Beyond the Morning
Your grounded, centred, present feeling shouldn’t stop in the AM.
January 27, 2025
So, you journaled this morning. Maybe you meditated. You even sipped your herbal tea while watching the sunrise. Sounds like a peaceful start to your day, right?
(even if you don’t do any of those… you’re going to want to keep reading.)
The real question: What about the rest of your day?
As you continue on with your day, the tension creeps back into your shoulders. The inputs from the world—social media, work, family, friends—begin to pile up. That peaceful, centered version of you from the morning starts to feel distant. And without realizing it, the underlying stressors take root, silently building until they manifest as physical ailments or chronic stress.
This used to be me… The trajectory has gone from NO morning ritual > to a morning ritual but that’s it > to a beautiful ritual AND building in daily check points so I dont fall behind.
Leading a mindful, sovereign, and autonomous life isn’t just about what you do in the morning. It’s not a “set it and forget it” kind of thing. Mindfulness requires consistent effort throughout the day. It demands that you continually check in with yourself, even as life tries to pull you in a million different directions.
Why We Default to “Set It and Forget It”
Life is busy. The idea of checking in with yourself throughout the day can feel overwhelming. And if we’re used to helping EVERYONE else first, it’s very easy to put ‘me’ on the back burner.
So, we cling to our morning routines, convincing ourselves that a strong start will carry us through. But mindfulness isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing conversation with yourself.
When we ignore this, stress doesn’t just disappear. It hides. It hides in the hunch of your shoulders, the shallowness of your breath, the edge thats building, the annoyance you’re more likely seeing in the small things, and the way you tell yourself,
“I’ll drink water later”
or
“I’ll use the bathroom after I finish this one thing.”
or
‘‘I’m hungry but I dont have time/energy/give a damn, to make something’’
Sound familiar? These small moments of neglect accumulate, and over time, they show up as tension, fatigue, and eventually, burnout.
The Importance of Micro-Check-Ins
What if you treated mindfulness as a series of tiny, intentional moments throughout the day? These micro-check-ins don’t have to be complicated. They can be as simple as:
Taking three deep breaths before switching tasks or going into your next meeting.
Rolling your shoulders back and stretching while waiting for your coffee to brew.
Drinking a glass of water the moment you feel thirsty.
Asking yourself, “How am I feeling right now?” and *actually* listening to the answer.
These small acts of self-awareness help keep your brain out of the weeds.
They’re reminders that you’re not a machine here to grind through the day—you’re a human being who deserves care and presence.
Practical Tools to Stay Connected
Staying mindful throughout the day doesn’t have to feel like a chore nor does it matter if you’re in yoga class, or your cozy nook at home. Here are some actionable tools you can incorporate anytime, anywhere:
Breathwork: When tension builds, try box breathing: inhale through the nose for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, exhale out your mouth for 4 counts, and hold for 4 counts. Repeat this cycle four times to calm your nervous system.
Stretching: Movement is a powerful way to reset. Take 60 seconds to stretch your neck, shoulders, or back. It’s amazing how much lighter you’ll feel.
Body Scans: Pause for a moment and scan your body from head to toe. Notice where you’re holding tension and release it with intentional breathing.
Hydration: Set a timer if you have to, but don’t let thirst be an afterthought. Your body and mind both function better when you’re hydrated.
Mindful Breaks: Use natural transitions in your day—like finishing a meeting or completing a task—as opportunities to check in with yourself.
‘‘Each step along he Buddha’s path to happiness requires practising mindfulness until it becomes part of your every day life. ‘‘ - Henepola Gunaratana
Mindfulness Creates Sovereignty
When you commit to checking in with yourself, something amazing happens. You start to reclaim control over your reactions, your decisions, and your energy. You’re no longer at the mercy of external stressors or the chaos of the world around you. Instead, you lead your life with intention and autonomy.
Mindfulness isn’t just about reducing stress—it’s about living a life where you feel present, in control, and deeply connected to yourself.
Ready for more?
If this resonates with you, and you’re ready to dive deeper into creating a mindful, connected life, join me for a Perspective Session (happens monthly) . These free sessions are packed with actionable tools and insights that will leave you shocked at how much value you’ll walk away with. This is your chance to learn how to stress less and live more.
Contact me if you want the details to join and give yourself the gift of presence.
Chelsea
