Permission to Pause

15. Dopamine, Endorphins, and a 5 Second Morning Ritual


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In this episode I invite you into a small yet powerful morning experiment that transformed my morning launch into the day: smiling in the mirror. If you’ve ever wanted to wake up feeling more grounded, this episode is for you.

Topics discussed in this episode:

  • Fixing a stuck bike brake and what it revealed about how ease may be more available than you think at first
    Smiling can literally boost your brain chemistry

  • The unintentional scowl and how it shapes your mornings

  • Creating a nourishing and gentle morning routine

  • Smiling at yourself in the mirror (yes, on purpose!)

  • Using affirmations and mirror pep talks to connect with yourself

  • How toddlers and babies can remind us how to love our reflection

Takeaways: A genuine smile in passing isn't just for others—it's for you. Adding intentional smiles to your daily routine can shift how you meet the world, not by changing your circumstances, but by changing your connection to yourself. This simple morning experiment is a brief moment that brings more flow, energy, and self-trust into your day.

Timestamps

(00:00) Welcome, new mistake, and quote

(01:55) My stuck bicycle brake 

(05:33) How the morning smile experiment began

(09:56) Smiling in the mirror and self-connection

(11:12) Learning from child-like joy in your own reflection

(12:52) The recap and invitation for listeners

Links & Resources:

Come chat with me on Threads: ⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@meaganhubbardcoaching⁠⁠

Follow me on Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/meaganhubbardcoaching⁠⁠

Book a FREE ⁠60min Solution Conception call⁠

Have a takeaway from this episode? Send me a DM—I’d love to hear how you’re applying this!

Article mentioned from Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/cutting-edge-leadership/201206/there-s-magic-in-your-smile

SEO Keywords: morning routine for moms, how to start the day with intention, self-love practices for moms, smiling to boost mood, daily dopamine boost, mom morning rituals, how to connect with yourself, simple morning self-care, mirror affirmations, smile experiment benefits

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Permission to PauseBy Meagan Hubbard