Creating a morning routine that works for you and your busy schedule can be challenging, especially as an entrepreneur. That’s why we’ve invited our wellbeing expert, Christina Disler, to share her optimal morning routine to set up for a successful day.
About Christina
Christina Disler is a recognised workplace wellness and mindfulness expert. She is celebrated for her extensive experience as a serial founder of businesses such as Werklab and Aster and the publication The Werk. As the host of the recently launched Humanity at Work podcast, she explores the human experience of founders and creators in their work. As an MBA graduate, Christina’s innovative approach has not only redefined workplace norms but has established her as a leading voice on the importance of honouring what it means to be human in the way we lead. Her contributions have garnered media recognition, global brand ambassador partnerships, and several entrepreneurship awards. As a certified mindfulness practitioner and leadership coach, Christina continues to bring her passion for the role businesses play in transforming collective wellbeing.
What does an optimal morning routine look like for Christina?
Every day, I ease into my morning with my meditation practice before allowing any stimulation from the outside world. If I start the day by checking my phone (emails, messages, social), it’s game over. I know that those first moments upon waking are key - before my ego comes online - so it's a time to cultivate and foster a deeper connection into a presence that will carry with me throughout the day. I do my meditation practice unguided, seated in bed with a pillow behind my back, for 27 minutes (supported by my meditation playlist), and timer set through Insight Timer. I set a bell at 20 minutes, as I find that crossing this threshold 20 minutes is often where I access a deeper, altered state. After meditation, I often pull a tarot card for the day.
Next, I grab a big water bottle with electrolyte supplements to start hydrating.
Rain or shine, I step outside to get natural sunlight exposure, which boosts alertness by activating my circadian rhythm. It also helps regulate melatonin levels, so how we start the day actually promotes better sleep at night.
I begin my movement routine with a super quick lymphatic massage to stimulate circulation, followed by a four-minute exercise designed by Zach Bush. This seemingly simple workout is surprisingly effective - it stimulates a molecule called nitric oxide, naturally produced by our blood vessels. This practice immediately boosts my energy, shifts a funky mood or dissolves any tension I might have been holding from the night before.
For years, I skipped breakfast, as I rarely woke up hungry. But after discovering I had challenges with hormones, insulin and my blood sugar levels, I worked with my functional medicine practitioner to understand the importance of getting sufficient protein (vegan keto-friendly protein powder is a saviour!) and fat early in the day. Within 90 minutes of waking, I make myself a smoothie, eating it slowly with a spoon to support digestion.
Before diving into emails or responding to requests, I take a moment to be in the driver’s seat of my day ahead. I outline my “Top 1” - the one key task I need to do to feel like I’m moving the needle. We often keep endless to-do lists, but holding a single priority (amidst all the regular day to day tasks) lets us experience true satisfaction at the end of the day.
And, often, my home routine is followed with a session at my favourite London wellbeing studio, Love Supreme.
This is my optimal morning routine, and sometimes, I skip one, or two or all of it. Because being human means there’s no perfect.
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