A calm ten-minute morning routine

How you spend the first few minutes of the day can shape the rest of it. This routine takes about ten minutes and needs nothing but a little space.

The routine

1. Before your phone (1 minute). Sit on the edge of the bed and take five slow breaths.
2. Water and light (1 minute). Drink a glass of water and open the curtains.
3. Move (4 minutes). Follow the gentle yoga flow, or simply stretch your arms overhead and roll your shoulders.
4. Breathe (2 minutes). Try even breathing: in for four, out for four.
5. One intention (2 minutes). Ask yourself: “What matters most today?” Write it down.

Make it stick

• Do it at the same time each day.
• Keep your phone in another room until you are done.
• Use the calendar reminder to nudge you.