With all of the crazy snow days we had from the end of January and throughout February, my morning routine has essentially gone right out the window. No great surprise, when my morning kickoffs in the right way it makes all of the difference in my attitude and how my day unfolds for me.
So, with spring on the way (really I promise it is!), it seems like a good time to refresh the morning routine. Honestly “routine” is probably not even the right word to use, because I know no two mornings will unfold for me in precisely the same way…but there are some “rituals” that help me to make sure that I run my day, instead of the other way around.
What do I need in my morning?
Meditation — This is my chance to connect and get centered.
Hydration — While my first instinct many mornings is to reach for coffee, I like to get a glass of water with lemon down first.
Working out — I have been working out and running post-work in the afternoon, but I know it definitely works for me best to get moving in the morning, so it’s time to get back to that.
Daily planning — I am a planner geek from way back, so my morning is not complete without a little time sitting quietly with my planner and a mug of coffee to review both mine and my family’s schedules, identify the “must do’s” vs. “like to do’s” and set my plan/intentions for the day.
And yes, Coffee — I do love a mug of coffee…I’m trying hard now to reel it in and keep it to just one cup!
Now the trick to either refreshing or creating a morning routine is to build slowly. Conventional wisdom says it takes at least 21 days to form a habit. And, taking baby steps is more likely to be effective than making one giant leap – especially if the routine you’re trying to adopt is a radical departure from where you are now. Finally, if part of your routine feels more like a chore than a source of inspiration, it may be time to re-access and consider making some changes until you find what feels right for you.
So tell me, what’s your morning routine like?
I’m good about getting up early for some alone time but I need to do better with hydration and getting to my workout sooner too!
Marcia recently posted…Truths About Running For Weightloss
My workouts have been drifting to later and later in the day and it’s definitely something I need to change.
I’m a morning person by nature, so I love to make the most of it. Workout is always first, followed by breakfast and coffee! I am also most productive work wise in the morning. Good luck getting back to your routine–spring really is coming–I have daffodils peaking out!
misszippy recently posted…Multi-grain hot cereal recipe
Yay for daffodils! We actually hit upper 50s yesterday – c’mon Spring! 🙂
my morning is so routine: walk the dog, feed the dog, workout, get ready for work, 1/2 hour of coffee/breakfast/social media then it’s off too work!
Coco recently posted…Chicken And Mushroom Soup With Rice
You get a lot done before heading out to work! I’m definitely spoiled working from home.
I used be to SO productive in the mornings, but here lately not so much! These days its Struggle to get out of bed, go to the kitchen to pack my meals for the day, go to my closet and get dressed, brush my teeth, do my hair, make sure I’m not forgetting anything and run out the door! haha. Like I said, not so productive. But I know its because I’m not hitting the hay early enough so I’m gonna try to start back doing that so i can take my time in the mornings and get stuff done!
Ginger recently posted…Start Your New Year With Turkey Lover’s Frittata
Getting to bed early is so key and something I know I need to do too!
For some reason this winter has been tough for me to get up early. I’m finding myself exhausted when I wake up which makes the early morning workouts tough. Hopefully now that spring has sprung it will get easier! I love my lemon water first thing in the morning too!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…See Mom Run Book Review & Giveaway: A Great book for the beginner to advanced runner
I’ve had the same struggle this winter. Hopefully we’ll both get back on track 🙂
I get up early in the morning to get my kiddos ready, breakfast, drive to school etc. I admit, it has been hard to get up even earlier to workout! I would like to get up at 4:30 or 5 to workout, but I really need to sleep also 🙂
I have been doing workouts in the afternoon or evening and is okay for now, but when I start running again it will be better to run in the morning.
I have a glass of water as soon as I get out of bed and try and get one more before I leave for drop offs.
Would love to make time for meditation! 🙂
Natalie recently posted…Oh, baby it’s going to be HOT on Sunday for the #LAMarathon…
I agree I’d rather run early – when I was just doing rehab/strength work I minded the afternoon workouts less.
oh do I need my morning coffee or 2 before I get going. I am also an old school planner user. Can’t seem to visualize it the same way on my phone.
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Jump Into a Swim Class
I can’t either – I’ve tried different online calendars, etc. but there’s just something about writing things down and seeing them all laid out in a traditional planner that just works better for me.
I’ve been focusing on my morning routine over the last month or so and I feel like it makes such a big difference in how my day goes. Meditation is the main part of it and hydration. Working out too. It helps me get a hold of my day before my day gets ahead of me!
I read your recent post on meditating – reminded me I’d let my practice stray a bit. Happy to be getting back to it consistently!