Reading good quotes keeps me inspired every morning, but Oprah Winfrey’s meditation routine is a big challenge.

As someone who often worries, I wanted to find peace of mind by trying Oprah Winfrey’s routine for a week.

Oprah never sets an alarm, so I gave it a try

I started this experiment on Sunday morning and found it more difficult than usual, as I had just gone to a wedding the night before and was a bit hungover.

Luckily, Oprah Winfrey’s first principle is easy to follow. In 2017, she told The Hollywood Reporter that she did not use an alarm clock.

“I never set an alarm clock. I don’t believe in it. I set a time in my head to wake up – between 6:02 and 6:20 a.m., because the dogs are trained to patrol at that time,” said Oprah Winfrey.

Because I usually wake up early, this is not difficult for me.

This habit of Oprah may seem impractical for people who have to go to work, school or have appointments early in the morning. However, because I work from home, I am quite comfortable with my time.

Not using an alarm clock becomes more challenging midweek, especially when my husband has to set an alarm to get up for work. Even so, I can still wake up earlier than him.

Gradually, I was able to wake up by myself at 6am. Indeed, this habit of Oprah is very useful.

Oprah often spends time taking care of her dogs, so I also practice walking my dogs in the morning

In 2018, Oprah Winfrey told Harper’s Bazaar: “The first thing I do in the morning is brush my teeth and take the dog for a walk outside.”

While she has five dogs to take care of, I only have one puppy named Bruce Wayne. Luckily, this puppy woke up at the same time as me, ready to go out and explore the day.

However, this is still a new habit for me. Previously, my husband was the one who often got up early and took the dog out for a walk, because I had a long day with him at home.

However, by the third day of walking the dog, I began to feel more immersed in nature, while my neighbors were still sleeping soundly.

Oprah likes to start her day by enjoying nature

In 2018, Oprah told Harper’s Bazaar that a “perfect day” is when she wakes up and is surrounded by nature in her home. She also enjoyed watching the geese fly over the backyard pond in the morning.

The problem is, Oprah lives in a 260 square meter villa complex with more than 3,000 trees in California. Meanwhile, I’m in New York and there are only trees around my house, no lake at all. So, I decided to make a little adjustment.

Every morning, I open the curtains and look at the trees in the backyard. The peaceful scene makes me feel extremely comfortable. However, if there are ponds or animals, it will be more interesting.

Oprah does “spiritual exercises” every morning and I find them very relaxing

Oprah once revealed that she likes to start her day with “a series of spiritual exercises”. The “Queen of Media” will practice outside if it’s warm, or in the meditation room.

Oprah also said that she has a habit of reading good quotes while making coffee.

“While waiting for the water to boil, I will draw a card from the box ‘365 Days of Truth’. Every morning, I read the 5 great quotes printed on it – a great way to start the day,” she shared.

There is no meditation room so I have to practice in the kitchen. A box of “365 Days of Truth” costs nearly 100 USD so I decided to just buy a few individual cards online.

Every day, while I make my coffee, I will read a card, accompanied by four inspirational quotes from Oprah Winfrey herself. Gradually, it became the habit I like the most.

You will come across many good sayings like “Do everything with an open mind”, or “Give a lot and you will find peace in your soul”.

Instead of uselessly scrolling through social networks, I enjoy starting my day with these inspirational messages. It helps me feel a lot less confused and stressed.

Oprah practices meditation very diligently, but this is a difficult habit for me

In a 2016 interview, Oprah Winfrey said that she would light three candles and meditate for about 10 seconds or 20 minutes every morning.

I know about the benefits of meditation and have tried it for several years. However, this is always a big challenge for me, especially in the morning. Because, I’m the type of person who, once I wake up, immediately thinks about what to do – folding clothes, washing dishes, feeding the dog, completing work, etc.

However, I still try lighting candles and finding a peaceful place in the house to meditate.

The first day, I struggled with meditation and could only sit still for 10 minutes.

The second day, things seemed easier. It was the weekend and I had no plans.

I even use an application that guides meditation for people like me who have difficulty concentrating. However, meditating with a puppy running around your feet is not really easy.

The rest of the week, I try to clear my mind, but it’s really difficult. I don’t understand how Oprah can relax every day with meditation when she’s so busy.

After meditating, Oprah will exercise for 1 hour

Like Oprah, I also regularly exercise in the morning by cycling at the gym of SoulCycle. I understand why she likes this place, because SoulCycle sees cycling as a “moving meditation” method.

On days when I don’t go to the gym, I will use the treadmill at home.

Oprah Winfrey also shared with The Hollywood Reporter in 2017: “I will use the elliptical machine for 20 minutes, then spend 30 minutes on the treadmill. I start at level 3, then gradually adjust the incline to level 12 or 15. Next, I will do push-ups.”

This workout period seemed to go by quite quickly, but I didn’t feel any difference from my usual routine.

Author of the article (left) and Oprah Winfrey (right)

Conclusion: Overall, I enjoyed this series of habits that focus on calming the mind. However, not all of Oprah Winfrey’s habits are suitable for me.

Oprah’s habits help us wake up with a clear head and a grateful heart. However, most of us have a lot to do every day, so this lifestyle may not seem very realistic.

Even though I’m someone who wakes up early and works from home, I still find it difficult to exercise, meditate, walk the dog, etc. before 9 a.m. every day. However, I still enjoy Oprah’s spiritual exercises, as well as reading good quotes every morning. I plan to continue these two habits in the future.