My Morning Routine for Peace, Positivity, and Productivity

Let me start by saying I am not a morning person! Getting up at the crack of dawn and starting my day before the rest of the world has never been a sustainable option for me. So if you're anything like me, no worries! You can still create a morning routine that gets your day started on a peaceful, positive, and productive note.

I'm not gonna lie, I've struggled for years to create maintain a morning routine. A couple of years ago I was inspired after reading "The Miracle Morning." A great book all about the benefits of incorporating a morning routine and some best practices. I was so pumped to start my own morning routine and found myself waking up at 5 am to do about ten different tasks. 

To make a long story short, that did not last. 

Nevertheless, I did see the value in it, I just needed to tweak it and find something that worked for me. And that’s exactly what I recommend you do too. 

Now, because we are in the midst of this global pandemic and are quarantining at home, I decided that this was the ideal time to commit to doing a morning routine. In a time where all the days are running together and things are just weird in general, I thought this would give me some structure, bring a sense of calm, and aid in my productivity throughout the day.  

And honestly it has! What I love about morning routines is the feeling of accomplishment that you get after completing it. I love having that positive energy early in the day. 

That’s why I want to encourage you to create and stick to (the tricky part) a morning routine. Especially right now as a way to keep you grounded and bring more positivity to your day. We need all the positive vibes we can get!

So! If you’re interested in doing so, read on to learn about my current morning routine as well as tips and ideas for creating your own. 

My Morning Routine

When creating my morning routine, I thought about the things that I wanted to do daily but often wasn’t getting around to. Most of these were things I was already doing, but making a routine around them allowed me to prioritize getting them done on a daily basis.

My routine consists of the following activities:

• Oil pulling
• Gratitude
• Reading
• Drinking water
• Yoga or stretching
• Meditating
• Eating breakfast

This may seem like a lot, but as you'll see, many things take just a few minutes and also overlap.

Oil Pulling

Okay, you might be wondering what this is! Oil pulling is an ayurvedic oral health technique that involves swishing oil around your mouth kind of like mouth wash to kill harmful bacteria. Some of the benefits of oil pulling, specifically with coconut oil, include preventing bad breath, cavities and inflammation, whitening teeth, and improving gum health. It has also been said to reduce inflammation and support detoxification throughout the entire body (source).

On my nightstand I keep my coconut oil in a Tupperware container. And the first thing I do when I wake up is to take a tablespoon of oil and swish it around for about 20 minutes. This can be challenging! If you’re interested in trying it, start with 5 minutes and work your way up. Don’t swallow it. While I am oil pulling, I do my gratitude practice and reading.

Gratitude

There are many benefits to incorporating some time in your day to reflect on the good things and remind yourself of all that you have to be grateful for. It’s the ultimate mood booster. While I’m oil pulling, I write down 1-3 things I’m grateful for in my bullet journal. 

I used to use the Five Minute Journal to do this, but recently adopted the bullet journaling method and have everything contained in there. This takes about five minutes and then it’s on to reading.

Reading

I love reading and I have quite of few books on my To-Read list. But I don't always make the time for it. Incorporating reading into my morning routine has helped me to make reading more of a habit and put a dent in my reading list. I usually read for about 15 minutes. It’s not a whole lot of time, but I do feel like I’m making consistent progress. I do this while oil pulling.

After 20 minutes I’m done oil pulling and I move on to brushing my teeth, washing my face, etc.

Lemon Water

There are many benefits of drinking water, particularly lemon water, in the morning. It hydrates you, helps with digestion later in the day, and can even contribute to weight loss (source).

I’m obsessed with lemon water and drink it all day long, but I start with about 8-12 oz in the morning. I have this prepared overnight and I keep my bottle on my nightstand, so this takes just a few seconds.

Yoga/Stretching

One of my goals lately has been to improve in my yoga practice. I’ve gone through many phases in my workout journey and right now yoga is what feels the best for me and what I’ve been enjoying the most. I love the focus and the feeling of calm it brings me.

Depending on time and my mood, I’ll either do a guided yoga video, a yoga flow on my own or I’ll just do some simple stretching. I don’t spend more than 20 minutes because I plan on doing more extended workouts at other times during the week. But it’s a great way to get some movement in and wake up the body.

