How to Choose A Morning Routine That Works!

Morning routine is a game changer

When I think about all the ways I have turned my life around, the number one thing I can identify as the sacred game changer is my morning routine.

I didn’t have a morning routine until a couple of years ago.  In fact, if you had said the words “morning routine” I probably would have thought you were talking about stumbling to the bathroom to pee and wash off my make up from the day before.

Getting off the hamster wheel

That’s how it used to be.  I would set an alarm, hit snooze a few times, cuddle a bit with my hubby and roll out of bed.  I wouldn’t think about the day ahead; I wouldn’t move with intention.

I would just get going.  And then keep going and going and going…  Eventually the day would end, I would go to bed and I would do the same thing all over again the next day.  A never ending loop that often left me feeling like a hamster on a wheel with nowhere to go.

The number one thing I can identify as the sacred game changer is my morning routine.

 

Start small and build habits for your morning routine

When I finally made the decision to take my life from monotonous and dispassionate to intentional and empowered, I started implementing a morning routine.  I started small and built habits.  Overtime, I would add new components to my routine and play around with them to see what felt right.

There is no “one size fits all”.  I’m not even sure there is a “one size fits most”.

I would hear ideas from other people and think about how I could incorporate them into my morning routine.  Which components work for me and add value to my day?  Which ideas could I tweak to make my own?  Which parts of my morning routine were a MUST have versus those that were a NICE to have?

As with any routine, it has to be one that will spark joy and allow you to be consistent.  There is no “one size fits all”.  I’m not even sure if there is a “one size fits most”.

Morning is a sacred time

What I do know is that morning is a sacred time.  As an In Demand Woman, you have to prioritize yourself.  The best part of the morning is that it is YOUR time.  Before you have to deal with kids, partners, work, employees, friends, co-workers, etc.

I want to help you craft a morning routine that will work for you.  Here are three simple steps to get your morning routine started now!

How to create your morning routine in 3 steps

Step 1: Decide what time you are going to wake up

1. • This may sound overly simplistic, but it is a critical step and you must be thoughtful and intentional.  If you have kids, pets or a partner, I suggest reverse-engineering this so you choose the BEST time for you!  For example, if you would like to have 30 minutes for yourself before everyone else wakes up and you are needed, use that as your guide.  If 7AM is when you are needed, set your alarm for 6:30AM.
   • The second part to this step is DO NOT HIT SNOOZE!  There is a ton of research on why hitting snooze is super disruptive to your sleep and wake patterns.  Bottom line, when it is time to wake up, you serve your body best by opening your eyes, sitting up and being wakeful.

Step 2: Choose 1 mindfulness practice to start with

You can add on additional practices over time (once the first habit has been created).  You want to start with one so that you will stick to it.  Simple, sustainable & fun!  Here are some you can choose from:

1. 1. Gratitude–write down and/or say 1-3 things you are grateful for RIGHT NOW!  These can be as simple as “I’m grateful my kids did their own laundry” or “I’m grateful I got that big project done”.  When you express gratitude it positively influences your mindset and takes the focus off any stress or anxiety.
   2. Affirmations–write down and/or say 1-3 mantras in the first person that are uplifting and describe your highest self.  Some examples, “I am a strong and powerful woman.”  “I am a beautiful and energetic mom.”  “I lead with love in everything that I do.”
   3. Write down 3 words that describe your highest self.  These can be any words that describe yourself as the best version of you.
   4. Meditation–follow a guided meditation or quiet meditation with calming, focused breathwork.  There are many guided meditations you can find on YouTube or you can try an app like Calm or Headspace.
   5. Personal development reading–choose a book that speaks to you about someway to improve yourself.  Remember, we are all a work in progress!  Some suggestions Game Changers by Dave Asprey, Super Attractor by Gabrielle Bernstein, Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert.

Step 3: Choose 1 movement practice

When you start your day with movement you will get your blood flowing, get your energy flowing and you will be able to show up best the rest of the day.  Some suggestions:

1. 1. Take a walk/go for a run
   2. Dance for 10 minutes
   3. Do a workout video. Here are some we love.
   4. Lift weights
   5. Go to the gym
   6. Do a circuit routine of bodyweight exercises

In conclusion

In conclusion, prioritizing yourself starts with prioritizing your day.  When you implement a consistent morning routine, you take control of your time and you show up for yourself.

There is no “right way” to do a morning routine.  It has to work for you and be something that you are able to follow each and everyday until it becomes a habit.

We would love to know: What is your favorite part of your morning routine?  Comment below or e-mail us!

If you really loved this article, we would love a shout out on your favorite social media platform and please tag us (@sassyhealthyfit) so we can give you a big virtual hug!