MY MORNING ROUTINE TO JUMP START MY DAY
I get asked a lot “how the heck do you wake up that early”? And, well honestly, I haven’t always been a morning person. In fact, I was a night owl for most of my life, going to bed when my parents were waking up. I remember pretending to be asleep on the sofa, or quietly sneaking upstairs when I heard my dad making his morning coffee. It wasn’t until I went to college, and for anyone else who was in design school knows, you have more than enough all nighters and most of your nights consist of late nights, packs of peanut m+m’s and popcorn to get you through, and florescent lights straining your eyes by the early hours of the morning.
In addition to design school, I rowed crew for a couple of years. Practice was at 5 am, which meant we had to meet at 4:30, which meant I had to be up by 4 to eat a quick breakfast and throw on some warm clothes. I had classes from 8-5, and then I worked at the mall from 6-11 most nights. So, pretty must those 5 hours were dedicated to homework and whatever was left, sleeping. I never really found it difficult though. I am a pretty intense person that is always on the go. I find it boring if I don’t have anything to do, and quiet honestly, it can be really hard for me to relax. I absolutely love what I do and love working, and I’ve never really found it work. I guess that’s why I can keep on going and don’t feel burnt out.
Over the course of the last few years, I’ve really nailed down a morning routine that sets me up for my days and puts me in a good mental state.
Stretching
The first thing I do when I wake up is do some stretching and get my body moving. Just some simple downward dogs and sun salutations do the trick
Devotional
The next thing I do is a devotional from the Bible app. This really gets my mind focused and always sets the tone for the day on a good, positive note
Duolingo
Over the last year I’ve been trying to learn Italian. I mean, its going okay? I’m still working on English so I didn’t have high expectations
Green tea
This one would freak me out a few years ago if you told me I didn’t have morning coffee. I recently started drinking tea instead of coffee in the morning. I find it more relaxing and I also saw I didn’t need the caffeine anymore.
Small breakfast
This is really just a small something to eat before the gym. It’s usually some oatmeal with peanut butter or cereal.
Apple Cider Vinegar
After I eat and drink my tea, I take a glass of hot water and mix 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar. Read my post about all the health benefits here.
Read
This is something that I love doing, but if I don’t do it in the morning before the gym, it rarely gets done. Here’s a list of some of my favorites
Gym
Now that I am awake, energized, and fueled up, I head off the the gym for about 45 minutes. I absolutely love working out in the morning. I’m very passionate about wellness and I make it a priority. Plus, you’re so awake and ready to go after a solid workout!
And now that you have all my tips for a great morning, I’d love to hear what you do!
Cheers!
-Han