Meditation

I have really grown to love meditation. It’s one of my favorite practices for stress relief and calming my mind, which is very much needed. I have a few apps that I like to use, but my favorite is Calm. Usually, I do a guided meditation, but other times it just me and my thoughts. This lasts about 10 minutes.

Breakfast

Lastly, I end my morning routine with breakfast. What I eat varies from day-to-day. Although it’s usually pretty simple. I kid you not, my go-to breakfast is actually homemade soup that I just pop in the microwave. But it’s less about what I eat and more about how I eat. I try to practice mindful eating by sitting at the table and eating slowly, trying to be present and enjoy what I’m eating instead of rushing and multitasking like I often do. I also listen to music or a podcast and relax. I spend about 20-30 minutes on this.

So there you have it, that is my current morning routine!  

Create Your Morning Routine

Feeling inspired to create your own routine or maybe revamp one that you already have?! Before you do, I want to give you some tips on how to create and sustain a morning routine that works for you and give you a list of possible activities and habits you can build into your routine.

4 Tips for Customizing Your Morning Routine

1. Think about how much time you want to spend and how much time you reasonably have to spend.

What time do you have to be up vs. what time do you want to wake up. That will give you a sense as to how much time you’re working with. Your routine does not have to be 2 hours to be a worthwhile addition to your day. Right now, my routine is working for me because I have more time on my hands.  But down the road that may change and I’ll have to adjust.

2. Consider what your goal is for your routine.

Here are some questions to think about before creating your morning routine: 

• How do you want to feel? Relaxed? Energized? Empowered?
• What do you want more of in your day? Productivity? Peace? Happiness? Better health? 
• What do you enjoy doing but find you don’t have enough time for?

Your answers will tell you what types of habits you should prioritize.

3. Start slow.

There’s nothing worse than ambitiously starting something and not being able to maintain it. You beat yourself up and then give up on it altogether. Save yourself the stress and start slow, especially if you don’t have a lot of time to work with. I recommend choosing 1-3 activities to incorporate and add on as you solidify it as a habit.

4. Keep some flexibility.

You’ll feel accomplished when you complete your morning routine, but it’s easy to feel the opposite when you don’t make it through the whole routine or do it at all. Prepare yourself for those days when you just don’t have time or don’t feel like it. It happens!! Don’t be afraid to modify your routine when needed, just keep going!

Here are some ideas for activities you can include in your morning routine.

Morning Routine Ideas

• Exercise
• Read
• Meditate
• Pray
• Practice deep breathing
• Journal
• Write down your dreams
• Listen to a podcast
• Listen to an audiobook
• Take an online course
• Listen to music
• Gratitude practice
• Affirmations
• Work on a side hustle or business idea
• Work on a hobby
• Drink water
• Make tea or coffee
• Eat breakfast
• Go outside
• Enjoy aromatherapy
• Make your bed
• Make a to-do list for the day
• Look over your budget
• Water your plants
• Talk with your partner or a friend
• Do a skincare regiment

There are so many options! These are just a few ideas to get you going. I hope that you’ll create a morning routine of your own that brings you peace, joy, feelings of accomplishment, and whatever else you need for an enjoyable start to your day.

How do you start your morning? Do you have a routine that you follow and how has it worked for you?!

Self-Care Practices to Get Through the Coronavirus

I'm gonna be honest…I haven't left my house in five days. And, given the circumstances, I'm not sure if that’s a good or bad thing!  I'm really taking this social distancing thing seriously. Or maybe it's just the introvert/homebody in me taking over!  But whatever your personality or preference for leaving the house, the fact is that we are gonna be spending a lot more time at home than we're used to. 

The impact of COVID-19 has been different for everyone, but I think we can agree that it’s been very disruptive to say the least. No one likes feeling restricted.  And having events cancelled, travel being restricted, and restaurants and stores closing...sucks!  Our normal daily lives have been interrupted and it’s okay to acknowledge feelings of disappointment and frustration.  

But with all this extra time at home, there is a silver lining.  Whether you're working from home indefinitely or your social calendar has been completely erased, now is the perfect time to prioritize self-care.  And right about now, with all the additional stress, anxiety, and uncertainty, we need as much self-care as we can possibly get. 

