I’ve never been a morning person. Like never. Like not even when I was seven on Christmas morning. I have always loved my sleep. Sleeping in was something I was really good at. Even in my adult life, if I had to be at work at 8, I was waking up at the very last minute I could, to get ready and out the door in time for work. I never had breakfast, read the paper or had a moment to relax, because my sleep was just too important to me. Half the time I would wake up about 12 minutes before I had to walk out the door. Jump in the shower, throw something on and out the door I went.
Overtime this was no longer working for me. I was tired and sluggish throughout the day. I would have anxiety about how I never had any time for me and would feel so rushed all the time. I realized I needed to adopt some sort of morning routine to feel more prepared throughout the day. So here are 5 things that I do (almost) every morning that has made my productivity increase, and has given me so much clarity in my every day.
1. BUT FIRST, COFFEE! Like for real. The very first thing I do every morning is B line to my Keurig to get that first cup brewing. I have to have my coffee every single morning or I can’t fully function. Honestly, it’s probably more mental than anything, but coffee first is a must!
2. HYDRATE! Just as important as my coffee is to me, getting enough water is up there just the same. I make sure to drink plenty of water every morning and throughout the day to keep me going and hydrated. I use a water bottle by Healthish that shows you on the side of the bottle where you should be with you water intake throughout the day to really keep you on track. {code: SHANNON10 for 10% off and free shipping!}
3. JOURNAL! I started journaling every morning about a year ago. This simple practice of taking ten minutes to write down a few thoughts, has drastically changed my outlook on not only my day, but my life. I use the Start Today Journal created by Rachel Hollis. This journal in particular prompts you to list 5 things that you are grateful for every single day. This can be something as simple as your morning coffee or the new shoes you just bought. It then prompts you to write down 10 dream that you have but to write them down, as if they have already happened. This practice alone has changed the course and direction of my energy every day. It gives me focus on my goals and reminds to to find gratitude each and every day.
4. READ! I love to take some time in the morning just to dive into a good book. Whatever I am reading at the time, is what I pick up. I try to read for about 20 minutes before the chaos of the day starts to unfold. Just escaping for a few minutes lowers my stress level and calms me. As of late, I’ve been gravitating towards personal and professional development books, but ready whatever makes you happy. Currently reading, Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis.
5. WORKOUT! Last but certainly not least, I love to go workout in the morning. There is no better way to start your day than with a good sweat sesh! This is one that doesn’t always fit in to my morning, but I sure do try! I try to get to the gym at least 5 times a week. And if the gym just can’t happen, I try to do something active for at least 30 minutes per day. Sometimes that means taking a nice long walk or a swim after work.
Doing these 5 things every morning has changed my life! I look back to when I was sluggish and hitting the snooze button everyday and I can’t believe how much time I wasted. And people ask me all the time, how do you fit all of this in? The answer is simple; I wake up at least an hour before anyone else in the house. I wanted to find “ME” time and this was the only way I could find to fit it in. Taking this time in the morning has made me a better wife, mother, friend, sister, etc. It sets the tone and mood for my day and making these small tweaks to my morning, has changed my life!
If you are struggling with getting centered in the morning, try to create a morning routine. It may shock you how much it can help your attitude, patience and outlook on your days!
Much Love,
Shan
PHOTO CRED: SLL Photography
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