Creating a balanced morning routine
I look forward to my morning routine. I’ve found that creating a routine in the mornings helps me not only start my day off right, but help set up my whole day for success if I follow it. Of course, some days I may decide to not workout or I’ll forget to journal but I always can tell a difference on the days that I make this a priority. I thought I’d share a few tips that have helped me in creating a more balanced morning routine!
Here are a few things that I incorporate into my morning routine in order to start off the day feeling refocused and balanced:
- Set an alarm
- Morning sweat/movement
- Journal
- Coffee time
- Clean up space
- Light a candle
- Daily to-do list
- Make a healthy breakfast
Let’s go through these!
Set an alarm: One thing that I aim to do each day is wake up around the same time each day. This not only helps me get into a good routine with that time but makes it easier the more you do it! You will be tempted to hit snooze, so don’t forget to set a couple right after. It may take a little to get used to, but I promise the more you do it the better it will get.
Morning sweat/movement: I love starting the day off with some movement. It helps me clear my head and has always been a form of “relief” before starting a busy day. I can promise you even getting out for a walk will be an instant mood boost before beginning your day. One thing that I like to do at the beginning of the week is set the morning movement as “appointments” in your calendar so you don’t miss it! You’re more likely to not miss an appointment, and especially don’t want to miss one that you make with yourself.
If you’re looking for different ideas on morning sweat/movement, a few that I personally enjoy are running, taking Milo for a walk, strength training, HIIT workouts, group classes. While a lot of this may look different right now, there are a lot of great options online!
Journal: this is something that took me a while to get the hang of. I was always finding an excuse to not do it in the morning but was able to notice a difference on the days that I did. The thing about journaling is that it doesn’t need to be complicated. Open up your journal and write exactly how you feel. That’s what I do! It’s an opportunity (usually only takes 5 minutes) for me to release how I’m feeling before the day begins. That way, whether it be stress, anxiety, etc. I can help get rid of that before beginning my day.
I’d recommend picking up a new journal/notepad and dedicating time to this every day. You can also put this in your planner as an appointment so you do it every morning. Trust me, you’ll notice how much lighter you feel when you start your day when you get into a habit of this.
Coffee time: I don’t know about you but my coffee time is sacred time for me. I look forward to this after finishing my coffee in the morning (haha!). I think it’s important to find those things/moments that make you feel like you. Moments that energize you before the day and create that balance in your day.
If coffee isn’t your thing, try it with any other beverage! Matcha, Tea, etc. and don’t forget to have a big glass of H20 before.
This is usually the time that I take my morning supplements too! I take Binto, which is a personalized supplement plan and I LOVE them. Check them out here. (“onebalancedlife” gets you a 20% discount too). I also take Life Seasons Anxie-T and Energy supplements (“Taylor” gets you 15% off) before starting the day.
Clean up space: clean space=clean mind. Don’t you feel better when the space around you isn’t cluttered? I know I do! While it’s easy to let it get messy during the week, I try to always clean the space up around me where I will work and spend most of my time. I always feel more productive when I do as well. If this isn’t already a habit for you, take the time in the morning to do a small little pickup however will leave you feeling restored to start the day.
Light a candle: call me crazy, but I do this every morning! I’m slightly obsessed with candles. I love doing this during the cleaning up the space/getting ready for the day period of the morning. It makes the space feel a bit more cozier and really gets my mind set up for the day.
If you want some fun, flavorful candles look at Bath & Body Works! That’s where I get all of mine 😉
Daily to-do list: I start off the week with a to-do list for the week and like to break it out day by day. I usually try to write out my day so I get an idea of what I will be doing and at what time. This helps me create a little structure (working for yourself, definitely needed!)
In the morning, set a few minutes aside to write out what your priorities are for the day! It always helps to have it on paper and the feeling of crossing it off helps you feel accomplished by the end of the day.
While this isn’t a daily list, I love this weekly planner on Amazon.
Make a healthy breakfast: Last but certainly not least, make yourself a healthy breakfast to start the day! When you start off fueling your body, you not only feel better but you’ll be more energized to take on the day! Make this a part of your routine in whatever way feels good to you.
Some of my favorites to make are Overnight oats, yogurt bowls, breakfast wraps or smoothies.
Try these Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats, Pumpkin Smoothie, or Breakfast Veggie Wrap if you need some ideas!
While this morning routine is what works for me, it’s important to find what works for you! It may be different from mine but I promise when you get into the rhythm of a routine in the mornings, you will feel a little more balanced as you take on the day.
Let me know if you have any questions or feedback on morning routines! xx
