17/09/2024
**How My Routine Helped Me Reclaim Control of My Life**
Over the past few years, I tried to implement a morning routine, but it wasn’t until this year, when I hit a breaking point, that I was able to make it stick. At my lowest, I managed to pull it together. I was dealing with a lot—overcoming addiction, letting go of loved ones, struggling with my mental health, and feeling stuck.
For me, it wasn’t just about discipline. It was about creating a structure that supported my growth and well-being, especially as a neurodivergent man. I started small—adding a bit of breathwork here, some movement there—and over time, my routine evolved into something I now depend on daily.
There were people in my life who told me this shouldn't be my focus, saying that having a routine wasn’t addressing my "real" challenges and wasn’t beneficial. I’m glad I didn’t listen.
Today, my mornings are sacred. They include breathwork, yoga, meditation, ice baths, sauna, and journaling. This routine doesn’t just set the tone for my day—it’s the foundation that has helped me overcome some of my biggest challenges, like beating addiction and staying consistent in my growth. It’s given me the resilience and mental clarity to face life’s difficulties head-on.
For anyone feeling lost, I encourage you to start small and build your own routine. It might be the shift you need to regain control and find your strength again, one step at a time.
Here’s my 6-step process and what each step does for me:
1. **Breathwork** – I start with breathwork to center myself and regulate my nervous system, creating focus and intention for the rest of my routine.
2. **Yoga** – I follow breathwork with yoga to gently activate my body, increase flexibility, and prepare my muscles for the workout.
3. **Workout** – Once warmed up, I move into my workout, which elevates my energy and gets my heart rate up.
4. **Sauna** – After working out, I jump in the sauna to relax my muscles, promote detoxification, and aid in recovery.
5. **Ice bath** – I end with an ice bath to reduce inflammation, boost circulation, and leave me feeling invigorated.
6. **Journaling** – Finally, I finish with journaling to reflect on the mental clarity and emotional insights gained from my routine.