Sometimes people ask me how I wake up and manage to get so much done or how I stay so motivated. The truth is, like everyone else, I have sluggish lazy days where I’d much rather lie in bed and stream movies all day. Every now and then I do exactly that, basking in what I call my “mental health day.” But realistically, most days I have a full to-do list and people count on me, so I soldier on. The “secret,” if there is one, is that I am a creature of routines and habits.
I’ve always loved routine. I like knowing what to expect from my day and what comes next — that isn’t always predictable, but routines help. When I had four little ones running around, routines were crucial to getting through the day and the kids thrived having some semblance of a schedule. So here is the morning routine that is currently working for me:
Make Your Bed
Honestly, I do this within 30 minutes of waking up. This helps me feel like I’m starting my day off on the right foot and also makes me much less likely to crawl back into bed. It also makes me feel more organized and is a tiny little accomplishment to start the day with.
Get Dressed
Even if I’m working from home, I get dressed (usually in workout clothes) within an hour of waking up. I need to do this to walk my dogs without my neighbors thinking I’m crazy, but it also motivates me and prepares me for my day. Often I’ll shower or bathe and change again, but even if I get busy or interrupted and don’t have the opportunity, I’m dressed and presentable for whatever the day throws at me.
Get Outside or Get Moving
My dogs expect to be walked every morning bright and early, no matter how I am feeling or what’s on my schedule for the day. So I have the perfect excuse to both get outside and move my body. If you don’t have a dog to walk, you need to at minimum add some stretching or a light workout to your morning routine (outside if possible). Carving out even 15 minutes to do something for yourself that’s healthy both physically and mentally sets the tone for a day of being kind to yourself.
Breakfast
Yes, I know not everyone is hungry in the morning. And some people are intermittent fasting. But I believe breakfast is a super important meal, and if I don’t eat in the morning then my supplements will often make me nauseous. Not to mention I tend to get very busy and can’t always make time for a proper lunch, so breakfast is my time to get some nutrients. If I’m not hungry I’ll make a super greens smoothie — otherwise it’s usually avocado toast, a fruit and yogurt bowl, or a breakfast salad. If you’ve never tried your favorite salad with poached or over easy eggs on top, you’re missing out.
Skincare
Even if I don’t need to do full hair and makeup on a particular day (when I am staying home, I like to give my skin a break from makeup), I follow a simple and short skincare routine. For me, that means a quick cleanse, some moisturizer, and SPF. I usually do a lash serum as well. I have a more extensive evening routine, but if I skip this step then I won’t have my SPF and that is essential every day.
Water
I LOVE my cup of coffee in the morning — definitely a must for me. But once I’ve had my cup of joe, I switch to a large water bottle filled with ice and water. If I’m feeling fancy I’ll add a slice of lemon or lime. But I don’t head up to my office to start my day until I’ve filled the water bottle for the first time.
Prioritize My Day
I am an insanely busy girl, so once I start my day I will sit down and review the to-do list from the day before. I check my calendar for the day ahead, transfer over any pressing tasks from yesterday’s list, and add anything new I need to handle. I check my email at this time, but I typically don’t respond, preferring to add important responses to my to-do list so they are more proactive and less reactive. Seeing all my appointments and responsibilities for the day ahead will help me prioritize where I should focus my energy and allows me to delegate tasks that don’t need to be done by me personally.
Learning How To Wake Up For You
Even if you are not someone who thrives on routine, I highly suggest you start a morning routine. It will help you stay organized, be more productive, and generally feel like you have your shit together. Building new habits can change your life so if there’s been something you’ve been wanting to add into your life like journaling, meditation, or more exercise — a morning routine can make that happen for you.
What are your morning routine musts? Let us know how you prepare for the day in the comments!
For More Tips On How To Wake Up, Read These Articles:
You Can Finally Become A Morning Person With These 9 Tips
I Tried Oprah’s And Six Other Famous People’s Morning Routines. These Are My Thoughts
