If you feel like you’re drifting in life, stop doing these 9 things in the morning

Drifting in life can often feel like an uncontrollable ship, tossed by the waves of uncertainty. It’s a state of being that can leave you feeling disconnected from your purpose and unanchored from your aspirations.

This sense of drift can be daunting, yet it also represents an opportunity.

Recognizing this drift is the first step towards reclaiming your life’s direction. It’s about taking the helm of your own journey and navigating towards your desired horizon.

In this article, we’ll explore seven morning habits that might be contributing to this feeling of drifting. By identifying and addressing these habits, you’ll be better equipped to steer your life towards fulfillment and authentic purpose.

1) Hitting the snooze button

How we choose to start our day can set the tone for everything that follows. And one of the most common, yet self-sabotaging habits, is hitting the snooze button.

The allure of those few extra minutes in bed can be tempting, but it’s a deceptive form of comfort. Every time we hit snooze, we are essentially telling ourselves that we are not ready to face the day or engage with our lives. This can contribute to feelings of disconnection and drift.

Moreover, by starting your day in a state of resistance – resisting the need to get up – you may be unconsciously reinforcing a mindset of avoidance and procrastination. These patterns can then permeate other areas of your life, leading to further feelings of aimlessness and drift.

Instead, consider embracing the day as soon as your alarm rings. This simple act can be a powerful affirmation of your readiness to engage with life and its opportunities. It’s about seizing the helm of your ship from the moment you wake up, which can guide you towards a more empowered and purposeful direction throughout your day.

But remember, change takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself as you cultivate this new habit and gradually, you’ll begin to notice a shift in your mindset and overall sense of direction.

2) Skipping self-reflection

Early mornings can be one of the best times for self-reflection. Yet, amidst the rush to get the day started, this vital habit often gets overlooked.

I remember a time in my life when I’d leap out of bed and plunge straight into work, barely pausing to catch my breath. It was a chaotic and stressful period, and I found myself constantly feeling adrift, with no clear sense of direction or purpose.

That’s when I realized the importance of starting my day with a moment of self-reflection. Now, I dedicate the first part of my morning to quiet contemplation. This could be as simple as sitting silently with a cup of coffee, journaling, or even taking a reflective walk.

This habit forces me to slow down, breathe, and connect with my inner self before the external world demands my attention. It provides an opportunity to assess where I am, where I want to go, and what steps I need to take to get there.

By intentionally setting aside time for self-reflection each morning, you too can anchor yourself in your values and aspirations. It’s about charting your course for the day ahead – a course that aligns with your authentic self rather than being dictated by external pressures or expectations.

3) Neglecting mindfulness

Mindfulness is more than just a buzzword. It’s a practice that can help ground us in the present moment and reconnect us with our inner selves. Yet, it’s often one of the first things we neglect, especially in the mornings when our minds are already racing with the day’s tasks.

Going deeper from what I shared previously about self-reflection, I want to emphasize how incorporating mindfulness into my morning routine has been transformative. It has not only given me a clearer sense of direction but also helped me cultivate an inner resilience and a heightened awareness of my own thoughts and emotions.

Imagine starting your day by simply paying attention to your breath or to the sensation of your feet hitting the ground as you walk. These seemingly small acts of mindfulness can have a profound impact on your overall mindset. They serve as reminders that you are here, now, fully engaged in your life and not just drifting aimlessly.

The beauty of mindfulness is that it can be practiced anywhere and at any time – while brushing your teeth, during your morning shower, or even as you’re sipping your coffee. It’s about bringing a heightened sense of consciousness to these everyday moments, which can help anchor you in the present and set a more intentional tone for the rest of your day.

By incorporating mindfulness into your morning routine, you’re essentially choosing to start your day from a place of presence and authenticity rather than mindless rush and distraction. And this choice can make all the difference when it comes to feeling connected with your life’s path.

4) Prioritizing productivity over creativity

In our fast-paced world, there’s a relentless push towards productivity. We’re conditioned to measure the success of our day by how much we’ve achieved, checked off our to-do list, or accomplished. And while there’s nothing inherently wrong with wanting to be productive, this mindset can often leave us feeling disconnected from our innate creative potential.

I’ve come to understand that creativity is not just about artistic expression. It is intrinsic to our humanity and is reflected in every choice we make, every problem we solve, and every new idea we explore. Yet, when we prioritize productivity over creativity, especially first thing in the morning, we risk stifling this essential aspect of ourselves.

Instead of diving straight into work or tasks, consider dedicating some part of your morning to creative expression or exploration. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to paint a masterpiece or write a novel. It could be as simple as doodling while sipping your coffee, brainstorming ideas for a personal project, or even experimenting with a new breakfast recipe.

By allowing space for creativity in your morning routine, you’re fostering an environment where innovative ideas can flourish. More than that, you’re affirming your commitment to live authentically and fully express your unique perspectives and talents. This subtle shift can help reconnect you with your inner self and counter the feeling of drifting by providing a sense of purpose and engagement with life.