Now, certain self-care practices will be harder to do, like those that involve going out and being around other people. But there are many things you can do from the comfort of your home that will not only help you stay sane and avoid cabin fever but will also keep you grounded and calm during these tumultuous times. 

Keep reading for 8 ways to practice self-care while quarantined at home.

1. Disconnect

Things are changing rapidly, and it is important to stay informed. But how much information is too much?  Everyone is talking about the Coronavirus and the sensationalized headlines will put you on edge. The heightened stress will keep your body in fight-or-flight mode which can weaken your immune system. That is the last thing you need right now!

Limiting your news and social media consumption is a simple way to protect your mental health.  Pick a few trusted news sources to keep you current on the latest developments. Reduce your screen time, especially before bed, to allow your body and mind to fully relax. 

2. Prioritize sleep

Sacrificing sleep has sadly become the norm.  According to the CDC, one third of Americans are not getting enough sleep (7-9 hours). And many more are not getting the deep, restful sleep that we really need. This is alarming because poor sleep (quantity and quality) have been shown to weaken the immune system, impair learning and memory, contribute to mood and mental disorders and even lead to chronic illness in the long term.

Not trying to scare you! But I do want to encourage you to make sleep and rest a priority, especially during this time of increased mental and emotional strain. Go to sleep early. Take breaks and rest whenever possible. Go easy on yourself and your body will thank you. 

Pro tip: put your phone away before bed.  Looking at your phone screen actually revs your brain up when it should be slowing down, negatively affecting sleep quality. Instead, create a bedtime ritual that allows your brain to wind down—relax in warm bath, read something positive, listen to calming music, try aromatherapy.

3. Keep some structure

It’s very important to listen to our bodies and provide what it needs. Sometimes that is flexibility and spontaneity.  Maybe that’s eating some good old comfort food or sleeping in a bit later usual.  But one thing that can help you to maintain a sense of balance in all the chaos is adding some structure to your day, especially if you’re relegated to working from home.  There’s no need to plan out your schedule to hour by hour, but a little structure can you help clear your head and reduce stress.

One simple way to do this is to incorporate a morning and/or evening routine into your day.  If you already have one, keep it up! It’s a great practice for bringing intention, productivity, peace, and self-care to your day.  If you don’t have a morning or evening routine, now is the perfect time to create one!

Here are a few ideas for activities to include in your morning and evening routine:

• Meditation
• Prayer
• Reading
• Oil pulling
• Affirmations
• Skincare
• Yoga/stretching
• Exercise
• Gratitude practice
• Journaling

4. Do that thing you never have time for

We all have that thing that we've been wanting to do for forever, but just haven't had the time.  NOW is that time!  Revisit an old hobby, learn a new skill, finish a project, start a side hustle.  Time is finally on your side. Do something that brings you joy or challenges you to step out of your comfort zone. For the longest time I’ve wanted to learn how to do fancy hand lettering and calligraphy.  I’m finally getting the chance to take my new brush pens for a spin.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Take an online course
• Learn a new language or brush up on one you already know
• Make a vision board (doesn't have to be for New Years)
• Do something artsy (painting, crafts, knitting, photography etc.)
• Create a blog or Youtube channel
• Write a book
• Start a bullet journal
• Read for fun
• Play video games
• Get organized

The possibilities are endless!

5. Cook delicious food

I'm sure you’ve stocked up on lots of food staples and with limited take-out options, it's a great time to put your culinary skills to the test.  Whip up your favorite dishes or experiment with new ones. Pinterest is your best friend when it comes to discovering delicious recipes to try.  Cooking is very meditative and relaxing.  It allows you to nourish your body and spirit because, let’s be honest, eating good food can be a soul-filling experience like no other.  

Don’t forget to incorporate foods that are as nutrient dense as possible (based on what is available to you).  Keeping your nutrition up will go a long way toward keeping you healthy.

6. Stay active

The gyms are closed (or at least they should be), but that doesn't mean you have to be inactive. Get your endorphins flowing by working out at home. Exercise is one of the best mood-boosters. And there are plenty of sources for workout inspiration.  Youtube has tons of free workout videos—strength training, cardio, dance, yoga (check out my favorite channels).

