7 Tips for a Positive Morning Routine

The past few days have been pretty tiring. I had noticed that ever since our last doctor’s appointment when we found that baby had turned to the breech position, I have been so exhausted! I figured it must be the subconscious toll the stress and nerves were having on me. By late afternoon or early evening I have already been wiped out, ready to fall asleep.

I slept more than normal, sleeping in and taking naps during the day. I have still been exhausted.

Yesterday I realized that with everything going on, I hadn’t done my typical morning yoga or walk since last Thursday (the day before our appointment). I had spent most of each day cooped up inside, preparing for baby, cleaning the house, and working. So yesterday I made an effort to get up and go outside. I went for a walk to one of the nearby parks and breathed in the fresh air. Then I came home and did a prenatal yoga routine. (This has been the best thing this last trimester!) Topping that off with an early, healthy lunch (at like 10:00… I have to eat so often these days!), I felt SO MUCH BETTER than I had all week. Throughout the day I was able to get so much done and was still full of energy when Carter came home from work. I sincerely believe that it was the morning routine that made the biggest difference.

Why is your morning routine so important? It sets the tone for your ENTIRE day. Whether or not you wake up energized or on the wrong side of the bed, that can quickly be turned around by the choices you make for the start of your day. So whether you are working, going to school, or especially for the stay at home mamas and other workers, THIS IS FOR YOU. Here are some little things you can do to start your day well 🙂

Pray or Meditate

I’ll admit I’m not the best at this. I try to start each day with a prayer, but so often I find that I fall back asleep in the process. But there is something powerful in starting the day off by placing it in God’s hands. Telling Him what my goals and plans are and asking for His help throughout. It invites His spirit into the day and gives me more energy than when I start the day on my own (when I can stay alert while praying). I’ve found that for me it’s best to get up, out of bed, and start moving before I pray 🙂

Meditation is also great! And also seems to put me to sleep… so I personally have to wait a few hours if I want to do this one. If my mind isn’t awake enough, I will just fall into a deep, relaxing sleep (which can also be great!

BREAKFAST

I have always been a breakfast fan. Add to that the pregnancy hunger and my love and need for breakfast has expanded a hundredfold. I eat at least two breakfasts a day, sometimes more. It goes without saying that I feel the best after eating a large, satisfying, nutritious breakfast! And nutritious can definitely mean very tasty. But the way I treat my stomach as I start my day definitely sets the tone for the rest of the morning and afternoon 🙂

Get Some Sunshine

This makes such a difference for me! It’s not as easy once the winter cold hits, but even getting a bit of fresh air, regardless of the season, does wonders for the soul! Now that I am working at home waiting for baby to come, I feel such a difference on the days I go outside in the morning. If I stay inside all day, I don’t feel right. Especially working at the computer, my brain just starts to hurt sometimes! Starting the morning off with quick walk and even taking outside breaks throughout the day works wonders 🙂

Throughout the day, I love seeing if I can walk to any errands on my list. This is a win-win, as I’m not just wandering the neighborhood, but instead walking with purpose! I like walking to my doctor’s appointments and the grocery store, then taking the bus home with my groceries. In my pre-pregnant days, I usually elected to ride my bike to the store 🙂 The point is, there are great ways to get yourself outside and moving while also checking “to-do’s” off your list.

Exercise

I’ll admit I have never been too excellent at this, but I know I feel much better and more productive when I do some exercise. These last few months of my pregnancy, I have made it a big priority to do 20-30 minutes of prenatal yoga in the mornings. This is gentle, relaxing, and short enough that I usually feel like I can schedule it in without a problem! I think the most important thing is to find what works best for you personally. If you enjoy going to the gym, head to the gym! If you can’t leave home because of kids or other obligations, there are endless options for at-home fitness. The point is to get your body moving. This will boost your energy and self esteem as you go about your day 🙂

Make a To-Do List

This has helped me so much since quitting my job. I find that when I have a clear list of what I plan to get done during the day I am much more effective and feel so much better about myself. Staying at home while Carter is working a 10 hour shift can feel so long. But when I have a list that I keep working at, it keeps me productive and feeling optimistic about my day. Sometimes I need the reminder that I am accomplishing lots here at home.

Daily Inspiration

This looks different for everyone. For me, I try to spend some time reading the scriptures each day. I find that doing so in the morning sets a wonderful tone for the rest of my day. I also like listening to conference talks while I get ready, do dishes, and clean. Uplifting my spirit is always a great start to the day!

For others, however, this may be listening to inspiring podcasts, reading a good book or article, or from an uplifting magazine. What helps is nourishing your spirit and mind with something that will inspire you to do and be your best during the day 🙂

Clear up Your Space

Our apartment is by no means a perfect living and working space. It seems there are always piles of random stuff here and there and always more cleaning to be done. I am working to whittle away at the extra junk so we are less distracted and able to focus on what counts! It’s a work in progress. But while I am still working at the big picture, there are some little things I like to accomplish before I sit down to work. Cleaning the dishes, wiping down the counters, bathroom, vacuuming… I don’t get to everything every day, but like to rotate among the basic weekly chores. Hopefully dishes were done the night before, but if not, I’ve found the morning is the best time to get it over with before the pile can grow any more. Preparing for myself a clean work space definitely boosts my productivity.

Love Your Mornings

I absolutely love mornings! I know that some people really struggle with morning time and find themselves rushing out of bed to complete necessary tasks (this has definitely been me on some days!) But I promise that getting up and jump starting your day will make a HUGE difference from the day to day and your long term productivity. You will feel better, accomplish more, and have more energy.

Here’s the other thing. I get through (and love) my mornings with NO COFFEE. It seems that almost everyone out there gets to a point where they need their morning coffee in order to get through the day. I’m here to tell you that you don’t need it! You can thrive without it 🙂

Give it a try and let me know how it goes 🙂

What do you love including in your morning routine? Feel free to comment below with any important morning tips to success I may have missed.

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