5) Neglecting physical activity

We often underestimate the power of physical activity, especially in the morning. Many of us might find it easier to stay in bed a little longer or get straight to work instead of sparing time for exercise. However, neglecting physical activity could be contributing to feelings of disconnect and drift in our lives.

Exercise, even in small doses, helps to stimulate our brain, enhance our mood, and increase our energy levels. It’s a way of telling our body and mind that we’re ready to face the day, thus grounding us in a sense of purpose and readiness.

I’m not suggesting you need to run a marathon every morning. Even a short walk, some light stretches, or a brief yoga session can have a significant impact on your overall mindset for the day.

By incorporating some form of physical activity into your morning routine, you’re not only taking care of your physical health but also fostering a sense of self-discipline and commitment. This can help steer you away from the feeling of drifting and towards a more energized and focused state of being.

If you’re looking for guidance on how to enhance your focus and vitality through simple techniques, Rudá Iandê’s “The Power of Your Breath” free masterclass might be just what you need. It teaches shamanic breathwork techniques that transform stress into personal power, leveraging your breath for improved mental clarity and overall health. You can check it out here.

6) Diving into digital distractions

In an age where our phones often double as our alarm clocks, it’s all too easy to start the day absorbed in digital distractions. You might find yourself mindlessly scrolling through social media feeds, checking emails, or reading the news as soon as you wake up.

While these activities may seem like harmless ways to ease into the day, they can actually contribute significantly to feelings of drifting and disconnection. By starting your day consumed by external stimuli, you’re essentially surrendering your morning – and often your mood and mindset – to the whims of others.

Instead, consider creating a digital-free zone for the first hour or so of your day. Use this time to connect with yourself and your intentions for the day, rather than getting caught up in the digital whirlwind.

It may seem counterproductive to disconnect in a world that is always online. However, taking this intentional step back can provide you with the space and clarity needed to approach your day with a renewed sense of purpose. It’s about reclaiming your morning as a time for self-connection before you choose to connect with the rest of the world.

7) Overloading your to-do list

We all have responsibilities and tasks that need our attention. But starting your day staring at an overwhelming to-do list can make you feel more like you’re sinking rather than sailing forward.

When our focus is scattered across numerous tasks, it’s easy to feel adrift, uncertain about where to direct our energy. Moreover, a packed to-do list often leaves little room for spontaneity, creativity, or even simple moments of rest and reflection.

Instead of loading your morning with tasks, consider prioritizing just a few key goals for the day. Choose tasks that align with your personal and professional objectives, tasks that make you feel engaged and fulfilled rather than drained.

8) Skipping breakfast

This may seem trivial in comparison to other points, but skipping breakfast can significantly contribute to a sense of drift. When we neglect our body’s need for nourishment first thing in the morning, we’re sending a message that our physical well-being is not a priority.

Eating a healthy breakfast is not just about satisfying hunger; it’s also about setting the tone for a day of self-care. It’s an opportunity to pause, nourish ourselves, and prepare for the day ahead – physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Remember, taking care of our physical health is integral to overall well-being. By starting your day with a nutritious breakfast, you’re not only fueling your body but also cultivating a mindset of self-care which helps anchor you in your life’s journey.

9) Ignoring your emotions

In the hustle of the morning, it’s easy to ignore or suppress our emotions. However, disregarding our feelings can lead to a sense of disconnection from ourselves.

I’ve learned that acknowledging and respecting my emotions, even the uncomfortable ones, is an essential aspect of living authentically. It allows me to understand myself better and guides me in aligning my actions with my inner state.

If you wake up feeling anxious, instead of pushing the feeling aside, take a moment to sit with it. Ask yourself what might be causing this anxiety. If you wake up feeling excited about a project, use that energy to fuel your day.

Our emotions are not distractions; they’re signals from our inner self. By paying attention to these signals, we can navigate our day with greater self-awareness and authenticity, reducing feelings of drift and enhancing our connection to life.

Reclaiming your morning, reclaiming your life

The connection between our morning habits and our overall sense of direction in life is profound. Our mornings set the tone for the rest of our day and, cumulatively, they shape our lives.

If you’ve been feeling like you’re drifting in life, remember that every morning presents a new opportunity to set sail towards your authentic path. By making conscious choices about how you start your day – from the moment your alarm rings to the tasks you choose to engage with – you can alter the course of your journey.

It’s not about implementing drastic changes overnight. It’s more about gradual adjustments that align with your values and aspirations. It’s about choosing to live each day with intention, creativity, and a commitment to self-growth.

Remember, every morning is a fresh start – a chance to stop drifting and start steering your ship.

As you embark on this journey of transformation, Rudá Iandê’s “The Power of Your Breath” free masterclass could serve as a valuable resource. It offers simple yet powerful techniques to enhance focus, creativity, and vitality. You can check it out here.

So as you wake up tomorrow, ask yourself: What morning habits can I change to stop drifting and start living with purpose?