It's also a good time to get out in nature and go for a walk or run.  You can continue to practice social distancing while getting a dose of sunshine and vitamin D.

7. Beautify your home

Did you know that your home could be a stress management tool? A messy, cluttered, or disorganized space can add to the stress and anxiety you may already be feeling.  Spend some time making your living space one that promotes relaxation and displays your unique taste and personality.  Make your space a refuge from outside stressors and a place that brings you comfort and peace.

Do some remodeling or redecorating. Add some feng shui touches to invite in more positive energy. KonMari your home by downsizing and organizing.  Even cleaning up the kitchen or tackling that pile of laundry can improve your physical and mental space tremendously.  It feels so good to be in an environment that you love and enjoy, am I right?

8. Keep in touch

Even though we are #socialdistancing, that doesn't mean that we have to live in isolation.  Get creative with your communication—people are hosting virtual dance parties and meditation sessions. I just took a live online African dance class with 100 other people. It was awesome! Tap into online communities.  Zoom, Google Hangouts, FaceTime, Facebook and Instagram Live are useful tools virtual connection.

And reach out to those you care about.  Call up the people you’ve been meaning to catch up with but haven’t had the time.  Even though we can't be physically together, community is still so important as we navigate our next steps.  Even if they aren't physically sick, many of us are going through a lot right now.  You may be as well. It's important to have people to talk to and, at times, just vent to during this stressful time.

There's a lot we don’t know about the Coronavirus and how our communities will be affected.  So much is out of our control and that's a hard pill to swallow. But what we can control is how we respond. And what we can do is take this time to go inward and prioritize our well-being and self-care.  

Wishing everyone safety and peace of mind. We will get through this together!

Alone Time: 10 Reasons to Spend More Time with Yourself

“Me myself and I, that’s all I’ve got in the end”...Don’t mind me, I’m still obsessively watching Beyonce’s homecoming documentary on Netflix!  But I do want to talk about a topic that is very near and dear to my heart: alone time.

Admittedly, as an introvert I love my alone time.  I neeeed my alone time.

Don’t get me wrong, connection and community are invaluable and I cherish time spent with friends and family.  But I also really value my personal time when I can recharge and reconnect with me. And guess what, you should too!

Whether you’re an introvert, extrovert, ambivert, or anything in between, we can all benefit from a little me-time.

As a society we tend to view solitude as a bad thing.  We see people who spend a lot of time on their own as anti-social or sad. And you might be thinking, time alone = loneliness.  But that’s not the case!

Loneliness is a feeling that comes from isolation and lack of connection.  But it’s very possible to be around people all day long or constantly plugged in to social media and still experience feelings of loneliness.

On the other hand, you can spend a substantial amount of time on your own and maintain healthy social connections without ever feeling lonely.

The thought of spending time alone might seem pointless or uncomfortable or even scary at times. But prioritizing quality personal time is incredibly valuable for your wellbeing, personal growth and overall happiness.

10 Reasons You Need Alone Time

1. Allow your brain to rest and recharge

Just like your body needs rest after physical activity, so does your brain.  Being surrounded by people and navigating their personalities and opinions takes a lot of mental energy.

Tending to others’ wants and needs, entertaining, supporting, conversing, listening, generally being “on” at all times can be extremely taxing, mentally and emotionally. Your brain can only take but so much constant social interaction.

Time spent alone without distractions allows your brain to slow down, decompress, and recharge.  You’ll gain clarity and focus and be more energized to face daily challenges when you allow your brain unwind and reboot.

2. Improve relationships

We all know the importance of taking care of ourselves first if we want to be able to support those around us.  Metaphors like filling your own cup or putting your oxygen mask on first are everywhere. And with good reason.

Spending time alone is the perfect opportunity to check in with yourself and make sure your needs are being met. It really is a form of self-care.  Only then can you meaningfully give to others.

Time alone will also cause you to value your relationships more.  Absence makes the heart grow fonder, right? When you disconnect from the people around you, even for a little while, you’ll appreciate the time you spend together so much more.

3. Increase self-awareness

Solitude gives you the much needed opportunity to focus on you.  Do you know who you really are--your strengths and weaknesses, your goals and aspirations, what makes you tick and what brings you happiness?  

