I don’t know exactly when I made the decision to have a set morning routine, but I’m so glad I made — and stuck with — one! Having an a.m. schedule helps me get my day started on a high note.
1. Making my bed: I realized that when I used to get up after hitting the snooze button a few times, I would shower and go back to my bed. That would just make me late to work and feel lazy, so I now get up and make my bed right away. Once that’s done, I jump in the shower. Looking at a made bed erases the temptation to creep back in!
2. Water with lemon: The first thing everyone wants in the morning is a good and strong cup of coffee! I’m no different, but I now drink water with lemon before my beloved cup of Joe. For whatever reason, this actually makes my body feel good and awake.
3. Meditate: I take 5 minutes to meditate and set my intentions for the day! I know I sound crazy lol but this really helps me clear my head to start my day off right. I also light a relaxing palo santo stick, which conjures memories of my home country of Bolivia. I think about my nana who was a native Bolivian — she was a wonderful lady who used to light these sticks weekly to bring positive energy into our home.
4. Checklist: I now make a daily checklist each morning. I start with listing the things I know can’t wait and then write out everything else after. Once I come back home, I check the list off (such a satisfying feeling!) and whatever I did not get accomplished, I move it to the next day’s priority checklist section.
5. Walk: I’m about a 12-minute walking distance from the Metro to get to work. Sure, I could Uber or take a bus to the station, but I make it my priority to actually commute by foot! This quick stroll really clears my mind before handling business at work. I also love that in those minutes of “me time” I can listen to my current fave tunes on Spotify, which helps me feel positive and happy.
There you have it! My 5 new morning routines that I’ve been practicing now for a little over 3 months. Do you have a morning routine? Make sure to visit SCDC’s Wellness Section for more tips on how to live a happier life.
