I’m a morning person. Yes, I’m one of those people you hate. I’m pretty happy in the mornings and probably too loud for your liking. But I’ve always been an early riser. 7 a.m. has been my natural wake-up time since I was in elementary school. Sure some days I slept in later but I think the latest I’ve ever slept is probably 10:30. That’s laughable for a college student, but hey, that’s my normal. I do recall a few mornings that I pretended to sleep-in to avoid going to church…sorry mom ;)
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Another constant since I was little? My morning routine. It’s one of those routines that gives me comfort and isn’t so “strict.” It starts my day off on a positive note and sets the tone for an overall productive and happy day. Morning routines sound like common sense, right? But when you have a plan for the start of your day the rest of it is bound to go smoother.
Here’s a peek into my routine..
1. Go to bed at a reasonable time. Yes, my morning routine starts at night. I know it’s not always possible to hit the sack early, but I do make sleep a priority. On a normal night, I’m in bed by 10 p.m. and asleep by 10:30ish. Even on nights when I have a lot of homework, I set a cut off time for working. Whatever I don’t finish, I work on in the morning. I’m a big believer in sleep.
2. Set an alarm (or two) if you must. I sleep worse when I set an alarm because somehow my body knows it has to wake up soon so I can’t sleep straight through the night. I typically wake up before my alarm anyway, but I always set two alarms: one for opening my eyes, one for getting out of bed.
Typical wake-up times
3. Workout. 5/7 days I workout in the morning because if I don’t, it’s not happening later in the day. Sometimes it’s hard to wake up when the clock says 5:xx but I know I’ll be happy when I’m done. Whether it’s running, yoga or stretching my body just feels better after doing something. But, I’m human. While I may intend to workout one morning, sometimes sleep is more important.
All smiles after an early wakeup call
4. Look presentable. Notice I didn’t say “look good.” That’s because I certainly don’t do that every day. After I shower from the gym, I do my hygiene routine (brush teeth, wash face, deodorant, etc.), pick out an outfit and do my hair put my hair in a ponytail.
5. Eat breakfast. Breakfast has always been my favorite meal. I’ve gone through breakfast “phases” in my life…I was a devout Life Cereal eater until I was diagnosed with celiac, then I transitioned to Rice Chex, and now I’m onto oatmeal. I’ve always had some type of fruit on the side. I know that if I don’t set aside a reasonable amount of time to eat a leisure breakfast, I’m setting myself up for failure. I don’t rush through breakfast and really enjoy my meal.
Typical breakfast at home (2x) while catching up on social media (see below)
6. Catch up on the world. I read the paper, read blogs, Skimm, check out social media, get sports scores, find out which Kardashian announced she was pregnant, and more. I love my morning “catch-up” time. Instead of hopping on the internet randomly throughout the day, I dedicate time in the morning (and night) to get my technology-fix. Once I’m done, I’m done.
The Skimm from July
7. Mentally/physically prepare for the day. Sometimes writing out a list (not too extensive!) or packing bags for later can ease any stress about upcoming events. I tend to pack my lunch and a bag with whatever extra things I need (sneakers, books, extra clothes).
8. Carpe that diem. Just felt the need to end the list there.
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Do you have a morning routine?
Favorite breakfast food?
Well hey, I love your morning routine! I like your mindset of “if it’s not happening in the morning, its not happening”. Especially with exercise and playing catchup on he internet! I should have that mindset too. I’ve learned something from you today thank you! Could you do an evening routine post?
Ps. I love early risers. you motivate me. We could totally room together!
Thanks, girl! It’s just so much easier to get my workout done in the morning. Then I can relax after my day is over :)
4:15am is when I rise ;) I do set an alarm, but if I sleep later than that and it isn’t the weekend, my whole day is off! Waking up with the sun is just so “right”! And of course working out first thing is the best! The first few minutes of moving are rough, but once I get into it, it feels so good afterward and I am ready to start my day! Then of course, the best part is breakfast for sure! Haha, the #1 thing I look forward to when I go to bed!
I get Skimm too! But I actually like “Need To Know” instead. It is even more streamed lined news and easier to read!
Wow! You are definitely an early bird. I agree, when I sleep past a certain time I feel like my day is wasted. I look forward to the next day’s breakfast as soon as I’m done eating in the morning. Glad we’re on the same page with our breakfast weirdness :)
I have the same morning routine and it is my favorite way to start the day! Workout, breakfast, catch up time, it all sets me up for a great day. I am currently eating oatmeal while catching up on all my favorite blogs… perfect way to get the day going!
Agreed! Gets my day going in a positive way. Eating oatmeal and reading blogs may just be the highlight of my routine.
Your morning routine is similar to mine (except I don’t really sit down for a leisurely breakfast because I eat at work usually). It’s really nice to have that time to just go about your routine though, especially when very few people are up. I thought I was the only one that’s never been big on sleeping in! These days 8 is late for me but even in my teen years I was always up around then, even if I went to bed late.
I think I developed a routine because no one was awake in my house when I was little! I needed something to do so I just found my groove. I’m the same way with sleep…no matter what time I go to bed I usually wake up by 8.
Aw, love this post. I’m the same way! I love mornings– I always wake up super early even if I don’t have anywhere to be. It’s nice to just sit and enjoy your morning (usually a workout and breakfast like you), rather than sleep til the last minute and run around frantically! :)
I know from experience that I don’t do well when I rush around in the morning. Even just 10 minutes of sitting and moving slowly is enough to make a difference.
I love this post! I really need to get into the habit of waking up early. I work mostly in the evenings at school so I don’t sleep until 3:30am sometimes so that doesn’t help things. I’m deff gonna try to start incorporating morning workouts. Great post!
xo,
Dezzie | dezziedarling.com
I can’t imagine going to bed at that time and waking up early. On days like that give yourself a break if you can! But if you can squeeze an extra 20 minutes of sleep in that will help on the flip side.
This post came at a perfect time! Next week I’m going to switch to running in the morning…I have some big projects coming up at work, and I want to make sure I get my runs in. Any tips on making the transition?
Have a plan for your workout, pack all of your bags the night before, sleep in your workout clothes and hit the sack earlier than normal! It’s not easy at first but it becomes a habit after a while.
I am definitely a morning person too, wake up at 5:50 almost every day without an alarm. It actually angers me sometimes, especially when I am in the hard part of my training cycle and I know my body needs the sleep. Breakfast is also my favorite meal, although I am a big cereal lover! This was cool to read :)
I was just saying to my mom that I was mad at myself for naturally waking up at 6 with no where to be! It can be frustrating on both ends of the training spectrum…when you are in peak mode and you know your body needs sleep and when you’re in the off season and don’t have to get up early.