Oh hey summer! Welcome back! We've missed you.
Hello early mornings, longer days and humid nights. Welcome back dripping ice cream, sticky fingers from carnival cotton candy and bronzed skin from 5 hour road trips to a beach.
Here at Tea with Crump, we are all about wellness and creating healthy habits to improve our wellbeing. Summer is a great time to start forming these new habits and generating consistency. And what better time to start than the morning. Research has shown that morning routines have the ability to increase happiness, reduce procrastination, boost confidence, and improve overall performance.
Creating a personalized morning routine may help you go about your day more intentionally, making your life and day, easier.
Need some help? Keep reading.
Let's start by finding your reason for getting up. What do you want more of in your day? More productivity? Happiness? Better health? Carefully defining your why will help keep you motivated on the mornings where you want to stay in bed all day. Knowing your why will not only help you stay focused on your goals but also creates a sense of control.
I believe you should care for every part of your being...body, mind and soul before starting your day. Hal Erod, author of the international bestseller "The Miracle Morning" has changed thousands of lives by teaching people his morning habits. He follows these 6 variables: silence, affirmations, visualization, exercise, reading and scribing (SAVERS).
Of course, there is no universal routine, you can experiment with different things and see what works best for you. Ultimately, it all comes down to being intentional, goal setting and taking those necessary steps each morning to reach them.
Great, now that's settled. Let me show you some steps that may work for you.
1. Have an early start.
You have heard the sayings "the early bird catches the worm" because early starts mean more time to get your work done and productive days. Try waking up an hour earlier to have a productive morning. Not used to that? Try small increments throughout the week, such as 15 mins earlier, than 30 mins, until you reach 1 hour. And yes, actually get out of bed or else you'll fall back asleep. (Happens to me all the time)
Side note: You don't have a morning routine by wasting your morning.
2. Pause and reflect.
The quiet early morning hours are great for journalling, creating your to-do list and jotting down what you're thankful for. This will help you reduce potential stress levels, relax and focus your mind on that day's tasks. So throw writing rules out the window, fill up pages, let your thoughts flow and realize there is no wrong way.
Here are 3 journal prompts to get you started:
- What are 3 things you're grateful for today?
- What's one area of your life you'd like to improve?
- What are you most proud of?
The morning is also perfect to spend quality time in the Word studying and praying. There are many references in the Bible where we see how early rising is beneficial. In Mark 1:35, we see Jesus rise early to pray and in Psalm 143, David makes reference to praying and watching for God in the morning. Starting your day with Jesus is a day well started. It is in those special moments you find inspiration, strength and direction from God for your life.
3. Hydrate and get moving!
After all that sleep, your body needs hydration. (My favourite water concoction is water with mint, lemon and cucumber.) And with the weather being warmer, you are more likely to sweat so you need to refuel. Water is also great to spike your physical and mental energy for the day.
A light physical workout such as a 30 minute walk, yoga or even HIIT is great to get your blood pumping, endorphins rushing and increasing your energy levels. Moreover, you feel such an sense of accomplishment! YAY YOU!
Favourite fitness YouTubers to check out:
4. Eat a balanced breakfast.
You may be a big skip breakfast person, most likely because you don't like feeling full and bloated before your day really begins. But a balanced breakfast puts you ahead of the game. A nutrient dense option such as Greek Yogurt Bowl is both healthy enough to keep you full but light enough to prevent bloating. Breakfast will also help you from constant snacking throughout the day.
Other breakfast options include:
Side note: For my busy babes, they can all be made in under 10 mins!
5. Start your day.
Now that you've set a productive tone for your day, get out there and be great.
To-go Cup
- Set that alarm and wake up early
- Be intentional!
- Take care of your body, mind and soul
- The truth hurts, but you don't have to
Think I'm missing something? Comment below!