Freelancers and burnout. They go together like tequila and bad decisions. When the workload ramps up, it's easy to put our own needs on the back burner. Let's be real—ignoring self-care is the fastest way to land in the burnout pit.
But hey, who am I to judge? I've ghosted my needs more times than I've forgotten my coffee in the microwave. Luckily, I’ve learned that with the right morning recipe, you can send the overwhelm packing.
Behold, my seven-step morning mocktail:
1. The base
My day starts with zero phone scrolling. This way, I’m dodging the morning stress bullet and it gives me a chance to focus on numero uno—myself. I know, giving up that morning scroll feels like losing an arm, but trust me, it gets easier.
2. The juice
Coffee in hand, I dive into my Morning Pages, a brain dump method to offload stress and untangle the knots in my head.
3. The palate cleanser
Next, I stir in a dash of meditation. This practice helps me find my center and maintain perspective on everything that happens during the day.
4. The spritz
Then, I step outside to bask in nature. Like a refreshing splash of lime, the sunshine wakes me up from the morning slumber and grounds my energy. Plus, it's cheaper than therapy.
5. The flavor shot
After that, I add a shot of workout endorphins to my morning concoction. It’s a key ingredient to fulfilling my life mantra, "Make yourself happy before you make anyone else happy."
6. The infusion
Before opening the floodgates of client requests, I measure out my intentions for the day, distinguishing between the must-haves and the "maybe-laters."
7. Ready to serve
Finally, a few hours post-wakeup, I unmute my notifications and tackle my daily tasks—like a bartender addressing a rush of orders.
W.W.R.D.?
- Add self-care rituals to your morning that suit your needs and lifestyle. Or, you know, steal a few of mine.
- Start your day without scrolling and as far from work as you can get.
- Tuck morning reflection and a bit of movement into your morning routine before you even think about client demands.
About Susan Rov
Susan traded cocktails and lattes for words that move. As a copywriter on a mission to end boring, she brightens brands and makes an impact. Number 463 on the list of fiction readers left standing, you'll find Susan at sunrise—running, writing, and wondering how to change the world next. That drive led her to become a founding team member of BRIL.LA.