The 5 Routines that Kick Start My Day
Leveling up my morning routine has been a work in progress for a long time, but over the past few months I feel like I’ve really honed in on a routine I like. Like any good type A personality, I love having a good routine in place. I feel my best when I know what I have ahead of me, and starting my day with the same set of daily actions makes me feel set up for success. And let’s face it, who doesn’t want to feel accomplished before 8 a.m.? Today I’m sharing the 5 things I do (almost) every morning to set myself up for a successful day.
1. Get up and get moving
I’ll start out by saying that pre-baby, I was the ultimate non-morning person. But having an infant almost forces you to start being a morning person whether you like it or not, and now 2 years later I can say that getting up early in the morning is probably my favorite way to start the day. This summer I committed to setting my alarm for 1 hour before my daughter wakes up to get up and get in a quick 20-30 minute workout. I’ve been using the Tone it Up app (www.toneitup.com) for a few years now and I love how accessible it is. I can choose the workout I want based on length, target area, trainer, workout style... the possibilities feel endless. Once I’ve tackled a morning workout I feel like I can literally take on anything.
2. Shower/dry skin brush
Naturally after a workout you want to rinse off so you’re heading into the day feeling fresh and clean. One habit I’ve built into my morning routine over the years is dry skin brushing. I originally learned about using a dry skin brush years ago from Hol:Fit (www.hol-fit.com). She has a great YouTube video that explains the benefits and the how-tos of using a dry skin brush, but in case you want the cliff notes version: enhances circulation, exfoliates your skin, increases muscle tone, eliminates dead skin... just to name a few. If you want to learn more the link for her video is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TO4LS9UI79w
3. Apple cider vinegar drink
You read that correctly. Vinegar. Stay with me though. Once I’m back downstairs and making my coffee and breakfast, I sip on a tablespoon of raw, organic apple cider vinegar in some lukewarm water. Joyous Health (www.joyoushealth.com) has a great blog post about some of the benefits of using ACV in your routine, including digestive aid, energy boost, detoxification, and blood sugar balance. Whole Harmony Nutrition (www.wholeharmonynutrition.ca) adds that if it is raw apple cider vinegar, it is considered a fermented product and therefore contains beneficial bacteria and enzymes. Bottoms up!
4. Replenish with a smoothie
Because I start the day with a workout I usually want to refuel my body within 30 minutes. My go-to breakfast on most days is a protein smoothie because there are so many different combinations you can make, therefore it never gets boring. All of the platforms I’ve named so far (Tone it Up, Hol:Fit, Joyous Health, and Whole Harmony Nutrition) have some great smoothie recipes if you need inspiration, but my usual smoothie ratios are 1 cup of a liquid like almond milk or coconut water, 1 cup of frozen fruit and veggies in any combination, 1 tablespoon of healthy fat like nut butter or coconut butter, 1 scoop protein powder, 1 big handful of greens. Blitz in the blender and breakfast is served.
5. Journaling
At the beginning of 2020 I resolved to get back into journaling, and now it’s something I can’t imagine not including in my day. This can look however it needs to on any given day, but there are two things I like to include in my journaling practice every day: A Note from the Universe and my Anti-Racism Daily practice.
A few years ago I subscribed to The Universe Talks (https://www.tut.com/account/quicksignup) to receive Notes from the Universe each morning. These are just short messages, usually less than a paragraph, that remind you of the power you have to make your thoughts become things. I’ll either write down the note word for word, or write how I relate the note to my own life/goals.
The Anti-Racism Daily newsletter (https://www.antiracismdaily.com) is a by-donation** subscription written by Nicole Cardoza and collaborators. Every single day of the week I receive a newsletter covering a topic that relates to racism and how I personally can help dismantle white supremacy. There are always reflection and/or action items, so I like to write down the reflections and again, how they relate to my own life or community.
If you’re looking to start leveling up your morning routine, I suggest you start by looking at the people that inspire you most. What are they doing? Who are they inspired by? My routine is something I’ve carefully crafted over the course of this year based on bits and pieces of the routines of the people who inspire me. And it’s not set in stone either, as I’m always looking to level up by watching and listening to those around me. What I know for sure is that I’m heading into the last few months of the year feeling like I will wake up each morning ready for whatever’s coming.
*Disclaimer - I am not a medical or health professional, just a mom on a mission to live her best life. My routine is based on my own research, and I encourage you to do your own when making any health-based decisions.
**Edited on Sept. 30 to reflect the true nature of this newsletter - funded by reader donations. I encourage you to consider making a one-time donation or subscribe to monthly donations. And thank you to the reader that pointed out this error to me! I’m always open for feedback.