The year 2020 comes to close, time to usher in 2021, and time to shape our resolutions

What is that one habit or daily ritual that has helped you pull through the chaos and uncertainty characterizing this year?

 For me, it's my morning routine.

This helped me overcome the crisis & disruption to my family and work-life in 2020, and kept me sane, focused and at peace. Even before covid-19 pandemic stuck, for years I have leaned on my morning rituals to set the tone for the rest of the day.

But covid-19 turned out to be a harsh and powerful reminder as to how crucial it’s for me to start the day with energy, clarity and a positive outlook to effectively deal with disruptions at home and work. 

Recovering quickly from fear of what and how covid-19 could impact my family and work (the organization), I reminded and motivated myself to stick to things that comforted me the most. Preserving my morning routine topped my priority list.

Rising early, well before sunrise, I make sure my comfort drink: a cup of coffee, continues to contribute to my sense of well-being and normalcy. Sitting in my balcony and looking at the vast expanse of green and my little potted plants as always fill me with energy and positivity to look at the world afresh.

 For those few precious minutes, the world is lost to me, devoid of fear and uncertainty gripping it. Sitting calmly, closing my eyes in meditation for a few minutes give me immense joy and peace, clearing my mind of all the clutter and worries.

Following it with my regular yoga session helps me keep my mind and body supple, through the day. This has been the beginning of the day over the last 20 years.

I follow that with a daily run or a quick visit to the gym. It is a 30 min session, clued on with a podcast which helps me open my mind. The daily dose of exercise ensures that I have uninterrupted access to much-needed happy hormones, mental clarity and an improved attention span through the day. Both inform my perspective of a safer and happy world.

More than ever, my “me time” in the morning helps me sort things out in my head and prioritize important goals to be chased through the day

Waking up to the bright sun, clear blue skies and breathing in the fresh air, fills me with gratitude, that I am still awake and happy to take on my day with the same vigor as yesterday.

Courtesy my bright and happy mornings, fear and self-doubt have never found a place in my heart and mind in any challenging times. I often wake up rejoicing heart-warming lines penned by poet and philosopher Rumi, "The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you. Don’t go back to sleep."

This beautiful thought never lets me miss my morning ritual of spending time with myself and nature. The curiosity to discover new secrets offered by nature and life push me to nurture my body, mind, and soul with healthy food, exercise, and calming thoughts right in the morning.

There may be a cheat day here and there. 

 On such days I keep the momentum going by reminding myself of the famous quote by endurance athlete and motivational speaker, Terri Schneider,

 “There’s enormous power in nailing your morning routine, but there’s even more power in adapting to it when it doesn’t happen as we’d like.”

So what’s your morning or should we say daily ritual to beat the stress and prepare for a bright, fun day high on energy and positivity as you kick-off 2021.