One of the most common questions I get on my Instagram is “how do you get so much done in the morning?”, the quickest answer is that I created a morning routine that I really love. I mean it, I love my morning routine. I also love going to bed really early which enables me to get up super early and get so much done. When I don’t stick to my usual schedule of going to bed really early, it throws me way off. This past year I have had too many late nights which has, in turn, made me anxious, so I am slowly but surely getting back to all the things that make me healthy and happy.
I am a big believer in doing doing what’s best for you and not paying attention to what other people are doing, so if you are a happy night owl and your routine is working for you, don’t change it. This also goes for the people who can wake up ten minutes before they need to leave for work and can get out the door not stressed. It’s easy to fall into thinking that you should be doing what everyone else deems healthy and happy but at the end of the day just do what makes you feel healthy and happy. If you really feel like a better morning routine would help you feel and function better then check out my five tips below.
1. Make waking up an enjoyable process.
For some people that might mean waking up to your favourite song as your alarm clock, having a quick guided meditation you can do from bed, setting the coffee maker to start brewing at a certain so you can wake up to the smell of coffee - whatever might help you wake up a little happier. This year I bought an alarm clock that simulates sunrise and it is a game-changer. I wake up to the sound of waves crashing and my room lit up in a gorgeous dark shade of orange.
2. Have something to look forward to.
If you follow me on Instagram, you probably guessed that what I look forward to most is my upgraded coffee. I seriously go to bed thinking about it. It’s frothy and delicious. For you, it could be tea, a little dance party or watching an episode of TV all by yourself. Just figure out that thing and start incorporating it into your morning. If you are curious about how I make my coffee I have it saved as a story highlight. P.S you should always brush your teeth and have a glass of water before you drink your coffee - this is key for healthy skin.
3. Get your body moving.
I like to start my day with at least ten minutes of yoga. It really helps me feel less sore and inflamed. I do this before having my coffee and I never regret it. I also walk my pups. I have two very high energy hounds that need a good walk in the morning but I have actually always like to get outside in the morning. It’s good for my body and my brain, which brings me to my next point…
4. Do something good for your brain.
I like to read a nonfiction book while having coffee. When my coffee is finished I stop reading and get on with my day. It makes me feel less foggy and gets my brain geared up for the rest of my day. I’m currently switching between Super Attractor by Gabrielle Bernstein and The Inflammation Spectrum by Dr. Will Cole. I would highly recommend both! If you don’t enjoy reading you could work on a Skillshare class or watch some Ted Talks.
5. Practice Gratitude.
I know this one is a bit cliché but it makes a HUGE difference in your day. I haven’t been great about this lately and I’ve been in a bad anxiety bubble so in the last week I’ve been super diligent about writing down at least three things a day that I’m grateful for. This takes about two minutes and immediately lifts my mood
I hope this list helps you start to think about what would help you create a morning routine that you love. Don’t get overwhelmed, my morning routine changes all the time to work best for my life at the moment. Start with one thing that you can incorporate and work from there.
XO,
Alyssa