“My future starts when I wake up every morning” Miles Davis

 

“Do you have a morning routine?” The answer to that question used to be a ‘heck no’ with a sarcastic laugh thrown in. What kind of relatable person has time for a morning routine? Isn’t morning time supposed to be absolute chaos as you figure out what kind of day you’re about to have? I kept seeing articles and blog posts about the importance of a morning routine and wondered how it was possible.
 
I realized that even after I started my business and started working for myself (#GirlBoss), I still didn’t really take the time to ensure my day was set up with a consistent morning routine. I was still acting like I was working for ’the man’ and had to get up early, drive 45 minutes to work, stress about being late, throw down something bad for breakfast to make it by, etc. Thank you, baby Jesus, that I do not have to do that anymore! It was last year, y’all, that I really got my morning game in check and asked myself, Why am I still acting like I work an 8-5? I can work whenever (and wherever) I want…so my mornings can be anything I want them to be (cue dramatic revelation music). ?
 
So, I read the articles and blog posts and set out to create a morning routine that works best for me. Here’s how a typical morning runs right now:
 

    • Wake up to my alarm…a soothing song plays

    • I check my email to make sure nothing has blown up overnight…but I try very hard not to read or answer until after journaling (**It’s important to note that I do not let myself turn on my computer until the meditation and journaling are finished!)

    • Feed dogs, good morning Lewis and Tallulah Belle!

    • Make bed…this is a non-negotiable for me – I look forward to making my bed every single morning!

    • Brush teeth and wash face

    • Get dressed for spin class: MTF, I go to a spin class at 8:45 am and WTh at 6:30 am

    • Meditate for 10 minutes with the Calm app: see this post!

    • Make my large cup of water with Apple Cider Vinegar (yum, gotta have it)

    • Take my vitamins: Care/of vitamins are my jam

      Gratitude Journaling: Each morning I use a few of Tim Ferriss’ 5-minute journal questions:

      • What am I grateful for today? (I always do at least 10)

      • What would make today great? (Set those intentions y’all)

      • I am: (words of affirmation)

      • How will I center myself today? (from my Word of the Year: Centered)

      • Then I write: I wish for this person to be happy: (I typically write the names of 3 or 4 people each day) 

       

    • Leave for the gym for spin class

    • Return from spin class and get to work!

I have been sticking to this routine for about a year now, and it is really working well for me. I feel more centered and ready to tackle client work after my meditating, journaling, and working up a good sweat! I know how important self-care is, and I feel like when I stick to a morning routine, I am really committing to more self-care in my life. It really sets my day up for success.

So what about you? Do you have a morning routine? Tell me about it!

Be the joy,
allyson