I wanted to write a post on why you need a good morning routine a while ago – but I admit I was really lacking hard on mine. It’s a struggle for me to find a groove sometimes, and the dull, gray mornings don’t help. I know there is something magical about waking up when it’s still dark and most of the world is asleep, but there is also something super cozy about it that makes my tired butt want to stay in bed forever.
That being said, there are the times when I haven’t focused on my morning routine, and I am left feeling like I am constantly catching up with the day. On the times I do focus on my morning routine, I feel like I can run the world, if not my own little home, with energy, grace, playfulness, and love. All things that my boys depend on me for.
Currently, I feel like I am really rocking my morning routine, and I want you to rock yours too! I promise even doing a few of these things each morning will change your day completely!
As a side note before I start, my point of view, of course, is as a wife + mother. For myself, waking up well before my kiddies do, is essential to me sticking with my morning routine, and having the best day ever. I need that quiet, uninterrupted time for myself, to get into the right mindset for the day. Quiet + uninterrupted, doesn’t exist when my little ones are awake. I also want to point out, a big part of my morning is making coffee. The daily routine of boiling the water, grinding the coffee beans and waiting the 3 minutes for the coffee to brew, is almost like therapy for me in the morning. The warmth from the kettle, the smell in the air…for me, it’s pure bliss. This is essential to my day, but coffee is so personal, so I am leaving it out because of this particular post because, you do you.
So, here are a few things to add to your morning routine so you can have the best day ever!
Lay in bed + think about what you are thankful for.
Yes…my first suggestion is to stay in bed… haha! We are heading on the right track I promise! This gives you some time to mentally wake up, so it’s easier to physically wake up. I also think bringing the positive things that are in your life to the forefront of your mind, will give you a better outlook on the day.
I tend to beat myself up at the end of the day, with all the things I feel like I failed on; how I could have been more patient with my boys or said I love you more to my husband. I do think it’s healthy to examine yourself + put perspective on how you can grow, but this isn’t the time for that. Think about all the things you have to be grateful for!
Don’t look at your phone for the first hour you are awake.
Pretty self-explanatory. I touched on this in my post on How to disconnect – in a connected world. If you have trouble being able to unplug I encourage you to check it out! I think sometimes we can all have this problem, but I think it’s essential that we know how to do it. Disconnect, to connect.
Drink detox water
This is a more specific habit in my routine, but it’s one that no matter who you are or what your life looks like, this will benefit you. People drink detox water for so many different things. You can find tons of detox water recipes to target all kinds of things in your body. For myself, I drink a simple one to target natural wellbeing. No miracle weight loss drink or colon cleanse…just water that will promote a healthy body!
My current detox water consists of 1 cup of water, juice from half a lemon, 1 dash of cayenne pepper + 1 dash of turmeric. Lemon, for the daily immune boost. Cayenne pepper, which aids digestion, boosts metabolism + helps move toxins out of the body. Lastly, turmeric for the powerful medicinal properties + is a natural anti-inflammatory.
Burn some calories
Personally, I like to jump on the elliptical right when I get out of bed for a half an hour. My husband has been helping me stick with this…because this is the hardest one for me to stay consistent on. Though, when I do, it energizes me for the day & makes me feel like I have accomplished something when the morning has barely even started! Whether it be yoga, stretching, going for a run or walk. Do something that gets you moving!
Read
Whether you cut out half an hour to read or ten minutes to read, going through a few pages of your favourite book or reading a few verses in your bible, can really change your day. Take the time to be in the mind of someone else. Take the time, to be transported to a place that isn’t where you sit.
The best moments in reading, are when you come across something – a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things – which you had thought special and particular to you, and now, here it is, set down by someone else. A person you have never met, someone who is long dead. And it is as if a hand has come out, and taken yours.
– Alan Bennett
Have breakfast
I lied. I know I said I struggled most with working out in the morning…but this has somehow become a big hurdle for me as well. I LOVE breakfast. If I could eat breakfast food for every meal I would (except on Friday pizza nights…) Though somehow, after getting everyone’s breakfast ready, I forget to make myself breakfast – & wonder why, later in the morning, I am so grumpy. Having breakfast is crucial. If you can give yourself the time to make it, eat it, and enjoy it, you would be amazed at how awesome you feel.
