7 Ways to Boss Your Morning Routine

Just like a balanced breakfast gets you pumped and ready to start your day, finding a morning routine is equally important for balance and success.   

Think of it as your own personal Yin and Yang.  

Starting your day with a few simple tips and tweaks can be just what you need to be your best productive self!

WAKE UP EARLIER

Ever wake up for class or work and wish you had extra time? You hit that snooze button and realize you’re only left with 5 minutes? 

It probably seems like getting up earlier defeats the whole purpose of getting more sleep, but waking up 15 or 20 makes a world of difference.

Take those extra minutes and center your mind, and set your intentions for what you hope your day will look like. 

Tip: The recommended time to wake up is typically 5:00 AM.  That’s a whole lot of centering, but you get the point. The earlier you can comfortably wake up, the less sleep-deprived (hopefully) you’ll be. 

DON’T CHECK YOUR PHONE

Now, this is insanely difficult especially since we’re so attached to our phones. Heck, if it were up to me, I’d be on a perpetual digital detox vacation all the time— see my Let’s Talk About Tech post. 

 However, everything in what? M.O.D.E.R.A.T.I.O.N.

So let’s do baby steps.  When you first wake up, like mid-yawn, try not to reach for your phone because once you do, it’s waaaay too easy to fall into the ‘social media trap’ as I like to call it.  

Then before you know it,  you’ll get so distracted by notifications and social media that you probably won’t notice how much precious time just flew out the window…until you wish you had that extra few minutes.

Tip:  Try putting your phone on airplane or do not disturb mode so Y.O.U. get to dictate the start of your day. 

KEEP HYDRATED

If one of your New Year’s goals/resolutions was drinking more water, downing  2 out of the 8 recommended 8 daily ounces in the a.m. hours is sure to help you feel refreshed and alert.  

Not to mention that when you first wake up, your body hasn’t had water while you slept so you’ll be in need of some hydration.

I like to fill up an insulated water bottle right before bed so I can immediately remember to have a fresh drink when I first wake up. And yep, it stays good and cold! 

Tip: If you want to give yourself an extra boost, try adding a few squeezes of lemon to your water. Not only will it help you wake up refreshed, but it also helps detox your body. But if you’re not a fan of lemon or other citruses, try other fruits that tickle your fancy like lime, kiwi, strawberries…have fun with the possibilities! 

OPEN YOUR BLINDS & MAKE YOUR BED

Let there be light! Turn off your inner Dracula and open those curtains!

Leaving your room dark will just deceive your mind into thinking it’s still night and we know what that means… you’ll just wanna fluff that pillow and stay in bed. 

Equally beneficial is making your bed when you get up.  Yep, I know. The inner kids in us want to rebel but snapping your covers reduces stress levels.  Plus, keeping your bed -neat and organized will set the right tone for your day. Besides, coming home to a well-made bed?  Nothing’s better!

STRECH OR PRACTICE YOGA

I’ve recently gotten back into this holy grail for the body and soul, and boy don’t I wish I’d done it sooner! Not only will it get your body moving and wake up your joints and muscles, but also your mind.  That’s a win-win in my book!

Tip: If you’re new to yoga or not sure what stretches could work for you, I highly recommend following some YouTube videos and going with the ones that speak to you and your level of comfort. Personally, I’ve been following  SarahBethYoga. She does an awesome job of incorporating stretches into her yoga routine while breaking them down into targeted areas like movements that are good for back or neck pain.  She even has morning or night routines.

MAKE A NUTRIUOUS BREAKFAST

I’ll admit, I’m not a breakfast person and usually tend to skip it, but breakfast truly is one of the best ways to start your day. So as I try to break a bad habit, join me in trying to eat something healthy every morning.  

On days when I can swallow the idea of a big breakfast, my go-to is usually a small strawberry yogurt bowl with fresh strawberries, a sprinkle of granola, and a drizzle of honey!

Tip: While breakfast is important, finding the right balance of how much to eat is equally as important. For me, I can’t really eat a big breakfast or I start to feel super nauseous. Point is, eat the right amount of food that gives you enough energy for your body type (height, weight, nutritional needs) for the day.  If you’re not sure, try speaking with your doctor or a nutritionist for some healthy ideas. 

TACKLE THAT TO-DO LIST

If you read my Sunday Prep Like a Boss or How to Stay Organized During the School Year posts you’ll know I’m OBSESSED with planning and to-do lists. 

Jotting down all the things you need to get done will actually help you relax knowing you won’t forget important information. Extra treat? Keeping track of your most important tasks activities, at the top of your list, will ensure your top priorities are done first.

Tip: Have to-do list anxiety?  Try tackling little tasks first or checking off small activities you’ve already accomplished that morning! Had your breakfast? Put it on the list and check it off!  Drank that 2 servings of water? Add that too! Seeing and marking things off helps you feel more productive and fueled to accomplish more tasks.

How do you start your mornings?