Taking Back My Mornings
I have always considered myself a morning person. I tend to love the morning time and typically wake without an alarm. (that's unless it's wrestling season when the wrestler has to get up loooooong before the sun even considers rising). I have had a really good morning routine for years now that has always propelled me into the day feeling energized, less stressed and organized.Not so much lately. For some reason I have found my normally favorite time of the day, and my routine, completely off. It's not that I'm not waking up. I am. I'm just not getting up. When I don't get up the whole things gets thrown off. I always have some quiet time before getting boys up, before feeding the dogs, before absolutely anything. I've written before about this non-negotiable. So, I've found myself cramming in this quiet time - which really takes the "quiet" out of it. I've found myself racing the clock to "cram it in" before running to the next thing.
Another thing I've always done to make sure my morning routine flows is to begin the night before. I write out my "to do" list for the morning the night before. With this, I'm clear on what needs to get done, how much time I need and what can get pushed to later in the day. This has also fallen by the wayside. I find myself scrambling to think what has to get done, scribble it down, and then, typically throw on some workout clothes to rush out to teach a class.My mornings have become harried, hassled, unproductive and far from peaceful.Do you know what else I've noticed? I've been so, so tired lately. Like so tired during the day and the afternoon that I don't even want to walk my poor dogs. Like I could put on my PJs at 5 pm. That tired.Some of my regular work routine was about to change so I knew I had to get back in the groove. I had to get back to my routine and take back my mornings. Soooo, here's what that looks like. And it begins the night before.
At night:
Ask the Third Son what time he is getting up. Then I write it down by my bed so I don't forget since it changes almost daily. ( I just want to know in case I don't hear him get up!)Write out my "to do" list for the next day.Have a big container of water my bed.Get in the bed and STOP scrolling Instagram or social media by 10 pm. If I get in bed earlier I dial this back. Otherwise, I could get into the rabbit hole for an hour . . . or more. Usually read before lights out.
In the morning:
Wake up before the alarm and actually get up.Do a few low back stretches and then guzzle the water by my bed. (Hydrating after hours of no water is a huge health tip)Start a cup of coffee - and more stretches while it fills. Add 1 scoop of collegan proteins and enjoy during quiet reading, devotional time.Go over "to do" list and check emails. Make the bed. (I always feel better if my bed is made - even if the rest of the house is a disaster!)Make the bed. (I always feel better if my bed is made - even if the rest of the house is a disaster!)Get dressed and make breakfast for the Third Child.Have my second cup off coffee and then it's out the door to start the day.
One of the best things about having a regular morning routine is it reduces mental fatigue. There is no thinking. You know what you are doing and don't have to spend energy making those decisions. This type of routine also takes away anxiety and stress. Getting out of bed earlier gives you extra time to breathe, plan for the day, meditate, exercise, all sorts of habits that add to your health.Now that I've taken my mornings back, guess what? My energy is back. And it only took a couple of days to see huge results. I'm not kidding.This may be a small thing. But I wanted to share it because I'm no different than anyone else out there. Sometimes we can think we are doing what we need to do to live our best, our healthiest, and can find ourselves slipping. Whether it is a workout routine, eating a healthy diet, balancing our time, getting enough sleep or falling off of a routine, things happen to slow or stall us sometimes. As long as we realize it and "buck up", take back that routine, habit or lifestyle without letting it overtake us, then it's all good. I always say it's all about longevity. If you have a slip - that's all it is - a slip. And that slip is just a little blip on that great big life.If you aren't a morning person, there's still time for you! It such a great opportunity for some focused time for you to use depending on your personal priorities. You can start small, getting up just 15 minutes earlier, then begin adding to that time. See what a difference it can make to your mindset, productivity and energy levels!If you have a routine of your own that may be slipping, take it back!
Live Well!
