This Is How To Find A Morning Routine, And Actually Stick To It

Are you a chronic snooze-button-presser? Do you get sucked back into the coziness to scroll Instagram before peeling yourself outta the sheets 30-minutes later? Here’s a glimpse at my morning that I hope inspires you to start a routine that actually sticks!

Spend the first minutes of your day in quiet meditation.

Set your alarm 10 minutes before you need to wake up. Bonus: if you are not a morning person at all, put your phone across the room so you are forced out of your warm cocoon. Extra Bonus: Turn a light on immediately to start waking your brain up!

I typically thrive in mornings, and this 10 minutes gives me a head start. As a Christian, I spend this time praying: thanking God for who He is, for what He has done in the past day, and for what He will do in the upcoming day.

Commit to a do-able workout routine.

There is something noble about committing to waking up at the crack of dawn, driving 20 minutes to the gym, spending 1 hour running, taking a class, and pumping iron, and then returning home to get ready for the rest of your day. All before 6am. I’ll be honest, personally this is an unrealistic expectation that isn’t sustainable for myself. It is no wonder 73% of people who set fitness goals as New Year’s Resolutions give up! I needed to find something I could do at home and would stick to.

I have been a loyal fan of Adriene Mishler, the personality behind Yoga with Adriene on Youtube for going on 6 years. Her focus on “finding what feels good” serves my body, her goofy personality keeps me entertained, and consistent content ensures I don’t quit. Adriene’s videos range from 5 to 50 minutes and her monthly calendars give direction. Check out her YouTube channel!

Make your bed!

Marie Kondo came on the scene and told everyone to rid their homes of anything that didn’t spark joy, and now organization is the hot new trend! I’ve always operated this way.

Before work or tackling your to-do list, take 5 minutes to put away stray clothes, make the bed, fold blankets, fluff the pillows, put away dishes, and straighten up the coffee table.

Studies show when our home is tidy, we actually have less cortisol (“stress hormone”) levels in our bodies! Productivity has been proven to increase when there isn’t clutter distracting our brains. Less stress and more productivity? Sign me up!

Drink up!

Research shows drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning increases energy levels, makes your brain happier (yoohoo, brain hydration!), kickstarts your metabolism, removes toxins and fat cell by-products, and hydrates your skin (hello elasticity, bye bye wrinkles!)

Get in all the food groups and some extra vitamins first thing in the morning with a nutrient-packed smoothie! Throw in greens, fruits, yogurt, nuts or seeds, and a splash of water, juice, or almond milk. Absolutely necessary to tide me over until my mid-morning snack break…this girl has gotta have her snacks!

If the sweet smell of liquid caffeine perks your mood, or steeping a morning chai puts you in your zen, by all means DO IT! There is no reason to deprive yourself. Moderation is key.

End your time reading, journaling, and mediating.

I read a couple chapters of the Bible and jot down what I learned and what God is doing in my life. You can document your dreams, consolidate your concerns, get your feelings on paper about an upcoming event, vent about the person that ticked you off yesterday…Center your heart and mind on what is most important to you. It will end your morning routine on a positive note, and ensure you are ready to take on the day!

There is nothing worse than tackling your day frazzled and coffee-less; mind racing and panicked over to-do lists and lack of time. Do yourself a favor and start a new routine today that will nurture your mind, body, and soul!