Do you have those days where you are running out the door trying not to be late? Or realize in the car that you forgot something back at home? I know I’ve been there! (Okay to be honest… I do it more often than I’d like to admit. lol) And let’s face it, those mornings lead to some not so great days. So how do you prevent this from happening? A morning routine!!
I know it is tempting to hit snooze a million times BUT hear me out. Getting up a little earlier can make a huge difference in how your day goes. When you give yourself time to do a few things for yourself, you are able to tackle the day.
Implementing a morning routine helps me prepare for the day ahead. Like they say, ” You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
So let’s look at why you need a morning routine, too.
1. Start your day with a clear Mind
Nothing is worse than running out the door (literally) trying not to be late. Having extra time in the morning allows you to take your time getting ready, prep what you need for the day and set your intentions. For me starting the day includes a warm cup of coffee, some quiet time, and a workout. These things allow me to focus, release energy and bring me joy. I’ve noticed that when I start my day this way I am happier and make better choices throughout the day.
Your morning routine will look different than the person next to you and that is okay. We are all in different stages of life and need different things. Finding a routine that works for you will help you start your day in the way you need most.
2. Fuel your body
Start your day by giving your body what it needs. Since you are waking up earlier, you have few extra minutes to make more thoughtful choices about what you are putting in your body first thing in the morning. This includes the food, drinks, and movement.
Pretty much the first thing I do when I wake up is making a big glass of water. A saying I tell people all the time is “hydrate before you caffeinate.” Before you have your morning coffee, try having a glass of water first. Your body neeeeeds water to thrive. So many cellular processes in your body use water to function. Drinking water can help improve digestion, mental clarity, and helps your skin. I recommend drinking half your body weight in ounces of water each day!
Breakfast is one of my favorite meals of the day but it can be really hard to have a nourishing breakfast when you are rushing around in the morning. Starting your day with a nourishing meal helps you make better food choices throughout the day. You don’t have to have a fancy, complex breakfast. Having something with fats, carbs, and protein can help you not be hangry and prevent cravings later on in the day. Two of my go-to breakfasts are green protein smoothies and coconut yogurt with nuts and homemade granola. If you want to see my go to recipes, let me know in the comments below!
Working out in the morning can truly change your day. I don’t work out every single morning but on the days I do, I can tell a huge difference in the way my brain functions at work, how I treat others, and how I feel throughout the day. It isn’t always easy to get up and do a workout first thing but I promise it is worth it! I discussed some of the benefits of getting in your daily workout a few posts back. If you missed it, you can check it out here!
3. Do Something For You
Now this may seem easier said than done but hear me out. Having that one thing you look forward to each morning not only helps you get out of bed easier but can start your day with a little joy. I don’t mean that you have to do something extravagant. It could be something as simple as having a cup of coffee before everyone in the house wakes up or sitting in the calm before the crazy day ahead starts. I promise taking those few moments to yourself will improve how you look at your day.
Whether you spend your time getting in a quick sweat sesh, making a delish breakfast or playing with your kids, having a morning routine allows you to focus on what is most important to you. What do you look forward to most in the morning? Let me know in the comments below what your morning routine looks like!
Valeie says
Green smoothie recipe please!
Chelcee Porter says
I’ll gather my favorite recipes! Gotta love sneaking in extra veggies and fiber!
Sharon Manning says
Hi Chelcee,
So excited that you are sharing information that you learned while in pharmacy school. Keith and I have retired and are now living in College Station and loving it. We have enjoyed moving to a smaller town. Think about you and Dylan often and so glad your doing well. Love seeing you in your pictures, great photography.
Best of luck!
Chelcee Porter says
Thank you so much! Who knew Dylan was such a photographer. I’m glad y’all are enjoying college station. We miss seeing y’all!