08 May Self-Care with the Sunrise: Establishing a Morning Routine

Do your mornings often feel like insanity, filled with running around, getting your life organized, and also trying to look (and feel) like a human being?

Whether you’re responsible in the morning for just yourself, your pet, or others (especially kids!), if you’re like most people, the get-up-and-go can be a dreadful hump to get over each day.

Confession: my husband is a “morning” person, and for that I am simultaneously in awe, jealous, and confused. How is it that he can just get out of bed with the first alarm? Moreover, how can he be pleasant and just get at the day?

I am not a morning person! I am also not a night owl. Anyone else wish we could all just function between 10am and 6pm? I’m a rock star during those hours. Because of my lack of love for the morning time, I take a morning routine to heart and I’m continuing to work on improving mine. It’s a game changer for getting me through the day.

We’ve come up with some helpful tips and tricks you can consider to establish a morning routine. Morning routines aren’t necessary for everyone, but for many they can be a great self-care tool to set you up for productivity and success, rather than stressed.

1. Prioritize sleep and go to bed early! Our next blog post will cover this topic in much greater detail. This might mean that you have to skip watching your favorite prime time television shows when they first air. My DVR is a lifesaver for this.

2. Determine your wake up time and try to keep it consistent. This time will vary from person to person, but listen to your body and ensure you get proper sleep (7-8 hours at least). If you can, wake up at a time when you feel well rested and can be productive throughout the day.

3. Take a moment to relax and make time for yourself when you first get up (even if it’s just for 5-10 minutes). Breathing, stretching, reading the news, having a cup of coffee or tea, taking some time to get pampered, taking a walk and meditation are some good options, but certainly not the only options. Find an activity that clears your mind and mentally prepares you for the long day ahead!

I personally get the privilege of working from home 2-3 days a week, and on those days, I still shower, get dressed, and do my hair/makeup even when no one sees me. Why? Because I find that time to be relaxing – it’s part of my self-care routine.

4. Get organized! Activities like journaling or making a to-do list for the day can increase your productivity throughout the day. Plus, it always feels great to accomplish something and be able to cross that task off of your list! I like to make my lists the night before I go to bed, but others like to do it first thing in the morning. Regardless of when you do it, it feels easier to start the day with a plan of action.

5. Make mornings a time for exercise (if your schedule permits). I personally love working out in the mornings because it helps me to feel energized and refreshed. I find exercise to be a great start to my day and a time for self-reflection!

6. Consider prepping the night before. For example, pick out your clothes, prep your breakfast and lunch, and pack your bag ahead of time. Doing these tasks beforehand can ensure more time for relaxation in the morning.

7. Don’t forget to eat breakfast! Make something the night before if you need to. Eating an adequate breakfast is crucial for a productive and energized day. Food fuels your brain, but you don’t have to make this a big complicated meal! Even a killer smoothie or a light meal will do to help turn on your brain and your metabolism for the day.

Ultimately, YOU will be the one deciding what works and doesn’t work for your morning routine (or if you even WANT a morning routine). It may take some time experimenting what is best for you, but once you get into a good “groove”, your morning routine will seem like second nature. Morning routines can be a great form of self-care for some, ensuring you set aside time for yourself and your morning priorities!

I’m curious what else you do for your morning routine. Please share on social media (@bonviehealth) and tag it #selfcaremadesimple. I’d love to hear your tips!