Self-awareness is really the key to living your best life.  When you know who you are and what you want out of life you can go out and get it. You can better respond to the challenges of life because you know exactly where you’re going and what you’re capable of.

Self awareness is also an important component of emotional intelligence and deepens your compassion to those around you. When you know and accept yourself, you can appreciate the differences in others.

4. You’re the boss

When it’s just you guess who’s in charge? You get to make the rules.  No more worrying about everyone else’s feelings or preferences. It’s the perfect time to tap into your unique interests, talents and hobbies and just do you!

Alone time gives you the freedom to do to the things you actually enjoy without having to compromise or please anyone but you.

5, Get in touch with your emotions

It’s very easy to lose touch with your emotions when you’re constantly managing and reacting to the emotions of other people.  Sometimes this is a welcomed distraction because sitting with our own emotions, especially if they are negative, can be uncomfortable.

I think that’s why we love social media. It’s an escape from some of the not-so-pleasant feelings we may be experiencing, but aren’t ready to deal with.  

Time with yourself and your thoughts forces you to process your emotions-- a necessary practice for emotional health and wellbeing.

6. Be more productive

Nowadays, many workplaces are centered around teams and have open floor plans that encourage constant communication.  This can be useful, bringing about new and innovative ideas. But research shows that alone time actually enhances productivity, allowing you to clear your head and better concentrate on the task at hand.  

A recent study found that people produce their best work when they are able to take breaks from the group and spend time working in solitude.  They are able to think independently and creatively without distraction and bring those ideas back to the group.

7. Enhance creativity

Creatives of all types--artists, musicians, writers--have been known to seek solitude before creating their greatests works.  Academics often go on sabbatical when they are in the process of deep thought and discovery.

In fact, there is scientific evidence showing the connection between solitude and creativity. Neuroscientists have discovered that your best ideas come when your attention is not fully engaged in your immediate environment.  Without all the external stimuli your mind can wander freely to create original thoughts and ideas. Alone time gives you a fresh perspective and can lead to creative breakthroughs.

8. Time to reflect

Life is so fast paced. When we’re constantly on the go there’s little time to reflect on our experiences.  Solitude offers you the opportunity to go inward and make sense of the things happening around you.

Self-reflection helps you process your thoughts and experiences, increases positivity and deepens the connection you have with yourself.  Journaling is a great practice for reflecting on your life and the direction your headed in.

It’s easy to go through the motions in life and lose sight of your intentions.  By making time to reflect, you’ll be able to consciously direct your life according to your goals, values, and purpose.

9. Become more independent

When you start to spend more time alone you will notice a shift in your mindset.  You’ll realize that you no longer need to have people around you to keep you company. You start to think for yourself. You can make decisions without needing validation from anyone else.  You’ll start to trust yourself and your instincts and your confidence will soar.

When you’re an independent person you don’t need other people to make you feel fulfilled.  You’ll start to socialize not because you feel you have to, to avoid being alone, but because you actually want to.

10. No need to impress

Let’s be honest, we spend way too much time trying to impress.  Whether it’s with friends, coworkers, or on our timeline, we want to show the best version of ourselves and be well-liked.  When you’re alone, you can fully let your hair down and just be you. No judgement.

Plus, when you take the time to really get to know and understand who you are, you can be more authentic when you engage with others. And this will allow you to form deeper, more meaningful, and lasting connections.

Get the Most Out of Your Alone Time

Making time for solitude can have an incredible impact your well-being and quality of life.  It’s something everyone should prioritize, even if just for a few minutes a day. Close your door, put your phone on Do Not Disturb, and enjoy your own company.

If you’re new to this whole me-time thing and are wondering what you can do here are a few ideas for some solo activities you can try:

A favorite hobby

Take a course or learn a new skill

Journal

Meditate

Read a book for fun

Cook your favorite meal

Listen to music

Go for a walk

Listen to a podcast

Travel (if you’re feeling adventurous)

Literally anything!

Time spent alone is never time wasted. It’s time spent refreshing and renewing your relationship with yourself. And that is the most important relationship we have.

I’d love to know what you think about spending time alone and what you do during your alone time?

Leave me comment below!