My Morning Routine
Why is having a morning routine so important? There are many answers to this question. The most important one I have found, is having a morning routine sets me up for a successful day. I used to think morning routines were for the professionals. You know, CEOs, doctors, lawyers, people who needed to be up and out of the house at a certain time. When I was stay at home mom, I didn't think I needed a routine. I had my whole day to get done what I thought I needed to accomplish. I knew my kids thrived on a routine, but I was a fly by the seat of my pants kind of girl. A stuffy routine would keep me in a box. Little did I realize; I had a morning routine, and it wasn't always great. I have made many tweaks and changes throughout my life to get my mornings to be a little less chaotic. Let's be frank here, being a mom, a woman really, the schedule would change constantly. Mine changed when ever my kids' schedules would change. From a late start in Elementary school, to an earlier start in high school and then sports! Anyone have a kid that swam or played hockey at 5:00am? Even though my morning schedules would change, there are certain concrete habits that I have developed that have been consistent throughout and I know they are a part of my success in being happy, healthy and full of energy.
1. It doesn't matter how tired I am, I never hit the snooze button. As soon as my alarm goes off, my feet hit the floor. See, studies have shown that the average sleep cycle is 90 minutes, the snooze button is 7 minutes. So, if I fall back to sleep and the snooze alarm goes off, I will just be groggy and tired anyway. There is no benefit, unless, I actually have time for a 90-minute round.
2. I drink a glass of water right away. Even before I use the bathroom some days.
3. I get dressed. No bathrobe and fluffy slippers for this gal, unless it's a weekend. Full on outfit. Shoes included.
4. I get moving. Whether I want to or not, I get in the car and I go to the gym. Every day. If you do not have the time for that, take a quick walk, do some jumping jack and squats. Get the blood pumping.
5. I go outside after my workout, and I take a deep breath and let the sun hit my face and I am still. There is no one who is talking to me, no noise demanding my attention, just me.
These 5 are my most concrete habits that I have had for years. Since the kids are out of the house, I have a little more leeway with my time. I have added on a few new habits that have benefited my tremendously. After I drink my glass of water, I also drink a green drink. I take AG1 every day to get some vital vitamins and minerals. I also wait 90 minutes before I drink coffee. I used to get up and drink coffee after my water on my way to the gym. No longer. The caffeine hit, stimulates the cortisol hormone and that is one hormone I want to keep low.
After the gym, I now sit with my coffee, read my bible, write out my schedule for the day and journal. In my journaling I set my intention for the day, I list out what I am grateful for, and I will either use my journal time to write out prayers for family and friends, or I use a writing prompt to help me figure some stuff out. Then, the dog and I are out for a nice walk. When I get back from that, I am ready for breakfast and off to work.
The benefits of a morning routine are vast. Having one
1. Helps you stay focused
2. Lowers stress
3. Increases productivity
4. Better mood/mental health
5. Better sleep
6. Helps you feel in control
7. Instills discipline/consistency
8. You will have more time, because your day is organized and already planned
9. You will have more energy and feel healthier.
It doesn't take a lot of time or energy to have a morning routine. You already have one. The question is, is it filled with positive habits or negative ones, like pressing that snooze button? You may want to add a few items to the one you already have that will increase your health and happiness.
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