In our journey with ADHD, we get unsolicited advice almost daily, most of which seems too simplistic to be effective. This week, under the banner of "Intention," I want to revisit a concept that many of us have brushed aside too quickly: the power of a morning routine.
Let's face it: the very suggestion of a morning routine might evoke a collective eye-roll from many of us. The thought of setting an alarm earlier than absolutely necessary seems counterintuitive, especially when mornings already feel like an uphill battle. But here's the thing—I don't think there's value in ONLY waking up earlier; there's value when you think about how we use that time to set a tone for the day.
Why a Morning Routine?
For me, and others with ADHD who use them successfully, the point of a morning routine is not about rigid schedules or early wake-up calls. It's about creating a space for ourselves to start our days intentionally. It's about easing into our daily challenges with a mindset equipped to handle them, rather than diving in unprepared.
I'll admit, was skeptical and resisted this for a long time. Like many of you, I thought I could get through my days on nothing but caffeine and improvisation. It wasn't until I committed to a morning routine that I realized how much it really impacted my days. It's not just about doing something; it's about setting an intention for who you want to be and how you want to navigate your day.
Crafting Your Own Morning Ritual
The beauty of a morning routine is its flexibility. What works for one person may not work for another, and that's perfectly okay. The key is to find activities that ground you, that prepare your mind and body for the day ahead. For some, this might mean physical exercise to awaken the body. For others, it might involve meditation, reading, or simply planning the day over a cup of coffee.
Your routine should reflect your personal needs and goals. It's a time to align with your intentions, to remind yourself of your objectives, and to approach the day with a sense of purpose. It's an opportunity to start each day not on the back foot, but with a proactive stance towards your challenges and aspirations.
The Impact of Intentionality
Embracing a morning routine is a practice in intentionality. It's about acknowledging that, while we cannot control how our ADHD affects us, we can control how we prepare for the challenges it presents. This practice sets a tone of mindfulness and purpose, crucial elements for navigating the complexities of ADHD.
This week, I encourage you to experiment with establishing your own morning routine. Reflect on what activities make you feel most prepared, most aligned with your intentions for the day. Remember, this is not about adding a burdensome task to your mornings but about creating a space for yourself to start the day on your terms.
As we continue to explore the themes of Inspiration, Intention, and Action, let's embrace the role of intentionality in our lives. A morning routine, tailored to our unique needs and challenges, can be a powerful tool in our ADHD toolkit. It's a small step that can lead to significant shifts in how we approach our days, our tasks, and our self-improvement journey.
Here's to setting intentions, to morning routines that empower us, and to days lived with purpose and clarity.
Thanks as always for reading,
Aaron Frank
Founder, The ADHD Project