Some people are morning people, and some definitely aren't, but like it or not, we all have to get through the morning and figure out the best way to start the day. And even if you aren’t a type-A schedule wielder, a morning routine can make sure you start the day well and with your eyes on God. Here are some morning routines for Christian seniors to try.
Hot tea in the morning is a great way to start the day on a good, calm note and is the perfect time to get your devotional reading in. Many seniors already have a tea drinking routine because it provides energy in the morning without the side effects of coffee and has some health benefits. And tying one routine into another makes it easier to foster good habits like devotional reading.
It’s generally not a great idea to drink tea on an empty stomach in the morning though, especially if it’s black or green tea. After a full night with no water, drinking caffeinated tea first thing can dehydrate you. You also want to have some food in you before consuming caffeine.
Finding the right devotional can sometimes be challenging. They might not all coincide with your beliefs or be able to provide thought- and spirit-provoking ideas. It’s a good idea to try reading a few of the devotions before purchasing or to have a spiritual leader or friend recommend one to you.
In the hustle and happenings of life, it’s easy to lose focus on God and faith. Meditating and praying in the morning sets a God-centered tone for your day, which brings you closer to Him and Christ-like living.
To meditate as a Christian, just sit quietly and focus on listening to God. You can almost think of it as the other side to normal prayer; instead of talking, you’re listening. Make sure your phone is on silent and that no one disturbs you and breaks your focus.
Meditative prayer can also be a time to notice and give thanks for everything God has provided. You’re focused on the air you’re breathing and the noises around you like birds chirping, and you can just thank God for these little things as you notice them.
Praising God can fill you with energy and love, making it the perfect way to start your morning. But you don’t have to go to a morning worship service every day; you can have a party with just you and God listening to some of your favorite Christian songs or podcasts. Here are some Christian playlists and podcasts to try.
Being grateful for what you have and what God has given is key to being content and having a strong relationship with God. Gratitude journaling is a helpful tool for taking time to consider what you have to be thankful for.
All you have to do to start gratitude journaling is to grab a pen and paper and write down what’s good in your life. You can make a list or write a paragraph about why you’re grateful or do a mix of both.
Arguably more important than what you should do in your morning routine is what you shouldn’t do. When you wake up, your brain is in the Alpha stage of conscience, which is a fancy term for half asleep. This brain state is super malleable and what you do in the morning can program your brain to perpetuate bad habits.
Avoid any habits you're trying to break. Having a cup of coffee or a cigarette in the morning when you’re trying to quit will solidify those habits even further. You also don’t want to start procrastinating first thing by hitting the snooze button. You’ll be in a much more productive mindset the rest of the day if you wake up on the first alarm.
It's also a good idea to try to start the day off as positively as possible. Negative thought loops are a kind of habit and have to be broken as such. Try to cut yourself off as early as possible if you notice negativity forming and replace it with a positive statement. This can help you reframe your thoughts and lead to a happier day.
