Summer Morning Routine
The morning routine edit: taking you through my current routine & all time favorites to foster a refreshing & productive day. Longer days always helps give me the boost I need to rise with intention & kickstart the day. To wake up refreshed & prepared, I adjust nightly habits to reducing caffeine/alcohol consumption close to bedtime, minimize screen time before bed & upon waking, and regulate my sleep schedules as best I can. The goal: improve quality of sleep and mental preparedness come morning.
MORNING Non-Negotiables
Tongue scraping & brushing teeth first thing
Drinking water - sometimes I add lemon + drink with a straw, but I always drink at least 32oz before I leave the house/drink coffee
Limit screentime - I set my phone across the room so I have to get out of bed to turn off the alarm in the morning & don’t check it until I leave for work
Make the bed - helps the room look much cleaner & a simple task to complete early on
mindfulness practices
Mindfulness practices can be transformative for better mood, attitude, and patience. I’ve been using the 5 Minute Journal for years, which prompts you to write down what you’re grateful for, what would make it a great day, and affirmations to tell yourself. I keep the journal on my nightstand so I’m reminded first-thing to center my day around gratitude & intention. Attitude is everything & shifting your mindset to focus on the good helps shine more light in your life! In a perfect world I would do all of these mindfulness practices, but realistically I try my best to do three of the following each morning:
Set 3 intentions for the day
Set 3 affirmations for yourself
Note 3 things you are grateful for
Seated breathwork/medidation for 5-10 minutes
Read for 10-15 minutes
Make a priorities list/to-do list for the day; include professional and personal items
Sunlight in the eyes (especially before blue light from phones - taking the dog outside is a great way to habit stack)
physical practices
My biggest tip for getting movement in is to know yourself - pick a method of movement that your body enjoys (or enjoys the feeling of afterwards most) and be consistent! Schedule time for yourself like it’s your job - enter your workout into your google calendar, or commit to meeting with a friend to exercise to help hold yourself accountable. Creating time in the morning to move can help to provide a sense of accomplishment and give you a boost of endorphins to carry you through the day. My other favorite tips are to set the alarm beyond hands-reach to help prevent hitting snooze and to set out clothes before bed. One less decision to make in the morning & helps me to maintain routine. Choose three of the following to build into your morning:
Stretch for 5-10 minutes upon waking
Walk for 10-15 minutes
Exercise for 30+ minutes (or schedule for the evening)
Drink 16+ ounces of water for hydration
Curate a nutritious breakfast
Do your best to stay consistent! Keep similar wind down/wake times, develop a maintainable routine, make time in your schedule for movement and mindfulness. Let us know any of your other favorite habits, supplements, or routines to set yourself up for the day!