The way we start our day has a huge impact on the way the rest of our day plays out. One of the kindest things I have done for myself on my self-love journey is carving out time each and every day for myself in the morning.
By following these simple steps, you can create a morning routine that will leave you leaping out of bed with excitement the second your alarm goes off!
1. Wake up early
Ah yes, one of the last things a college student wants to hear. Stick with me here though. Studies show people are most productive between the hours of 5 a.m. and 12 p.m. That means many of us are snoozing our most precious and productive hours away. The first step in planning your morning routine is being open to getting up an hour (or three hours) earlier.
2. Set an alarm that brings you joy
Get rid of the awful nuclear meltdown alarm sound you have set in your iPhone! Our alarms are the first things we often times hear in the morning. Getting jolted awake to a scary sound is no way to set the stage for a day of productivity and self-love. Instead, search around for some soothing music online or use your current favorite song as your alarm. ‘
Right now, I am using a lovely piece comprised of Tibetan bowls, bells, and flutes that I got on iTunes for 99 cents. It is so peaceful and calming to wake up to. Be sure you change up your alarm regularly so it does not begin annoying you.
3. Drink water and chill
When you wake up early and are not rushed out of your bed, you allow yourself to fully reap the benefits of the morning. Think of it this way, do you feel more prepared to tackle your day when you wake up and are immediately tossed into your day, or when you are able to wake up slowly, stretch, and evaluate how you feel?
Perhaps you had a weird dream, or a revolutionary business idea, or maybe you just feel crabby. This is your opportunity to check in with yourself and deal with any feelings that need tending to before you begin your daily tasks. Keep some fresh water next to your bed and take 5-15 minutes to drink water, fully wake up, and evaluate how you feel.
4. Stretch
Whether it is while sitting up in bed, or doing some quick yoga poses on the floor, take a few minutes to wake up your body. While you do these stretches, think of three things you are grateful for and feel into what that sense of abundance is like. This simple practice will give you a more positive outlook on your day.
5. Eat Breakfast
We have all heard it before, “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” and I am so serious when I say it is true. We are creatures that turn food into fuel so it is no surprise that a healthy breakfast is a great way to ensure you have a more productive day.
My morning routine typically consists of two light breakfasts; one before and one after my workout. Some excellent breakfast options include: smoothies, oats, granola with soy milk, peanut butter toast, or four to six bananas.
6. Self-Care
Brushing your teeth, combing your hair, and getting dressed are key components to everyone’s morning routine, but while you do these things I encourage you to say affirmations of self-love and abundance. Tell yourself that you love yourself, that you are beautiful, that you are worthy of having the things you most deeply desire.
Find a mantra that resonates with you and take this time to say it over and over again. While this may feel silly or untrue at first, eventually this will become your truth. Stick with it. You are awesome!
7. Treat yo’self
Do a few things for yourself that light you up with power and excitement to start your day. You can think of this as a reward for getting up early or an act of self-improvement. For example, some people may want to do a face mask or drink a cup of tea while they read a chapter of their book, while others prefer to go for a run or meditate.
This part is entirely up to you, and the amount of time you give yourself for your morning routine. Have fun and play around with different combinations of activities.
Once you take back control of your morning, rather than letting your morning control you, you tap into the power you possess in shaping your life into exactly what you want it to be. This realization is absolutely liberating when it truly sinks in.
Do not hesitate to use the steps in this article as merely a loose framework for crafting your own morning routine. Trust your gut, and try out different routines until you find one that makes you giddy with excitement.
It is your time, your body, and your morning. Have fun with it!