Want to stress less in the morning? Try this.

When was the last time you told yourself “That sounds great, but I don’t have time”? If you’re like most people, the answer is probably yesterday. Your life is busy. It seems like everyone needs something from you at all times. Work, family, social responsibilities, they all add up. So if you’ve been thinking about building a less stressful life, but don’t know where to find the time, you’re in luck.

There is a very simple, easy to implement strategy that allows you to find the time you need. And the best part is, you can do it every day! Are  you ready for it…?

Wake up 30 minutes earlier than you normally do. 

That’s it. No magic pill or secret formula necessary. Simply set your alarm for 30 minutes earlier than you normally wake up. You’ll be amazed at what an extra 30 minutes each morning does for you. Especially if it is before everyone else has woken up. In fact, you could do all the exercises in the Find Your Steady web app in that amount of time and still have 10-15 minutes left over (shameless self plug).

And if you’re worried about cutting your sleep time short, you can go to bed 30 minutes earlier. 

When you tell yourself “I don’t have time”, what you’re really saying is “I haven’t made the time” or “I’m prioritizing other things over this”. It’s a story you tell yourself so many times that you legitimately believe it.

Try this for one week and see how you feel.

1) Set your alarm 30 minutes earlier than you normally wake up

2) Go to bed 30 minutes earlier than you normally would

3) Use this extra time in the morning to journal, read, meditate, stretch, exercise or even sit quietly and drink a cup of coffee without feeling rushed.. If you’re looking for a guided process, try the Find Your Steady web app that comes with every Find Your Steady candle.

One more thing, if 30 minutes feels like too much, start with waking up 10 minutes earlier and work your way up. You’ll be amazed at what you can do with a little extra time in the morning that is set aside for your mental wellbeing.

(Image Credit: Joseph Redfield)