My Morning Routine

If you asked me about my morning routine a couple weeks ago, I would tell you that it looked a little something like this: 6:15 am: Wake up, brush teeth, wash face etc.. 6:20 am: Put on some light makeup (if any) and style hair (unless I just throw it up in a messy bun) 6:30am: Pick the most comfortable, yet still professional, ensemble I own 6:45 am: Throw my lunch in my bag and out the door I go. I do the 5 min walk to the subway station, in darkness, eyes shifting so furiously they might fall out of my head (thanks to the many true-crime podcasts that feed my healthy paranoia). I get to the subway station, get on the same cart I do every morning, in the same seat, put on my true crime podcast (which are excellent, but perhaps don’t help my mood much at that time of day), close my eyes to try and get more sleep. Am I actually tired and need more sleep? I don’t think so. I think I just try to pass the time so I can get to work where the coffee and the breakfast is, and “start my day”.

Well, I grew a little tired of that routine, I wanted my day to start on my own terms, doing things that I love, that will strengthen me and put me in a healthy mindset. I felt like I had been lacking two things that I really, REALLY enjoy: a solid morning routine, and spending time focussing on, and bettering, myself.

For two weeks now, my morning routine goes a little something like this:

5:00 am - COFFEE in my favourite mug and a tall glass of cold water. I read two blog posts by Judi Holler, a motivational blogger and speaker that kicks my ass into gear every morning. 5:15 am: Work on something personal: my gratitude journal, creating my LinkedIn bio, writing a new blog post, doing some personal planning.

6:00 am: Get ready for work. I'll wing some eyeliner, pull out the curling wand. I am no longer in complete zombie mode, so the idea of slipping on a dress or a nicer top doesn't completely revolt me. I'm wide awake. I’m pumped up. I’m ready to take on the day.

6:45 am: Walk with purpose to the subway station; with an extra little bounce in my step from what I was able to accomplish this morning. I've saved the true crime podcasts for my outdoor runs or commutes home. Instead, I read the book of the month from the bookclub I just joined.

This new routine has me EXCITED to get up in the morning. I am no longer peeling myself out of bed, rather, I can’t wait to have my coffee, read my blog, and practice some personal loving. I even continue my routine on the weekends because it is something I enjoy so much, I just swap out the morning commute with a 5k outdoor run.

If you're feeling stuck in a routine that you don't enjoy or doesn't benefit you in any way, I encourage you to change one thing about it that will bring you joy.

Baby steps...

Lynn M.