Did you have a great morning today? If you did, it probably wasn’t by accident.
You either:
Made the decision (even if you didn’t consciously do it!) when you woke up to have a GREAT morning. And/or...
It was great by DEFAULT because you’ve created your own morning routine that set you up for a successful day!
If you didn't have a great morning, it might have looked a little something like this (see if you can relate to any single item):
How many of us start our day
Before I truly understood what a healthy morning routine could look like, many of my mornings were absolute chaos!
I struggled to get out of the house in time for work/school – regardless of a plan or schedule.
At least once a week there would be a “clothing” emergency, numerous outfit changes, digging clothes out of a laundry pile.
There was a daily last-minute struggle to slap deli meat or peanut butter between two slices of bread to bring for lunch.
Maybe some yelling and sometimes even a few tears.
Not to mention working with my hair (IYKYK).
Figuring out what to eat for breakfast...or not.
Even though it seemed normal at the time, it was a tough way to start the day.
The crazy thing is, I'm a planner...but I just couldn't get my mornings in line.
This is just ONE REASON I’m a fan of having a morning and evening routine. It literally has set me free from all that chaos!
The importance of a morning routine
For you, it could mean the difference between stopping at a fast-food joint on the way to work … and having a freshly blended smoothie because all the ingredients were ready-to-go.
It could mean the difference between dragging your body “through the motions” … and feeling ENERGIZED to take on your day because you did a few minutes of stretching and movement before your shower.
It could mean the difference between waking up in “reaction” mode … and leading the day with INTENTION and purpose.
And it could also mean the difference between falling short on your healthy lifestyle goals … and CRUSHING them.
It took me a while to figure this all out, though. I used to think routines were restrictive and stressful...but now I know they are just the opposite.
How a Healthy Lifestyle Coach starts her day
Now that you've seen how I used to start my days with stress and chaos, let me show you what I do now to start my days with less stress and more energy. Here's what my personal morning routine looks like now!
Now, my #1 priority for my morning routine is: Start my day in a calm, peaceful way so that I feel centered.
It isn’t always like this, and it changes a little based on what we have going on...but Monday through Friday, I start my days with this routine:
5 a.m. Wake up, drink water, head downstairs
5:15 a.m. Breathing exercise with essential oils, set an intention for the day, 5-min flexibility flow, 5-min walk on the treadmill (these 15 minutes are ALL MINE)
5:30 a.m. Wake up daughter and get her out of bed
5:50 a.m. Shower and get ready (makeup, hair, get dressed)
6:50 a.m. Pull together pre-packed lunches, backpacks, etc / feed and potty Charlie-dog.
7:00 a.m. Make a quick, healthy breakfast for daughter (I practice intermittent fasting, so I won't eat until after 10 a.m.)
7:15 a.m. Out the door! (no later than 7:25 a.m.)
This works for me because I'm connecting my breath/body/mind first thing in the morning and creating positive energy before I move on to anything else. ALSO, most of the prep work happens the night before...prepping and packing lunches, getting clothes ready, etc. so we don't have to think about it in the morning. (Watch for my upcoming blog about a Relaxing Evening Routine!)
Your routine will probably look different than mine!
What you do in the morning can set the tone for the ENTIRE day.
It’s kind of like the domino effect.
And it’s not just the “day” that gets set up for success …. it actually creates the foundation for reaching your goals and living the life you are MEANT to live.
This is why having some kind of morning routine is important - even if it just takes 2-3 minutes a day.
When you boil it all down, there are 5 important things you want to think about.
Your morning routine should:
1. Support your goals. Your morning routine should align with what’s important to you and what you’re working towards.
My goals include positivity and energy every day...my morning routine gives me that so I'm in the right headspace to tackle my other goals.
2. Help you feel ENERGIZED! Your choices should GIVE you energy so you’re ready to take on your day.
Example: My Breathwork, flexibility flow and a short walk all give me energy.
3. Create FOCUS + INTENTION. When you wake up in the morning, you have a choice about how you’re going to spend your day. Creating an intention/focus each day is important so you can be PROactive and live each day with purpose.
Example: I set an intention for each day to help give me focus and something to come back to if I get stressed.
4. Elevate your MINDSET. Your morning routine should put you into a positive state of mind. Do something that fires you up and empowers you to be your absolute best.
Taking time each morning to focus on my breath/body/mind connection does this for me.
5. Be SIMPLE! If your routine is too complicated or long, you’re not going to stick with it. Keep it SIMPLE and short, and build on it over time.
The breath/body/mind-focused start to my day only takes 15 minutes and I don't have to think much about what I'm there to do.
Can you think of a few great new ways to get your day started in the morning?
I challenge you to take action this week and put together your own morning routine that you’ll commit to over the next week.
OH!...and this is just one small piece from my Good Morning, Good Night Ritual Guide!
If you haven’t grabbed your FREE copy, you can do that HERE.
I firmly believe it’s SO important to make sure you set your day up for success. This is why it's one of the things I help my clients integrate into their lives - so they can make their goals a reality!
Let me help YOU to finally have a healthy lifestyle that works for you to combat stress and energize you to tackle your goals.
ACTION A - FREE, no commitment
Get my FREE Good Morning, Good Night Ritual Guide to create your own morning and night routines and get on my email list.
ACTION B - low-cost, DIY option
Go one step further to see how my tools can work for you by trying my two newest offerings:
7-day Great Morning Challenge, $17
Includes a morning breathing exercise, my 5-minute flexibility flow (video and PDF), and 7 tasty breakfast recipes to nourish your body.
7-day Relaxing Evening Challenge, $17
Includes 7 tasty bedtime-friendly drink recipes, simple tension-releasing stretches, and a soothing breathing exercise to ease you to sleep.
ACTION C - talk to me LIVE!
If you're even semi-serious about taking your healthy lifestyle to the next level, take the next step by booking a FREE (no obligation) 30-minute consultation to talk through your goals with me!
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