I remember the day I started a morning routine. I had been at school and I was feeling blah. Nothing bad had happened and yet my mood was just off. I caught my reflection in the window and UGH I looked terrible. My hair was up in a sloppy, still wet bun. I had no make-up and chapped lips. My dress and leggings clashed and I had the wrong shoes on. Theat only made me feel worse.
It’s not that I’m a particular vain person, it’s just that I want to look happy and healthy. I’m more likely to be in a good mood if I put effort into getting ready in the morning. The problem was, I was rolling out of bed 20 minutes before I had to leave. I needed to find a way to make it easier for me to get ready for the day. The plan-build routines!
A huge part of my morning routine is the nighttime routine the night before. A good night’s sleep and everything laid out for the morning helps me get out of bed the next day. The purpose of a routine is to train your body for whatever it is you want to do. When you do the same chain of activities every morning, your brain will start to recognize it’s time to wake up and get the day going. I have 3 tips for building a morning routine below. I share what I do, but I have other ideas for you as well! Click here to listen to the podcast version!
Get Moving
This is an important part of my morning routine. I liked to do something energetic. It helps get my muscles moving and my blood flowing, which naturally helps me wake up. I don’t drink coffee (yuck) so I don’t have caffeine to help me. Being active is the way for me to wake up.
At the time I write this blog I am into working out. I do have and use a subscription to Beachbody. A lot of people don’t know this but you don’t need to have a coach or be on a team. I started using Beachbody nearly 3 years ago. I paid $99 to get streaming access for one year. I just keep renewing that every year for continued access.
I do genuinely enjoy the workouts but you don’t have to have Beachbody to workout at home. There are a ton of free workouts on Youtube. There are also a number of books you can use. I used to use the BodyBoss book, although the pictures were not as effective for me. You can also get a traditional gym membership or even go for a run around your neighborhood.
I also want to emphasize that I only work out 2 days a week, 3 days max. And I tend to drop working out for months at a time. The most common way I get moving in the morning is walking my dog. Taking Buster for just an eight minute walk is plenty to make me feel energized and help him get some outside time before I leave for work.
Other ideas include doing yoga or a stretching workout. Even doing some arm, hamstring and butterfly stretches on your bedroom floor help. You don’t have to dedicate an hour or even 20 minutes to this. But try using 2 minutes to stretch your body and see if it helps.
Get Ready
Again, I want to emphasize that I am not a super vain person. I absolutely love doing my makeup but I completely understand and respect that other people don’t. I do really like to do my hair but I understand other people need to straighten, curl or refresh their hair in the morning.
What this step is really about is taking time to do whatever it is that makes you feel your best. If you don’t like makeup I do recommend at least washing your face and putting on a mourtizer and SPF to protect your skin. This just helps your skin be radiant and fresh.
Even if a ponytail is your go to look, take the time to brush your hair and put your ponytail in a sleek and neat style. Add a scrunchy that matches your outfit or try learning how to braid a piece back. If you like a more intricate style, leave time to do this. In less then 10 minutes I can go from looking sleepy and out of bed to awake and ready for the day.
Get Focused
I do a gratitude journal every single day. I love this one I found on Amazon. I love to brew a cup of tea and settle in to fill out the page. Again, I can complete this page in less than 3 minutes. It’s such a small thing but it helps me have a clearer perspective heading into the day.
If I have extra time, I like to read a little bit or I will give myself dedicated time to scroll on social media. If you listened to my podcast about reducing phone use, you know why I give myself dedicated time! If journaling is so not your thing, try sitting on your couch with coffee and watching Tik Tok videos for 10 minutes. Maybe it’s better for you to write a plan for the day out in the morning. Just give yourself time to do something before you run the door.
The following will show two sample routines. One is short and what I typically do on the days I have to be at work early. The longer one is ideal for the days I go to work later or work from home, and it is a weekend go to.
Short Routine
Shower, Dress and Makeup: 25 Minutes
Walk Buster: 8 Minutes
Gratitude Journal: 2 minutes
Total Time: Aprrox. 35 mins (If I need to leave a 7, I get up at 6:15)
Long Routine
Workout: 40 minutes
Shower, Dress and Makeup: 25 minut
Walk Buster: 5 Minutes
Graditutde Journal and Quite Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: Aprrox. 80 mins (If I need to leave a 7, I get up at 5:30)
My last tip is to help you wake up earlier. If you need to leave for work at 7 and you don’t get up until 6:40, trying setting the alarm for 6:30. Do that for a week, then back the alarm up to 6:20. If that is too big of a jump, try 6:25 and then push back to 6:20.
The only way a morning routine will work if it is filled with things you either want to do or feel better after you do it. For example, you might hate working out but if you have a better day when you do it you are more likely to get up early to do it. Try different combinations of things until you land on whatever it is that will get you ready for the day. I hope you find a routine that works for you!