An Unexpected Way to…start the day well
How you start your day shapes everything that follows. A calm, intentional morning creates clarity and energy, ensuring you’re off to a flying start. But if you get it wrong at the beginning, stress and chaos will ruin your day - and nobody wants that…
HOW CAN YOU CONSISTENTLY START THE DAY WELL?
Some people seem effortlessly suited to starting the day well. They wake with calm clarity, carving out time to ease into their morning with rituals that energise and focus them. These Primal Natures often prioritise mindfulness, quiet reflection, or physical movement, ensuring their day begins on a positive note. Their ability to embrace stillness before activity sets them up to tackle challenges with grace and intention. For them, mornings are a sanctuary—a moment to connect with themselves before engaging with the world.
“Clarity, patience and purpose - these are the actions that build a strong morning foundation for a successful day.”
For others, mornings feel like a race against time. Rushing out of bed, they juggle tasks, skip breakfast, and dive straight into stress. Overwhelmed by to-do lists or distractions, they miss the chance to ground themselves. This chaotic start leaves them feeling scattered and reactive throughout the day. Without structure or intentional pauses, these individuals struggle to find clarity, often facing burnout or frustration before noon. Starting the day this way can feel like trying to run on empty.
If you’re one someone who struggles to start the day well, here’s an unexpected way to overcome your problems, evolved in nature over millions of years…
BE LIKE THE LIZARD
The lizard holds a key lesson for us: bask before you begin. Each morning, lizards instinctively find a sunny spot to warm their bodies, a ritual vital to their survival. This time in the sun doesn’t just prepare them physically—it awakens their energy, sharpens their focus, and equips them for the challenges of the day. Without this morning ritual, lizards remain sluggish and unprepared. By adopting this natural behaviour, we can learn to prioritise a calm, energising start.
Just as the lizard basks in the sun to energise, we can create a simple morning practice to centre ourselves. This isn’t about adding complexity but about embracing a moment of stillness. By intentionally carving out time to “bask,” you give yourself the gift of clarity and focus. Whether it’s sitting in the sunlight with a warm drink, practising gratitude, or reflecting on your day’s intentions, this practice creates a foundation of calm and confidence to build upon.
Marcus Aurelius: An Embodiment of ‘Be like the Lizard’
A great example of someone who embodied the ‘Be Like the Lizard’ philosophy is Marcus Aurelius, the Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher. Despite ruling an empire in constant turmoil, he started each day with quiet reflection, writing in his personal journal (which later became Meditations). This morning practice was his form of “basking,” helping him absorb wisdom, centre his mind, and prepare for the challenges ahead. By prioritising this non-negotiable ritual, he maintained calmness, clarity, and resilience, allowing him to lead effectively under immense pressure. His success as a leader and thinker came not from reacting impulsively, but from approaching each day with a prepared and focused mind—just like a lizard warming itself before action.
To help you ‘Be Like the Lizard’, here’s a 3-step daily action you can start now…
STEP 1
Find your sun spot
Choose a spot where you can sit comfortably and soak up natural light, either outdoors or by a window. Exposure to sunlight in the morning is scientifically proven to regulate your circadian rhythm, boosting your energy levels and improving sleep quality later in the evening. Sunlight also stimulates the production of serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone that enhances mood and focus. Just a few minutes in natural light can positively influence your physical and mental well-being.
STEP 2
Pause & Breathe
Sit in your chosen spot and take slow, deep breaths. Deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and lowering cortisol levels in your body. This practice calms the mind and helps you transition from sleep mode into a state of wakeful clarity. By focusing on your breath, you shift your brain away from anxious thoughts and into a mindful, present state. This grounded moment is like fuelling your internal engine before you start your day’s journey.
STEP 3
Set your Intentions
While you sit and bask, take a moment to imagine yourself moving through the Primal Archipelago: on Private Island, see yourself engaging in activities that nurture your physical and mental health. On Work Island, envision achieving a productive and focused state that advances your goals. On Friendship Island, picture meaningful interactions with loved ones or time spent having fun. This mental map gives your day structure and purpose. Research shows that visualising goals and intentions activates neural pathways that improve motivation and decision-making. By setting even one clear intention—such as “I will prioritise calm problem-solving” or “I will focus on energising tasks today”—you prime your brain for a more intentional, productive day.
NEED HELP? BOOK A PRIMAL NATURE COACHING SESSION
If you struggle to start the day well, one of our Primal Nature Coaches can help. Using your Primal Nature profile, they’ll help you design a morning routine tailored to your unique rhythm and needs.
Whether you’re overwhelmed, rushed, or stuck in unhelpful habits, we’ll guide you towards small, effective shifts that bring balance and energy to your mornings. With the right approach, even the most chaotic mornings can become a time of clarity and renewal.