Get up before everyone else
I mentioned before, I have to get up before my boys so I can have the quiet time. It essentially allows me to do all the things I have mentioned above, without the interruption. Technically I should have started out with this point, but I wanted to lay out all the things you can do if you get up before your kids, maybe even your spouse (though mine is up at 5 am working out downstairs so technically it is still my own quiet time). If you are single + live alone, try getting up an hour earlier than usual to see what you can fit in!
Photo courtesy of Curious Fox Photography
One thing that can positively affect my day so much, is when my husband + I are both rocking our morning routines. When we are able to actually sit together with our coffees and read before the day starts. It’s something so simple, but starting out together in a way that isn’t chaotic and rushed just nourishes me so much.
As crucial as bedtime habits are, never underestimate the power of your morning routine.
What are some of your morning routine habits?
This is such a great article with some important advice. I don’t have children yet but I am looking to start a family with my husband in the next year or so and after reading this I realize how important it is to establish a morning routine before that time. Thank you so much for the tips. They are much appreciated!
I am set in my ways for my morning. Guess it really is a routine. I like mornings so this is the perfect time of day for myself.
Great advice! I hate waking up when its still dark out, too. Unfortunately for me I coach a 5:30 a.m. fitness class and head straight to my day job from there, so there’s not much time for an enjoyable routine unless I wanted to wake up at 3:30, ha!
I love your suggestions. I too am a morning person. I especially like waking up before everyone else to have some time to yourself. I have the bad habit of looking at my phone right when I wake up so I will definitely need to work on that one! Thanks for sharing!
Having a good morning routine is so important. One thing I make sure I do is to do my daily devotions.
It is so important to start your mornings right. I feel that on days when I start my day early, I accomplish a lot more than when I start my day late.
– http://www.allshethings.com
Girl yes! A morning and night routine are so important! I just wrote about my Sunday night routine and I seriously can’t stray away from it. I will feel lost during the week without it!
I am a very routine person in the morning. Kinda throws me off if something gets in the way or plans have to change. Wonderful to have a routine and get in the groove.
Before kids I was able to get up, get ready and get out the door in 15 minutes. It wasn’t until I had kids that I realized the importance of a good routine in the morning – and actually all day.
I have to admit to not being a morning person at all and I definitely don’t have much of a routine going on. I think I need to try and bring in some of these ideas though.
My morning routine really lacks. Every day is the same, but I wouldn’t even call it a routine, because I don’t accomplish anything at all.
Great post! I love your morning routines and your suggestions. Not checking your phone immediately upon waking up is so important.
I try to have a routine in the morning since I am NOT a morning person. Most days I’m pretty out of it. I do have a bit of a routine when the kids are in school, but since it’s summer break, everything is up in the air most mornings.
You are telling the truth. I totally need to get back to my morning routine. I some how fell away from it, and now I drag myself around every morning.
These are good tips for putting together a morning routine. I try not to look at my phone for a while after waking up.
I really need to do more of this. I am a school teacher and I have a routine when the school year is in but when the summer comes, I have absolutely no routine!
Totally agree with having a morning routine. It keeps thing organized and steady though sometimes it’s kinda hard especially when you have a baby.
My routine involves waking up at 4:20 in the morning during weekdays, cook breakfast and prepare hubby’s lunch for work. Then we drink coffee before he leaves then I work online after that. Writing regularly on my blog is what I am lacking too.
I agree and love having a morning routine. I miss having one but with a new baby its a bit harder for me. Soon I’ll get back into the swing of it I’m sure.
A good morning routine really is key. It makes you a little excited to get started on your day!
I was never really a morning person until I found a good routine. This really makes a huge difference!
A routine makes such a difference in our home and for me too. I just feel better when I’m sticking to a routine and my entire family notices.
Great tips here! Morning routines are very important and I ave one set up for me and my family that works well for all of us!
These are some of the best ideas. I definitely agree with taking some time in the morning and focusing on gratitude and all that you’re thankful for. Thanks for sharing these tips. I’m all for this type of self care.
I stink at the entire morning routine thing. I think my days would go so much better if I could figure it out.
I love your morning routine! I really need to get better with mine. I love how accomplished I feel when I’ve been up and gotten a lot accomplished by 9am, but man it can be hard to get out of bed haha!
These are great tips. I just enjoy life now. I just enjoy every morning I get to wake up. Thanks for sharing ♥️ ♥️ By any chance, are you interested in doing collabs? xx