My favorite part of creating a morning routine is the intention behind it. I'm carving out time for myself, and creating a system that prioritizes the things that help me feel my best. Not every morning looks the same, and with a baby I need to be flexible, but the idea is that I'm purposefully doing things that help me thrive. It sets the tone for the day, and helps me be less reactive.
Every person is different, and creating a routine that incorporates what's important to YOU is key.
A morning routine is not meant to add more to your to-do list, but to help you start your day in a way that is grounding. It should help you feel calm, balanced, and in charge of your day. Start small, with a glass of water as soon as you wake up, or 5 deep breaths in bed before you get up for the day. It's your opportunity to create how you want to feel, from the moment you wake up.
Flexibility is key for me, especially with a baby. My mornings don't all look the same, but most start with a version of the below. It took time to figure out what worked for me, but now that I have a framework I can incorporate different aspects on different days, if I'm short on time.
First thing in the Morning
Haiden is usually the one to wake me up, around 6-6:30 am. So the first thing I do in the mornings is go into his room and breastfeed him.
After feeding and some morning cuddles, I usually change into workout clothes, spritz my face with toner, and apply my matcha under my eyes and on my lips which helps perk me up before heading downstairs.
Haiden will usually play in the kitchen while I get to work. I oil pull with coconut oil (about 5-10 mins) while I fill up my water bottle, make my apple cider vinegar water, sometimes warm water with lemon and cayenne, set out my supplements and get his breakfast ready. I also take this time to check-in with myself, how I'm feeling and what I want to accomplish that day.
-Tip on oil pulling: always spit coconut oil in trash, because it can clog drains when it hardens. Also, brush teeth after oil pulling. I did a separate post here on oil pulling.
- I'll add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to 1 cup of water, and have it most mornings for immune support and to optimize digestion. Alternatively I also like to take 1 tablespoon of Fire Cider if I have it.
Once I'm done oil pulling, I drink 20-40 oz of water while I feed Haiden breakfast (which almost always includes a green smoothie!). I always have water before coffee, or anything else. Our bodies are so dehydrated after a full night's sleep. If nothing else, I recommend starting your day off with water. It's amazing how my body just soaks it up and the energy boost it gives me!
If I'm feeling a coffee or matcha, I'll make one at this point, once I've gotten my water fix.
Once Haiden goes down for his morning nap...
Haiden's naps are usually an hour and 20 minutes in the morning, so as soon as I put him down I typically do a quick workout (Melissa Wood pilates video, free weights or a quick spin on our new bike). I have a lot to fit in before he wakes up, so workouts are typically only 20-30 minutes.
As soon as I'm done with my workout I go straight into a meditation using the Insight Timer app. I love how accessible it is, and I have my favorite teachers and guided mediations already saved. I typically do a 7-12 minute meditation, and put my phone on "Do not disturb" so I'm not interrupted by emails or texts. Favorite teachers include Tara Brach, Sarah Blondin, Liza Colpa and Melissa Ambrosini.
Once I've done my meditation I shower (depending how sweaty my workout is) and get ready for the day. I'll also do a quick round of Gua Sha, which is a facial sculpting technique that I've been doing for almost two years that releases and drains stagnant fluid in your face, increases blood flow and helps tighten the skin. This is the tool I use, and I swear by this practice! I'll also usually have my green smoothie while I'm in the bathroom getting ready.
What I don't do..
What’s just as important as what I do make time to accomplish, is what I don’t do. One of the best ways I set myself up for success is I typically don’t check Instagram or social media until about an hour after I wake up. I have a lot more clarity and intention in my day when I start out with my own thoughts and am present with Haiden, rather than clouding my headspace with other people’s lives. I'm much less reactive when I give myself this space in the morning.
No matter how the rest of my day goes, I always feel accomplished and grounded when I make my morning routine a priority. What do some of your morning routines look like, and how do you feel when you incorporate a routine into your life?
