I’ve recently decided that living healthier and taking better care of myself needs to be a bigger priority. I usually eat pretty healthy and fit in exercising here and there when I can, but I think being more intentional and routine in these practices will give me more energy. To do this, I know I need to start first thing in the morning and get each day started on the right foot.
Here is what I’d like to get done each morning before work:
- Get up on time
- Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning
- Work out for at least 10 minutes (gotta start somewhere!)
- Shower, get ready for work
- Eat breakfast, take vitamins (I love DoTerra‘s Lifelong Vitality), drink coffee!
- Quiet time
- Computer time
- Leave for work on time
In order to accomplish this, I’m doing a couple things:
1. State Your Goals
My list above states my goals for each morning. I started by writing out what I wanted to accomplish, then put it in order of what I would like to do first, second, and so on. You can also assign a time for each task. I wrote out a general idea of times, but for now I’m leaving it as-is.
2. Prepare the night before
Take a good look at your morning goals and see what you can do the night before to help achieve them. My evening routine includes minimal use of electronics 30 minutes before bed, having coffee ready to go (water added, clean filter and coffee so all I have to do in the morning is press start!), pick out the next day’s outfit, and have tomorrow’s lunch and snacks ready to go for work.
3. Go to Bed on Time
I know I’m not productive with computer work after 8:30 or 9. So I might as well shut it off, get my prep for tomorrow done, and enjoy reading for awhile before going to sleep.
4. Get up on Time
This is a lot easier when I complete steps two and three! Knowing that things are prepped and I’ve had a good night’s sleep makes it so much easier to get up when the alarm goes off (Ok, after a 5 minute snooze 🙂 )
Finally, know that every morning isn’t going follow your ideal routine. I know some days I’ll sleep later than planned or not get things done the night before. That’s ok. Do what you can each day. I try not to let setbacks get me down. Like last week when I tried to make coffee and just ended up with a pot of hot water. Oops. Following steps such as these can, however, get you on the right track to have a successful day.
What does your morning routine look like? What are your best tips for success?
That looks like a fool proof way to start the day off right! Preparing the night before is a biggie for me! And it helps that I have a coffee machine that will have coffee brewed for me before I wake up every morning. That’s a time saver, and it’s nice to wake up to the smell of fresh coffee.
That’s great! Having coffee ready is definitely a motivator to get moving in the morning! Thanks for stopping by =)
Great list! Your morning goals are very close to mine. However, I am not very good at achieving them. I find that I stay up way too late and then want to sleep in until the very last minute to get ready for work. Maybe if I try your tip of not using electronics 30 min before bed I will have more success. Now, I just have to get the bf on board! HAH!
Yes, not using electronics right before bed is SO hard! It does seem to give me a better night’s sleep, though. Thanks for stopping by! =)
I love your goals. Reading them and doing them, however are two different things. I have such a hard time getting all my goals done…the snooze button calls my name every morning. I would love it if you linked this to my Motivate Me Monday linky party on IT’S A ginger SNAP.
Great post! I am such a night owl. I have always had a really hard time getting up and going in the morning. I have a toddler now which means I am up before 6:00 and running the second my feet hit the ground whether I like it or not. I am trying to get into more of a morning routine, and these are great tips! I already do the “prepare the night before” step, and it is so helpful!
Great tips! I’ve found the key to a good morning is preparing the night before. Walking into a clean and organized kitchen, bathroom, and living room has a huge impact on my morning mood. Also having as much of breakfast prepped as possible helps me not have to think. Thanks for sharing via Family Fun Friday.
Thanks! Preparing the night before puts me in a much better mood in the mornings too. It’s amazing how much of a difference a little work the night before can make! Thanks for stopping by!
Very useful article Laura. I like to plan ahead for my next day. It always helps. Also, going to bed on time works for me as when you get a good night sleep, you are more fresh and ready for next day.
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