Morning Routine: Cheryl Telfer
Courtesy of Cheryl Telfer
As we're constantly learning, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to wellness. In order to find the best personal health plan, it can take lots of research and fine-tuning habits. To highlight this journey, we’re starting at the very beginning of the day. By zooming into the morning routines of our faculty, alumni, and other members of the health community that we admire, we’ll showcase what works for them. In illuminating the difference and similarities of these routines, we hope you’ll find a tangible starting point with your healing.
We caught up with London-based Certified Holistic Health/Nutrition Coach and AHN alum, Cheryl Telfer for the next feature in our series.
I wake up between 6:30 AM - 7:30 AM, always without an alarm. They never felt good to me.
I go to the bathroom and then turn on my hot water system and the kettle.
I light my incense, get back in bed, and write in my gratitude journal for 5-10 minutes.
I then make green tea with lemon juice or warm lemon water.
Drink my tea, and make a daily plan, or adjust my schedule, check emails or Instagram.
Brush my teeth and tongue.
I get active by going for a walk in the local woodlands or doing yoga, or stretching at home. But not every day, as I might do it later in the day.
I wash any dishes leftover from the night before.
I take a shower and get dressed for the day.
I usually finish by making and eating oatmeal with fruit, seeds and/or nut, or something else. I take a picture of it as I might post it to the gram. Then I start working anytime between 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM, either at home or remotely. My local library is my new favorite spot.
Courtesy of Cheryl Telfer
What led you to this morning routine?
What led me to this morning routine is that I naturally wake up with the sun and enjoy starting the day by setting my mind right with gratitude and if I can getting out in nature.
It has taken at least 3 years to get this way. I used to have horrible mornings waking up exhausted and lying in till the very last minute and rushing to jump on a packed train. I intuitively knew that wasn’t sustainable and not what I wanted for my life. I’ve also had seasons of waking up at 5:00 AM and heading straight to the gym armed with a smoothie, which was enjoyable for a while. Now I go with my natural flow and do what feels good.
Did any ancient practices inspire you?
I don’t think any ancient practices inspired me, besides throwing in a guided meditation occasionally. I just know starting the day with calm intentional energy supports me as a whole, especially having experienced the latter.
For you, what is the importance of following a morning routine?
Following a morning ritual allows your spirit to guide you as you do earthly things that can enrich you or deplete you. So starting the day feeling connected to your highest Self helps you overcome anything.
Stay tuned for more Morning Routines from our AHN Community.