Jennifer Aniston reveals her secret to happiness and wellness: a mindful morning routine.
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A calm morning is not always a given. We have all experienced that heavy morning anxiety at least once in our lives. From the second you wake up, a flood of information rushes through your mind. In turn, you hurry through each step. You live by one task to another, bound to endless emails and never-ending chores. Before you know it, your morning has slipped away. I’m here to affirm that this is a shared struggle: one too many tasks, yet so little time.
Every other week, I find myself experiencing these mornings. It has left me feeling fatigued, sluggish and dissatisfied. As cliche as it sounds, our morning indeed sets the tone for the day. Committing to the right routine can truly foster a positive mindset to navigate your day better. Moreover, it promotes a healthy boost of energy and reduces stress levels.
Photo by Jennifer Aniston / Instagram
In search of the ideal morning routine that caters to my schedule as a young adult working a 9-5 job, I stumbled upon Jennifer Aniston’s morning routine. The Friends actress shared that this lowkey system focusing more on mindfulness has had lasting effects on her happiness and well-being. Though I’m not typically a morning person, I committed to her daily regimen for seven straight days.
Jennifer Aniston’s four-step morning ritual.
1. Meditation and journaling
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“Meditation, that’s no-brainer,” Aniston shares with E! Entertainment, emphasising the importance of meditation in her routine. Her love for guided meditations has helped her stay centred. Afterwards, she would spend approximately 10 to 12 minutes journaling her thoughts and listing her blessings.
2. Get caffeinated!
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“That’s sort of the ritual: Coffee, meditation; meditation, coffee, depending on the order,” the actor says. Aniston enjoys her coffee with almond milk, a scoop of her Vital Protein collagen and a dash of cinnamon for sweetness.
3. Outdoor stroll with her dog
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As a mom to three dogs, Aniston integrates a morning walk with her furry pets, followed by their feeding.
4. Screen-free mornings
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More than just a step, it’s a habit breaker and a vital one at that. Aniston spends the first one or two hours of the day completely free from screens. Advocating on its benefits, she suggests everyone gives it a try for at least a week. In her own words, “You won’t believe the difference.”
Additionally, she often practices yoga and also promotes the importance of a good night’s sleep. While it may not technically be a part of a morning routine, a good stretch and getting enough rest is always essential.
The Final Verdict
If I had to sum it up in three words, I’d say this routine kept me feeling “refreshed, re-energised and productive.” Not only did it enhance my mornings; it had a positive ripple effect throughout my day and surprisingly improved my sleep at night. Now, let’s dive deeper.
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Meditation and journaling are such a killer combination. Of course, over seven days, I experimented with different meditation techniques based on my daily mood. Some days, I practised mindfulness by sitting in complete silence and focusing on my senses. On other days, I follow guided meditations, practice breathwork or extend my morning prayers.
This morning meditation ritual sets a tranquil tone that complements my journaling session. Starting the day with gratitude journaling gave me abundance and clarity. I enjoy a good cup of coffee while I journal. Having coffee in the morning felt pretty routine to me. However, I’ve added my own initiative to make coffee at home and swap dairy milk for oat milk. This simple substitute had a positive effect on my digestion.
Photo by Jennifer Aniston / Instagram
To my surprise, morning walks have become the cornerstone of my morning. While I wish I could take my cats for walks, they’re not exactly keen on the idea. Trust me, I’ve tried. Instead, I dedicate a quick play time with them each morning. Research has proven that pets can help lower stress levels, so starting my day with them fills me with immediate joy.
Afterwards, I head out for a walk. On rainy days or during heavy haze, I switch for a quick walk on the treadmill instead. This takes up a portion of my morning, forcing me to wake up earlier. I typically dedicate 10 to 20 minutes to my walk, but the effects last all day long. This practice regulates my energy levels throughout the day. Hence, I feel more energetic and productive during the day yet able to sleep easily at night.
Photo by Jennifer Aniston / Instagram
Another step that made a notable difference was implementing a screen-free morning. This step has helped me lower my anxiety and stress levels. After a while, I ended up spending less time on my phone altogether, reducing my daily screen time significantly. All in all, it allows me to be more present.
In conclusion, this routine has helped me set a positive tone for my day while regulating my energy levels which in hand fixed my sleeping pattern. I am currently still committing to this routine and I suggest you give it a try. Don’t feel pressured to follow each step exactly—instead, tailor it to fit your lifestyle and preferences. When you make time to take care of yourself, you’ll be surprised by the wonders it’ll bring.
