5 Things You Need In Your Morning Routine
The year 2020 has already brought many new goals and insights. If you missed my last post about my blog and goals for this year, go take a look! One aspect of my life that 2020 has changed thus far is how I wake up in the morning. I’ve finally designed a morning routine that works for me!
While I consider myself to be a morning person, I am definitely intimidated by the 5 AM get-up and workout routines I see across blogs and YouTube. For me personally, they are unrealistic especially in the long run. So in today’s post, I am going to share 5 things that have changed my morning routine and helped me start my day at 6:30 AM.
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1. Wake Up with Alexa
I started integrating Amazon Echo and Alexa devices into my life over a year ago. My Echo Dot (2nd Generation) was a game changer when it came to keeping my schedule organized while getting my MBA. Recently, I decided to upgrade to the Echo Show 8 – HD 8″ smart display with Alexa. And let me tell you, this device has revolutionized my mornings in ways I hadn’t imagined!
Firstly, I use the “Alarms” on my Echo Show rather than the alarm on my smartphone. With your Amazon Echo and Alexa devices, you can enable an ascending alarm which gradually increases your alarm volume. On devices with a screen, like the Echo Show 8, the brightness will also gradually increase as it gets closer to your wake up time. I love this option because it makes the whole waking up experience feel more natural and less like you are suddenly awaken by a loud trumpeting alarm.
I also utilize the “Routines” feature throughout my day. When my alarm is dismissed, Alexa kickstarts my morning with a set of skills that I’ve customized specifically for my needs. By having Alexa wake me up and tell me things like the weather and my day’s schedule, I don’t have a need to grab my phone first thing in the morning.
If you don’t yet own an Amazon Echo and Alexa device, I definitely recommend learning about their products and all their helpful “skills”. Learn more about Amazon Echo and Alexa devices here.
2. Make Your Bed and Let the Sun In
After dismissing my alarm, I open the window blinds and make my bed. Here in Southern California, it is always sunny! I find that sunlight shinning in my room energizes me and makes me more pleasant. Making up my bed, even just pulling the covers straight, puts me in a focused and organized mindset. I find that these two simple steps help me gain momentum and set me up for a productive day.
3. Drink Water
There are many benefits to drinking water in the morning but I notice that doing so helps wake me up and clears away any slugishness. I fill a 16-ounce glass with filtered water and sip on this while I continue with the rest of my morning routine. I drink my water cold but you can enjoy it room temperature or hot with lemon! One of the customizations in my Alexa Routines is a reminder to drink water. Since setting this up, I have actually started drinking a glass of water each morning with Alexa’s encouragement.
4. Skin Care
Skin care is another way that I prepare myself for the day. Whether I’m doing chores around the house or heading into work, showing my skin some love makes me feel “ready” and put together. My morning skincare routine consists of: cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. I am currently using Sanitas Skincare daily and would love to know if you are interested in a review of their products!
5. Matcha and Mindfulness
Many people have a morning beverage that they feel they couldn’t live without. For some, that’s coffee or tea. While I could totally live without, I enjoy making a hot matcha latte in the morning. There is a certain comfort that comes with sipping on a hot drink while the sun comes up! During this time, I practice mindfulness by embracing stillness and finding contentment in silence before my day becomes go-go-go.
I totally know how defeating it can feel when you aren’t a 5 AM-er but what’s important is making your morning routine work for you! Try to design a routine that can be done within the first 30 minutes of your morning on any given day of the week. This will help set your intentions for each day and build continuity throughout the week.
What are some habits that you find work well in your morning routine? Let me know in the comments what you’ve tried and how it has made you feel!