate
Exercise
Enjoy a healthy breakfast
Write in your journal
Stroke a unicorn
You get the idea
Now I'm not saying any of these are unworthy or you shouldn't consider how to factor some of these into your day. When recovering from a concussion, these all were essentials and on some days I still manage most of them. However, do they not know that most people in healthcare start work around 7 am and let’s not forget that there is a 24-hour shift pattern to cover (plus everyone knows, unicorns aren't up until 10 am).
When I started nursing the early morning starts were a killer. Shift work did suit me, but those mornings, boy, were tough. I used to whimsically think that I would get used to them. Never really happened. In each role I've had I have re-evaluated my routines and found out how I can get the best out of me without having to break my neck finding that elusive unicorn.
You need to find what works for you, and what brings out the best in you. I may have sounded tongue-in-cheek with the list above, but it is all true and helps you have a better day. Working out how to add in breakfast before leaving the house and the difference that made for me, what a game-changer.
There is another list offering the same advice about being successful/getting the most out of the day and it offers something a little different
It suggested
Go to bed with something to look forward to.
You know that sleep and rest are vital to feeling good and functioning well, but I bet you struggle with sleep sometimes. I will lie there re-playing the conversations that went wrong - why did I say that - why did she say that - why didn't I say that? I think through what I managed to do, and what I didn't and try to embed the important things to remember to do tomorrow. Yep, I'll have already made an actual list but will still do this mentally while trying to get to sleep. All the time tossing and turning and wishing for sleep to come.
So try thinking about something you are looking forward to for the following day and it has really changed that thought pattern and stops (OK sometimes just for a little while) that internal chatter about what was, what wasn't and what might be.
I would suggest that if you think about it, there is always something to look forward to
A coffee with a friend or colleague
An opportunity to move a project forward
A chance to try something new
The walk to work
An important topic to discuss
The journey home on the train
A patient who will be pleased to see me
Opening your eyes on a new day
Making a difference
A book to start
Want more ideas for your morning routine - it’s all here on this Pinterest Board
Finally a TED talk for a reminder to keep going, to try and then re-try. It's a 5-minute talk, an honest and personal story about the continuous journey that we are all on.
