My Morning Routine
I used to love to sleep in as long as I could. I remember setting my alarm at the absolute latest I could so I wouldn't be late for my job that was 5 minutes away from my house. Id wake up and get ready as fast as possible and had just enough time to eat a quick breakfast and run out the door with just enough time to spare to grab a quick Starbucks coffee on my way to work. A few years later my morning routine changed. I'm going to share with you how I now start my mornings. It is pretty lengthy. I know alot of people don't have that much time in the morning being they have long work days or long commutes or kids. I know my routine is not the normal. I wake up 4 hours before work to get my sh*t done. That might sound crazy but I do what I need to do in order to set my mind right for the day.
5:10 am Alarm goes off. I get my yoga pants on and pour myself some pre workout. I start my day 6/7 days a week with a 30-60 minute workout in my living room. I do workout videos on my apple tv. My workouts include cardio and strength training.
6:30am 30 minutes of yoga/ stretching. This is something newly added to my daily routine. (I used to tell myself I would do this after I got home from work everyday, but truth was I was not rolling the mat out after a long day, as good as it would be for me. So ive added it to my morning routine instead). This has been a game changer for me. And on my rest day from working out, I still do a yoga or stretching routine. I started doing this for flexibility and to relieve tightness after my workouts, but I noticed something else. It totally relaxed me. I know No SH*T it relaxes you. But mornings can be so rushed and chaotic. Taking even 10-30 minutes to stretch it out helps me to slow down and be more mindful the rest of the day.
7 am I take my dog out for a 30 minute walk
7:30 am Breakfast and coffee and prep my lunch.
8 am Meditation and journaling. I use the Calm app. If you don't already use it I highly recommend it. Everyday there is a daily mediation that is only 10-11 minutes long. They are amazing and so quick. If you only have 10 minutes to spare in the morning I recommend meditation. I try to do this as often as possible. Some days life gets in the way and I forget. But i try my best to do it everyday. I also love to light some palo santo and use some crystals during my practice. The app also has some amazing sleep stories which I will share in my nightly routine another day. Then I journal. Ive been journaling since I was a kid. Its like therapy to me in some ways. There are so many benefits to journaling as well as meditation.
Tips to have a better morning
Get a goodnights sleep. Aim for 8 hours.
Plan out your morning the night before. Plan out your workout the night before as well as something to help you relax in the morning.
Dry shampoo- enough said.
Prep your lunch and snacks for work the night before.
Be realistic about how much time you have in the morning. The worst thing is feeling rushed.
Plan out your outfits the night before. Everything from your workout outfit to your work outfit.
There is something amazing about a 5 minute makeup routine. If you worked out that morning or if you meditated, you are probably already glowing and you won't need too much anyways!
Create a feel good playlist or save a few podcasts to listen to during your commute.
Set intentions for the day and write down 3 things you are grateful for each day
Be consistent in your routine.
I know alot of people don't have 4 hours to themselves in the morning. But whatever time you do have in your morning for yourself, even 10 minutes,take advantage of it. Do something that will help ease your busy mind and set you up to have a good day.
Id love to know your tips for setting yourself up to have a good day! Share in the comments!
XOXO
Kimmy