The first step in the morning routine I've developed for myself is all about stepping back and taking a pause before life comes rushing in on you. And therein lies the absolute best advice I ever received about what to do first thing each and every day - and especially on Mondays.
If there is only one thing you do this Monday morning before beginning your week, it's this:
Do Nothing.
Yup, you heard me.
It's not fancy advice, and it doesn't require a set of instructions, a coach or an app on hand.
Instead, it's just a few simple words.
Do nothing.
Take five minutes -- better yet, take ten. Sit at your desk, on the porch, or on the floor. Have tea or coffee in hand (I find finishing a cup is the perfect timing for a 10 minute pause). And just sit there. Avoid journaling or reading. Consider listening to peaceful music. And let the thoughts come flooding in.
Remember, the overwhelming point is to - at all costs - clear your head. So whatever you do, do nothing.
But here's a caveat. You may read this and draw inspiration to turn this into a time for meditation or prayer. I'd urge you not to. I love both practices and rely on both in my life, but this particular moment of the day is not for either. Instead, a moment of doing nothing should really be just that. Do nothing. Prayer and meditation hold their place as well, but this five to ten minute period is about a complete reset, and a complete stop. And, as you'll see, it's a huge challenge in and of itself.
So go on, try it. Do nothing.
When was the last time you spent 5 minutes doing absolutely nothing? Could you try it this Monday morning?
