How I Stay Grounded: My Summer Morning Routine as a Deaf CEO
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Summer is my season for slowing down—without falling behind. As a Deaf CEO, my mornings aren’t just about checking boxes. They’re about staying connected to myself, my community, and my purpose.
Let’s be real: life can be loud, even when you don’t hear it. From team meetings to running a brand, it’s easy to let mornings blur into chaos. But grounding myself first thing in the morning changes everything. That first hour? It’s mine. No apps. No overwhelm. Just presence.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the exact routine I follow each summer morning, broken down by time. You’ll find 25 self-care habits you can start today—even if you only have one minute.
How I Stay Grounded: My Summer Morning Routine as a Deaf CEO
And if you’re ready to build your own grounding routine, I’ve made something for you:
🎁 Free Summer Morning Toolkit – Includes a printable habit tracker, beginner-friendly ASL self-care signs, and a calming morning affirmations page. Click here to download it.
Why Grounding Matters—Especially as a Deaf Entrepreneur
Before we dive in, let me say this: self-care isn’t a luxury. It’s leadership. When I take care of myself, I lead better. I communicate more clearly. I stay present with my team, my family, and our community.
Grounding routines help regulate your nervous system, especially when you’re managing access barriers or navigating communication fatigue. For many in the Deaf community, mornings can feel rushed and isolating. But with the right structure, they can be empowering.
This isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing what works for you.
My Summer Morning Routine: 25 Self-Care Habits by Time
Everyone’s got a different morning window. Whether you have 5 minutes or an hour, here are practical habits grouped by how much time they take. Feel free to build your routine one block at a time.
⏱ 1–5 Minutes: Center Yourself Fast
Sometimes we’re short on time. That’s okay. These micro-habits take under 5 minutes and still make an impact.
- ✅ Stretch in bed before getting up
- ✅ Write down one thing you’re grateful for
- ✅ Light a candle and breathe for 3 deep inhales
- ✅ Drink a glass of water with lemon
- ✅ Use the ASL sign for “peace” and hold it over your heart
Pro tip: Keep a sticky note on your bathroom mirror with one word you want to embody today (like clarity or ease).
⏱ 5–15 Minutes: Move, Reflect, Align
Once I’m out of bed, I like to bring movement into my body and intention into my mind.
- ✅ Walk barefoot outside (even if it’s just to your mailbox)
- ✅ Journal 3 lines about how you want to feel today
- ✅ Do a 5-minute body scan meditation
- ✅ Watch one ASL affirmation on your phone (use captions and visuals!)
- ✅ Dry brush or use face mist for a quick sensory refresh
These are quick, calming, and ideal if you’re juggling work or kids.
⏱ 15–30 Minutes: Full Mind-Body Reset
Got more time? This is the sweet spot. This part of my routine grounds me deeply and sets a calm tone for the entire day.
- ✅ Do yoga or gentle movement with ASL prompts
- ✅ Prep a colorful breakfast (I love fruit bowls with chia seeds)
- ✅ Read one page of something nourishing (not the news)
- ✅ Review my top 3 priorities and sign them out loud to myself
- ✅ Spend 5 minutes learning a new ASL sign
Mid-post reminder! 💡 Don’t forget to grab your free printable Summer Morning Toolkit. The ASL signs and tracker inside are perfect for this part of your routine. Get it now.
⏱ 30–60 Minutes: Anchor in Purpose
If you have a full hour, take it. As a Deaf CEO, I use this time to ground my leadership in my values.
- ✅ Go for a silent walk and practice mindful ASL signing
- ✅ Set up your day with a visual planner or color-coded system
- ✅ Connect with another Deaf entrepreneur or friend via Marco Polo or text
- ✅ Sit outside with a drink and just observe—clouds, sounds, stillness
- ✅ Do a mindset check-in: What beliefs are you bringing into today?
Avoiding Overwhelm: 3 Truths That Keep Me Consistent
Let’s talk consistency—because the truth is, some mornings still get messy. And that’s okay.
1. You don’t have to do it all to feel the shift.
Even one small habit (like stretching or journaling) creates momentum. When I skip everything else but still make my tea mindfully, I feel grounded.
2. Structure > motivation.
I use visual cues to stay on track. My toolkit stays on my desk. My habit tracker lives on the fridge. I even set my phone wallpaper to my summer mantra: “Move slow. Lead well.”
3. Rest is part of the rhythm.
Some mornings I need rest more than action. I’ve learned to listen—and not guilt myself when my “routine” is just a nap with the curtains open.
How This Supports the Deaf Community
Creating a grounding routine has ripple effects—especially for us in the Deaf community.
- Less burnout from communication fatigue
- More clarity when interpreting or navigating access
- More space to connect with Deaf identity and culture
- A model for younger Deaf folks watching us lead with care
Self-care isn’t just personal—it’s collective. When we show up whole, we help reshape what Deaf leadership looks like. We show that rest, joy, and slowness are not signs of weakness. They’re signs of wisdom.
Want Help Getting Started?
If you’re ready to build your own summer morning routine, I made it easy for you:
📩 Download the FREE Summer Morning Toolkit
Includes:
- Habit tracker (with time blocks)
- Printable ASL self-care signs
- Morning mantra cards
👉 Click here to get your free toolkit and I’ll send it straight to your inbox.
Once you grab it, you’ll also get:
- A welcome email with 3 tips for starting slow
- A weekly Sunday check-in prompt from me (optional!)
- First dibs on our upcoming Deaf CEO Self-Care Circle
This toolkit isn’t just cute (although it is). It’s functional, intentional, and made by someone who gets it.
Grounded = Ready
I don’t do morning routines for the “productivity.” I do them because I want to live from a place of presence. As a Deaf CEO, that means grounding in who I am before the world tells me who to be.
You don’t need a perfect routine. You need a real one.
Start small. Stay curious. Choose you—every morning.
✨ See you inside the toolkit! Download it here