You either love mornings or you hate them. Regardless, they can't be avoided. Creating a morning routine is important when it comes to preparing for a successful day. We don't know what the day will bring, but we can choose to set ourselves up to have a positive mindset allowing us to handle anything that comes our way--no matter what it is.
The way we start each day determines how our day will flow. You can be either super productive or all out of sorts. When we have those productive days, we tend to be in better moods and we feel the day has been successful. When our days are out of sorts, we end the day tired and in a not so great mood. What if I told you that the choice is yours? It totally is! How amazing is that? I would like to share with you some ideas on how you can get on track to having a better day.
About a year ago, a mentor suggested changing up my morning routine. I was waking up feeling irritated, unintentional about the day, and unmotivated. If you have kids, none of that is a great combo. At least not for long. So, I developed a morning routine to try to start my day on the right foot. Mind you, my routine is constantly evolving as new habits expand. I believe that these habits or activities allow me to have a stronger, more positive impact on my day. Therefore, anyone can adopt these as well, which is why I would like to share with y'all what works for me. Take what you want and leave the rest!
1. Rise and say "Thank You"
The hardest part of the morning is actually getting up. Some days are harder than others. I always had the hardest time waking up, whether it was because of my alarm or my toddler waking me up. I would immediately feel the dread of the day. So, instead of waking up immediately allowing my mind to shift to what I am dreading, I changed it by saying "thank you". I am awake another day. I am breathing another day. I am able to get up and put my feet on the ground with no struggle. I am thankful for yet another day. Another day that I have a choice of how I will let my mindset impact my life.
2. WATER
Before I consume anything, I always have a warm glass of water. Water wakes up our internal organs and allows everything to get moving, so we can start our day. Sometimes, I will have a cup of hot water with lemon.
3. Morning Coffee/Breakfast
These are a must. I literally cannot function properly (or nicely) until I have a cup of coffee [with my macadamia milk of course :) ] and some food. Besides, breakfast is my all time favorite meal of the day and it keeps my metabolism and energy going when I eat soon after waking. Some things that I usually eat:
+ Oatmeal with fruit and nuts
+ Scrambled Eggs with lots of veggies
+ Green Smoothie
4. Daily Devotional/Meditate
Before I watch TV, look at any social media/emails/messages, or step out for the day--I always read my daily devotional. Every day the material changes, but I make it a point to read it first for the sake of starting the day with a fresh, positive mindset. The reason I love a daily devotional is because it allows me to focus on the topic given and meditate on that topic throughout the day. Plus it's a motivating and insightful way to apply the purpose to my life.
5. Music
Y'all. Music is my life. I have used it as therapy in all stages of my life. Literally. I listen to it while cleaning, cooking, getting dressed, in the car at all times, etc. Even better, I like to listen to music I can sing to (and not good by any means). Don't worry, I do it alone or with my daughter! Whether it is in the car or at home, I am listening to music. When I'm driving my daughter to school, we are singing and dancing to our favorite songs. It's not only fun and empowering, it's our little thing we do together.
6. Podcast
Back when my daughter didn't wake up super early, I used to wake up and have my hour to drink my coffee and listen to my motivational podcasts. I loved it! But that quickly changed, because I love my sleep and have a really hard time getting up earlier than my daughter at this point. My husband wakes up super early to do his morning routine and I honestly envy his ability to get up as early as he does. Eventually, I'll get there :) Now, I listen to a podcast on mornings that I go to the gym for a Barre class. I use that little time before the class to get on an elliptical and listen to some words of wisdom from some inspiring people. Some of my favorites:
+ Rachel Hollis Rise
+ Dr. Mark Hyman: The Doctor's Farmacy
+ Marie Forleo
+ Cat&Nat
+ John Maxwell
7. Workout
I have my set days that I get my workouts in. I have tried literally every kind there is and fell in love with Barre. For those of you that don't know what Barre is, it's a mix of Pilates, Ballet, and strength training. My body thrives on it and so I do it as much as I can! This hour or so I get of challenging my body to amazing levels of movement, leaves me feeling so good. Not to mention, I sleep really good that night. For many people, this can look like all sorts of different types of movement. It doesn't matter what you do, the little bit of movement can provide such positive results in mind and body. Days I don't get a workout in, I usually go on a short walk, I take the stairs wherever I go, or I park further away at a store.
8. Write/Journal
Lastly and very importantly, I write. Whether this be journaling or writing a blog, I do it daily. I use my #starttodayjournal to keep track of what I'm grateful for and my intentions/goals. I love using this because it keeps me on track and is a great reminder on what I have. Writing is also a creative outlet for me. It allows me to unload and reflect. In school, I honestly did not love writing. At all. It wasn't until recently since I have been on my own health journey, that I discovered how much I love it as a creative outlet. Definitely not a professional writer by any means, but it works for me and allows me to keep a positive mindset.
After my morning routine, I feel refreshed and full of positivity and encouragement. I feel as if I can take on the rest of the day and whatever comes with it!
What are your morning routines? Do you have anything that you have found makes a big difference in how you handle your day? Comment below!
love,
Alexa
Wife//Mom//Nutrition Educator//Holistic Health Coach