5 Ways to Create a Consistent Morning Routine
The goal of this article today is to help you start building a sustainable morning routine to help you thrive in life!
Everyone talks about how powerful a morning routine is. But here’s my take on how to make a morning routine that will actually work FOR YOU. Not every routine will work perfectly for you, so it takes some trial and error. My main note on this topic is, “Find a routine that allows you to be your best self. Not what someone else’s definition is, but YOUR OWN DEFINITION of your best self. That doesn’t have to mean you’re waking up at 5am or doing a crazy workout.”
1. Determine what you need to feel like you had a “successful” morning
My ideal morning routine is different than others, like everyone’s routines will be. But what I prioritize is being mindful, enjoying the slowness, and really listening to myself on what I need that morning to have a great day. Here’s what my typical ROUGH routine looks like:
- 5 AM — wake up, large glass of water, do some light stretching, and take a shower. (I prefer to do a workout during my lunch break or after work for the day)
- 5:30 AM — grab a cup of protein coffee, do my skincare, listen to a podcast to start fueling my mind, and get dressed for the day.
- 6:15 AM — journal and gratitude while I finish my coffee. I also make my to-do list for the day at the end of this time. I don’t put a time cap on this time since I’ve blocked enough time in my routine to let me completely write out everything and anything I could need.
- 7 AM — do any light chores, if needed, that are super quick (load/unload the dishwasher, start a laundry load, etc.)
- 7:15 AM — start my work day
2. Focus on YOU for at least the first hour of your day.
That first hour of the day is your time to fuel yourself up for the day. I don’t turn on my phone or even look at it until around 9 AM, aka my regular business hours start at this time.
When you look at your phone during the first hour of the day you’re not giving your body that chance to fill up to it’s fullest capacity before a text or social media post takes some energy out of your bucket.
This first hour of the day is when you’re 100% allowed to only focus soley on yourself if possible. If you have little ones that are up with you, encourage them to practice a morning routine with you. Show them how to start their day so they feel calm the rest of the day. Explain why you’re doing what you’re doing. It may take a bit longer, but it’s 100% worth it.
3. Find a balance of movement, nutrition, and self-care.
Movement — Personally, I don’t like to work out in the morning. I do some light stretching to wake up, shower, have some protein coffee, get ready and do all the things right away in the morning. I tend to work out during my lunch break, I find that time of movement helps me transition into the afternoon. Whether I’m working that afternoon or transitioning into a slower afternoon after a long morning of work.
Nutrition — I don’t LOVE to have a meal right away in the morning. Before I have my coffee I always have at least one glass of water and then I have some of my protein mix in my coffee. Then I start by fueling my body in some way for the day. I tend to have my first real meal around 10AM–11AM or even just wait until my lunch around 12PM.
Self Care — Personally, I love taking the time to do skincare, take a shower, journal, and do some stretching. I take my time doing these things because they help fill up my cup for the day.
Finding a balance that’s perfect for you is the key!
4. Journal and gratitude to get your mind right.
Journaling about what’s going on in life, your goals for the day, what you’re thankful for, and what you’re trying to overcome is so powerful. Every morning I write down the following things:
- How I’m feeling that morning.
- 10 things I’m grateful for
- My top 5 goals I’m working towards in some way (big and small goals including the tiny steps that are being made that day towards those goals).
- Anything that I need to get off my heart
- How I’m going to be my best self that day
- And more. It depends on the day
5. Slow down and be present during this time.
This is your time to really spoil yourself with some you time, if possible. Take advantage of at least one hour of quiet time to get ready, journal, enjoy a coffee, do a workout, or do anything that you need to get yourself ready for the day ahead.
I’m slow with my morning routine because I don’t want to start my day rushing and stressing. That defeats the purpose of a slow nourishing morning routine if you just rush through the motions and don’t truly take advantage of the moment you have for yourself.
I’d love to hear about how you’re building your morning routine! Either comment below or send me a message on Instagram. I’d love to chat about our morning routines together!
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