My Morning Routine
Until recently, I had never really had a morning routine. I would just go about my morning and get out the door without giving much thought about what I was putting into my body, or if I was setting my day up for success. I am a go-go-go type of person, so it is important for me to move fast and get it all done. I didn’t think I had time for a morning ritual, or peaceful moments, nor did I think that I needed them to set my day up for success. Over the years I have read that many of the most productive people actually take time to slow down in the morning (which seems counterintuitive), and eliminate decisions in order to help them feel their best and perform at their peak level. I have tried various tips and tricks and these are some of the details that have stuck for me as I’ve built out my morning routine.
It is important to note that some days these habits don’t all get done in the morning. But if I can perform the majority of my rituals that make me feel great - it is a win. There are times when meditation gets pushed to the middle of the day, or vitamins and reading time slip until after dinner. But regardless of the time of day, when I get to successfully complete this routine for me, I feel fantastic! I received a lot of DMs after I shared my morning routine video reel on Instagram so I wanted to give it a permanent place here on the blog as well as share the items that help me build this happy routine of mine. And of course, if you have anything I should incorporate please leave a comment here in my blog post.
It’s no secret that I love a morning latte. This machine gets the job done for me each day and I cannot recommend it enough. This was my first Espresso maker before I decided to upgrade and it served me well for many years. There are pros and cons to each so shoot me a DM on Instagram if you have any questions. Drinking my latte in a cute mug like this one or this one gives me a smile and makes me so happy! I just ordered these - I like that you can see the contents in the mug. So chic! I use this oat milk or this cashew milk for my lattes - always adding cinnamon for sweetness. I have one when I wake up and my second one when I take Gigi out for a walk. A lot of people have reached out about these cups for on-the-go, and I have been using them for years! They are also great for tea and smoothies as well.
Drinking water has so many health benefits so I try to drink 80-100 ounces per day. I used to think I drank a ton of water until I started actually measuring it out. If I am at home I drink two of these pitchers a day with this fun glass. I like room temperature water so this pitcher and this pitcher are pretty to leave out on the counter. Seeing it out reminds me to drink it. I love adding a lemon for taste and use this squeezer. Sometimes, I’ll add fresh mint to my water as well. This is the chlorophyll that I added to my water in the video and I also like this brand as well. I just ordered this device as it calculates the ounces you consume for you and will flash if you have neglected it for too long. Sometimes we all need a little nudge!
Vitamins! I have always taken a multi-vitamin. It is a nice insurance plan just in case you can’t get all your nutrients that you need that day. A few years ago I started reading the labels on vitamin bottles and noticed there were synthetic fillers in the capsule and more. Now we can only be as good as we can with all of that but I feel very confident with the traceable ingredients in these vitamins. And I love the way they smell! They even make these for men and offer prenatal and kid vitamins as well. There are still others I take that aren’t as clean as Ritual so if you know of other brands please let me know. But I like to add Vitamin D and a B Complex for energy and I get these and these to fill that void. I truly can feel a difference when I take these vitamins.
Control what you can control - You are exactly where you are supposed to be. Sit tight! These are some of the daily doses that this book will provide for you. Two years ago, I wanted to work on changing my mindset. I can get really cranky and this book has helped me have a more positive mindset. It’s a small daily dose of quotes, mantras or prompts. It is easy to digest and helps me set my day up for success with a bright outlook. I am a type A control freak and working on a positive mindset is a challenge for me but I am proud of how far I have come. It can be used year after year and it is also great as a gift and I love this little good vibes inspiration jar too.
Morning pages and gratitude list! This book has been available for over 25 years and has inspired so many notable people with freeing up their creative flow. The author shares lots of tools for creative recovery but the stream of conscious exercise works the best for me. It’s like a brain dump and makes no sense if read by another (that’s not the point), but I feel so accomplished and fresh after I take part in the ritual. My gratitude list is written each morning during this process as well. I like this notebook and these adorable pens. Each time I show my pens on Instagram I get a ton of questions. I like this as a planner and this journal. Even on stressful and frustrating days, we have so much to be grateful for and taking a moment to recognize that I have great people/things in front of me helps me remain optimistic and happy.
There are so many benefits with LED light therapy. Dermatologist offices use LED therapy for a myriad of reasons so having one at home is a treat. Physically, I see the biggest difference in texture and pore size. I use this mask. There are also claims that LED therapy is beneficial to seasonal affective disorder and who doesn’t experience that during these dreary months. I do my LED mask usually in the morning but sometimes it gets pushed to the evening. At that time, I like to enjoy a 10 minute Headspace meditation (the same amount of time as the mask cycle). I’ve even seen my husband put it on from time to time - he says it makes him feel like he’s at the beach. It is an investment but it is about the cost of 1-2 facials. I use mine daily and have already gotten a great return on my investment
Reading! I got sick of telling myself I don’t have time to read. No, I do have time to read but I have been choosing to do other things in its place. I love to read and feel so good when I do so I am challenging myself to read 10 minutes and day or 1 chapter vs scrolling the gram or whatever nonsense I find myself doing in place of reading. I am always so inspired by those that complete reading challenges so this is my challenge to myself. The book is always better than the movie and it gives you so much depth and things to talk about when you connect with others. I just finished this book and I am currently reading this one.
Breathwork! While there is some easy breathing during some of the meditations on Headspace, I like to incorporate the Wim Hof method into my mornings. I discovered him on the Goop podcast and Netflix series, and I was immediately intrigued. I use this easy guided breathing practice and it is a pretty incredible experience. I can feel my body temperature change and feel the tingling sensations. It consists of inhales/exhales and holding your breath. Let me know if you try it! It takes about 10 minutes but it will leave you feeling awake, alive and invigorated!
I like to start my day with a green smoothie that I make at home with our blender. I use spinach, celery, lemon and a cucumber for my daily greens. I make a large batch that lasts 2-3 days. On days that I am in a hurry or don’t have the supplies at home I try to drink a green juice. Whole Foods makes this one that I love. I also will drink these tablets in my water when I’m rushed or traveling but I prefer the real thing when I am at home.
The basics. We all brush our teeth and shower daily but I like to find little tokens or product to glam up my ritual. I just got this body wash for Christmas and love how the scent helps to wake me up. I try to dry brush a few times a week to help with lymphatic drainage. I use this brush in the shower. I think I may be the last person to get an electric toothbrush but I got this pink one and I am loving the results. I think this toothpaste is effective and pretty and I just started using this floss and it is delicious! Yes, delicious dental floss! It comes in quite a few flavors and it is vegan. I try and do this peel pad in the morning to set my face up for a glow. The result is immediate - there is nothing like glycolic for a glow.
Last but certainly not least I like to move in the morning. While I usually do a workout in the evening I love taking Gigi for a morning walk with my husband (latte in hand of course) to get some Vitamin D and fresh air. It is such a nice time to talk, enjoy our coffee and and get a start on the recommended 10,000 steps a day.